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Director of Finance and Accounting

City of Gulfport • Gulfport, MS • 3h ago

Department: Finance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual Salary: $114,106.72 - $130,206.04

Position Overview:

The Director of Finance and Accounting is appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council. This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and provides leadership and oversight for the City's financial operations, including accounting, revenue collection, purchasing, insurance, tax administration, grants management, utility billing, data processing, and the 311 call center. Additional responsibilities may include other areas as assigned by city administration, such as elections Harbor Lights or municipal court accounting.

This position is classified as Critical for emergency response, requiring physical presence during declared emergencies due to the essential nature of the role.

Essential Job Functions:

Essential duties and responsibilities, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following:

Prepares and presents accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reports to support internal and external reporting requirements, including budgets, projections, and long-term financial planning.

Provides financial analysis and reporting to assist departments in monitoring budgets, making informed decisions, and achieving programmatic goals.

Manages cash flow forecasting and investment portfolios to ensure obligations are met and returns are optimized.

Provides management oversight to procurement, accounts payable, community development (grants), utility billing, and the 311 call center.

Represents the City in dealings with external agencies such as FEMA, MEMA, and other granting entities on financial matters.

Serves as liaison to external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment of financial reporting obligations.

Prepares comparative annual financial statements and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Oversees timely and accurate processing of financial obligations, invoices, and payments.

Administers financial functions related to federal, state, and local statutes.

Creates and delivers presentations on complex financial issues to elected officials, city leadership, and the public.

Maintains and safeguards the City's financial records and implements internal auditing controls.

Collaborates with department directors on budget planning and amendments.

Develops strategic goals and operational plans for the Department of Finance and Accounting.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Mayor or Chief Administrative Officer.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

The Director must possess strong professional knowledge, skills, and experience in public financial management, including:

Governmental accounting standards and financial reporting.

Investment fund management and municipal debt administration.

Procurement and public-sector insurance management.

Purchasing, materials management, and municipal budgeting laws.

Federal grants management and related reporting requirements (e.g., GAO, OMB, Stafford Act).

Administration of financial reporting, accounting, sales tax, procurement, utility billing, and municipal court operations.

Selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of departmental personnel.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of formal reports and presentations.

Ability to work cooperatively with others and interact effectively with the public on municipal issues.

Education and Experience

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related business field with at least 20 credit hours in accounting required.

Master of Science in Finance (MSF) or Master of Finance preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in accounting, business planning, financial analysis, or related fields, preferably within a governmental or municipal setting.

Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in managing financial operations such as bonds, insurance, licensing, tax collection, payroll, and grants administration.

Skills:

High proficiency in accounting principles and financial systems.

Strong computer literacy, including financial software applications.

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.

Cultural competence and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Licenses and Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification highly preferred.

Valid Mississippi driver's license required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Must occasionally lift or carry up to 10+ pounds.

Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordinator and manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.

Involves sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. During certain times of the year, office environment may be outside.

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