Director of Finance at Township of Upper St. Clair in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania

Job description

• The Director of Finance serves as the chief financial officer for the Township and is responsible for all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, financial planning, treasury and investment management, debt management, and financial reporting. This role involves performing complex supervisory, professional, and administrative functions to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of the Township’s fiscal management.
• The Director works under the broad policy direction of the Township Manager and Assistant Township Manager, exercising considerable initiative, independent judgment, and leadership. Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may require additional hours as needed. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Responsibilities

• Supervision: Lead, manage, and develop Finance Department staff by providing mentoring, professional development, and training while fostering culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Policy & Procedure Development: Establish, implement, and maintain sound financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the Township’s assets and ensure the integrity of fiscal operations.
• Strategic Guidance: Serve as a primary financial advisor to the Township Manager and Board of Commissioners, providing expert advice on fiscal matters, financial trends, and long-term financial planning.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work closely with other department heads to assist with their budget preparation, financial and policy compliance, and promote interdepartmental cooperation.
• Customer Service: Oversee the department's role in providing excellent financial information and customer service to the public, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Budget Development: Direct and oversee the Township’s annual budget process, including development of the 5-year Capital Improvement Program, Long-Term Financial Plan, and budgets for twelve individual funds. This includes working with all departments to gather and evaluate requests, performing technical reviews, and consolidating information.
• Budget Timeline: Ensure the timing of the budget process complies with the timeline outlined in the Township Code.
• Financial Forecasting: Conduct financial analysis and forecasting, including multi-year revenue and expenditure projections, to inform long-term strategic planning.
• Budgetary Control: Monitor and analyze revenues and expenditures on an ongoing basis, ensuring all departments operate within their authorized budgetary limits.
• Financial Records: Maintain an accurate general ledger and all financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Financial Statements: Prepare and publish the Township’s annual financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Make the required financial statement filings with the appropriate agencies (Pennsylvania DCED, GFOA, MSRB).
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and present monthly, annual, and ad-hoc financial reports to the Township Manager and Board of Commissioners, including budget-to-actual comparisons and special analyses.
• Auditing: Coordinate and manage the process for all external audits, including the annual independent financial audit, grant audits, compliance audits, and any other examinations of the Township’s financial records. Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors. Prepare and provide all necessary documentation and information to ensure timely and successful audits. Direct and conduct internal audits as necessary.
• Internal Controls: Establish and enforce strong internal controls to safeguard Township assets and ensure fiscal integrity.
• Grant Management: Administer and ensure compliance with all spending and financial reporting requirements for federal, state, local, and other grants.
• Cash Management: Oversee all cash management functions, including liquidity analyses and the processing of all deposits and disbursements.
• Investment Management: Ensure the proper execution of the investment program in accordance with the Township’s investment policy and applicable state laws, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and yield.
• Banking Relations: Serve as the primary contact for all relationships with banks and other financial institutions.
• Debt Service: Oversee the administration and timely payment of all municipal debt obligations, including bonds, notes, and leases.
• Debt Issuance: Advise on the issuance of new debt for capital projects. Work with financial advisors and bond counsel, securing the most favorable terms.
• Compliance: Ensure the Township remains in full compliance with all debt covenants and reporting requirements including continuing disclosure filings through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB).
• Bond Rating: Act as the primary contact for bond rating agencies. Prepare and present the Township’s financial data and operational highlights to secure and maintain favorable credit ratings.
• Accounts Payable (AP): Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring the accuracy, proper authorization, and timely payment of all invoices. Maintain an AP payments program that ensures the safety Township funds.
• Tax Collection: Oversee the billing and collection of all Township taxes by the third-party Tax Collector. Ensure the timely recording and security of all taxes received.
• Pension Administration: Oversee the administration of the Township’s retirement plans including the Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) pension plans. This includes managing required employer and employee contributions, coordinating with the actuary and investment advisors, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Purchasing: Manage the Township’s procurement and purchasing functions, ensuring compliance with internal purchasing policies, the Township Code, and other applicable laws.
• Payroll: Supervise the payroll function, including the preparation of payroll, payment of employees, handling of various payroll withholdings, and payment and filing of payroll-related taxes.
• Fixed Assets: Maintain a detailed inventory of the Township’s fixed assets.
• Risk Management: Assist in the development and administration of the Township’s risk management and insurance programs.
• Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned by the Township Manager and Assistant Township Manager.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of financial management, internal controls, auditing, and public finance.
• Proficiency with financial management systems, office automation, and related technology.
• Knowledge of payroll administration, purchasing, and accounts payable processes.
• Familiarity with GAAFR, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Township staff, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public.
• Commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards in financial management.
• Must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours, as this role requires in-person collaboration and access to office resources.
• Experience and Training
• A combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, or Business Administration, or designation as a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in municipal or governmental finance.

Skills

Required

• Attention to accuracy and detail
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Ability to motivate and develop staff
• Financial management systems
• Office automation