Municipal Finance Director/Consultant

Position Summary The Finance Manager is responsible for the day\-to\-day financial operations of the City, ensuring accurate accounting, payroll administration, financial reporting, grant compliance, budget support, and adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Finance Manager works collaboratively with the Treasurer/CPA, Mayor, department heads, external auditors, and the Board of Aldermen to maintain sound financial management practices, strengthen internal controls, and promote fiscal accountability. This position does not perform general Human Resources functions but is responsible for the financial administration of payroll and employee benefits. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Management and Accounting Maintain the City's general ledger and accounting records. Record, classify, and reconcile financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards. Process accounts payable and accounts receivable. Maintain accurate vendor records. Verify invoices for accuracy, appropriate approvals, and funding availability prior to payment. Prepare and post journal entries. Complete monthly bank reconciliations for all City accounts. Update historical bank reconciliations and general ledger activity as assigned. Investigate and resolve reconciliation discrepancies. Maintain organized accounting records and audit\-ready financial files. Coordinate month\-end and year\-end closing activities with the Treasurer/CPA. Payroll Administration Administer and maintain the City's payroll system (Paycom). Process payroll accurately and timely. Maintain payroll records. Process payroll deductions, withholdings, garnishments, payroll taxes, and required adjustments. Correct payroll errors and ensure compliance with applicable payroll laws. Prepare payroll\-related reports. Train designated staff on payroll processing procedures. Ensure timely payroll tax filings and required payroll reporting. Employee Benefits Administration Coordinate employee benefit enrollments and qualifying life event changes. Manage annual open enrollment processes. Maintain employee benefit records within Paycom. Coordinate with insurance brokers and benefit providers. Assist with benefit proposal evaluations and renewals. Coordinate retirement reporting, including LAGERS reporting requirements. Maintain compliance with applicable benefit administration requirements. General Human Resources administration is excluded from this position. Budget Administration Working collaboratively with the Treasurer/CPA, the Finance Manager shall: Assist in preparing the annual operating and capital budgets. Review departmental budget requests. Monitor departmental expenditures. Assist with budget amendments. Participate in budget workshops and presentations. Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective actions as needed. Financial Reporting Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Prepare supporting schedules for financial reporting. Assist in preparing Board financial reports. Prepare grant financial reports. Prepare required governmental financial reports. Provide financial information to City leadership as requested. Collaborate with the Treasurer/CPA on financial reporting requirements. Audit Coordination Coordinate annual independent financial audits. Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation. Respond to auditor requests in a timely manner. Coordinate responses to Missouri State Auditor inquiries. Maintain audit\-ready records throughout the year. Monitor implementation of audit findings and corrective action plans. Grant Administration Monitor grant budgets and expenditures. Prepare grant reimbursement requests. Maintain grant accounting records. Prepare required financial reports for grantors. Monitor grant compliance requirements. Assist with grant close\-out activities. Internal Controls and Compliance Develop and recommend financial policies and procedures. Strengthen internal accounting controls. Improve financial and accounting workflows. Implement approved audit recommendations. Monitor purchasing compliance. Recommend operational efficiencies and process improvements. Assist in maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations. Procurement and Financial Review Review the financial impact of contracts, agreements, and proposed expenditures. Assist with financial components of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs). Monitor contract expenditures. Verify funding availability for contracts and purchases. Provide financial analyses related to procurement decisions. Financial Analysis and Administrative Support Prepare salary analyses. Conduct fiscal impact analyses. Perform cost\-benefit and financial analyses. Attend Board of Aldermen meetings, committee meetings, and staff meetings as requested. Advise the Mayor, Treasurer/CPA, department directors, and City leadership on financial matters. Recommend improvements to financial operations and fiscal management. Supervision May supervise finance department staff as assigned. Provide training and guidance to finance personnel. Coordinate work assignments within the Finance Department. Monitor staff performance and ensure timely completion of assigned work. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Minimum of five (5\) years of progressively responsible governmental or municipal finance experience preferred. Experience with governmental accounting principles and fund accounting. Experience processing payroll and administering employee benefits. Experience preparing municipal budgets and financial reports. Experience coordinating audits. Experience with grant administration preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles (GAAP and GASB). Knowledge of municipal budgeting and financial reporting. Knowledge of payroll administration and tax reporting. Knowledge of grant compliance and reporting. Knowledge of internal control principles. Ability to interpret financial data and prepare reports. Strong analytical and problem\-solving skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite, and Paycom or similar payroll systems. Working Relationships The Finance Manager works closely with: Mayor Treasurer/CPA Department Directors City Clerk Board of Aldermen External Auditors Missouri State Auditor Granting Agencies Banks and Financial Institutions Insurance Brokers Benefit Providers Payroll Vendors Performance Standards and Deliverables The Finance Manager shall ensure the timely and accurate completion of: Monthly bank reconciliations. Payroll processing. Accounts payable and accounts receivable processing. General ledger maintenance. Financial statements and supporting schedules. Grant reimbursement requests and financial reports. Audit schedules and supporting documentation. Budget preparation and monitoring. Board financial reports. Monthly activity reports. Required federal, state, and local financial filings. Timely implementation of assigned audit recommendations and corrective action plans. Performance will be evaluated based on accuracy, timeliness, regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, internal controls, customer service, collaboration, and achievement of departmental goals. Embark on a rewarding career that combines technical expertise with impactful leadership—helping municipalities thrive through innovative financial solutions! Pay: $50,000\.00 \- $78,000\.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in St. Louis, MO 63137