Summary

Responsible for directing the organization's accounting functions and areas of focus include: Accounts payable, cost accounting, and financial reporting; Developing and maintaining planning and budgeting systems, the preparation of financial and management reports and procedures, and the presentation of findings and specific recommendations to senior management; Analyzing and interpreting trends requiring management's attention; Duties may also include training and managing other accounting staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Services Division, including staff supervision and development, workload and resource planning, operating budget preparation and management, performance monitoring, process and project management, internal controls, and divisional operations.
• Advise and provide support to the Finance Executive Team and City leadership on financial services operations, compliance risks, policy implementation, and recommended solutions to support citywide decisions.
• Lead division and citywide projects related to financial services, systems, policies, and process improvement, and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Serve as a Deputy Finance Officer under North Carolina General Statute 159, ensuring compliance with contract pre-audit requirements on behalf of the Chief Finance Officer.
• Oversee accounts payable operations including invoice processing, check requests, employee reimbursements, expanded electronic payment efforts, and travel-related approvals ensuring accurate and timely processing and effective segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Oversee accounts receivable operations including customer billing, account reconciliation, loan administration, and write-offs.
• Manage all travel and reimbursement program operations, including expense reports, spend authorizations, travel card management, reconciliations and the City’s Travel Card program management.
• Manage the City’s IRS Form 1099 information-return process and applicable Form 1098 reporting, including vendor and customer tax-data integrity, preparation, reconciliation, submission and timely distribution.  Ensure required documentation and controls are maintained, coordinate corrections and respond to internal and external inquiries
• Direct preparation, reconciliation, and submission of sales and use tax reimbursement ensuring compliance with state regulations, documentation standards and filing deadlines.
• Participates in developing and implementing departmental policies, programs, and procedures.
• Support and continuously improve Workday ERP functions for Accounts Payable, Customers, Travel and Reimbursement, and Contract Approval; coordinate related system changes with Finance and business partners.
• Resolve escalated issues involving departments, vendors, employees, and consultants; establish service expectations and monitor timely, policy-compliant resolution.
• Establish delegation, cross-training, and coverage plans to maintain operations and approval authority during absences, vacancies and peak workloads.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal financial management and high-volume accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel, reimbursement, and contract approval processes.
• Knowledge of North Carolina statutory preaudit requirements and the ability to establish and oversee review and certification controls that ensure legal and financial compliance before obligations and payments.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial, and/or accounting software applications and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies.
  Strong leadership skills with the ability to set priorities, allocate resources, develop employees, delegate effectively, and build a collaborative, accountable team.
• Knowledge of IRS Forms 1099 and 1098 reporting requirements, vendor and customer tax-data controls, and the ability to oversee accurate and timely reporting and corrections.
• Ability to analyze financial transactions for accuracy, internal control compliance, and policy adherence.
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions that support departmental and citywide goals.
• Ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other departments, government agencies, and the public.
• Ability to lead process improvements and financial system enhancements, including Workday ERP and related platforms.
• Ability to assess service issues, resolve escalated concerns, set priorities, and respond effectively to the needs of City departments, employees, vendors and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.