Finance Director
The City of St. Joseph, Michigan, (population 7,868) is an active community with a "small town" feel, a quaint downtown, and an outstanding school system. Nestled at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the area is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation's finest orchards and vineyards. It is the largest non-citrus fruit-growing region in the nation.
The City of St. Joseph is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, self-motivated leader who will serve as a strategic partner and organizational visionary to the City’s leadership in its efforts to move the City forward. The St. Joseph city government prides itself on providing a very high level of customer service to its residents in all service areas. The City is operated under a City Commission/City Manager form of government. The City Finance Director is hired by the City Commission but is supervised by the City Manager on a day-to-day basis. The City Commission comprises the Mayor, Mayor pro tem, and three City Commissioners, who enact ordinances, set policies, and adopt the annual budget.
The Finance Department accounts for more than 25 funds with annual revenues totaling $40 million. The City employs around 125 regular full-time employees. Under the direction of the City Manager, the Finance Department is responsible for all accounting, tax, and utility billing functions. The Finance Director manages the day-to-day operations of four full-time staff and oversees departmental tasks, including cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, capital asset control, budget performance, project/grant accounting, debt administration, utility billing, and property tax administration. The Finance Director develops the annual budget together with the City Manager and department heads, and serves as administrator for the City’s pension plan and staff support for the Retirement Board of Trustees.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field, and six years of related experience, including three years in a supervisory capacity, and the ability to be bonded is required. A master’s degree or CPA credential, and a record of effective work with elected officials and experience in higher-level governmental accounting, budgeting, and fiscal management is preferred. Familiarity with BS&A accounting applications is helpful.
The City offers competitive benefits, including defined benefit pension, health insurance, and paid time off. Salary depends on qualifications and experience; the Finance Director role generally earns above $100,000 per year. For questions regarding this position, call 269-983-0443. For a complete job description online, visit www.sjcity.com. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to: City of St. Joseph, 700 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085, Attn: Human Resources or to lmoore@sjcity.com. The City of St. Joseph is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The first review of applications will begin October 2, 2023, and applications by this date are encouraged; however, the position is open until filled.
