Finance Director

Manage the Finances of a Top-Rated Community! The Town of Elon is seeking an experienced Finance Director to help maintain the financial strength of our thriving town. Discover the appeal of Elon, a vibrant community of 11,324 nestled in Alamance County and recognized as one of the safest places to live in North Carolina. Rich in history and home to a prestigious university, Elon offers an enriching, diverse environment perfect for settling down. Our town is managed by the council‑manager form of government, overseen by a Mayor, Mayor Pro Tempore, and Council members.

General Statement of Duties

Performs professional accounting and administrative duties overseeing the financial functions for the Town.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Finance Director serves as the chief financial officer for the Town of Elon. Emphasis of the work is on the exercise of managerial and professional accounting knowledge and abilities required to oversee the operation and supervision of the Finance Department, including subsidiary functions for financial reporting, treasury, investments, billing and collection of municipal services, payroll, and other accounting operations. Work is performed with broad discretion and judgement in managing the department and is performed under the general direction of the Town Manager. Work is evaluated based on attainment of individual and departmental objectives, compliance with federal and state laws, accuracy of records, and adherence to national generally accepted accounting principles. The Finance Director also aids and supports the Town Manager in making decisions and recommendations regarding the Town’s finances. Supervision is exercised over the Accounts Payable Clerk, Utility Billing Customer Service Clerk and the Tax Collector. Work is evaluated on the basis of achieving annual performance objectives, accuracy of records, compliance with federal and state laws, and adherence to national Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The following examples are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Plans, organizes, and manages the operations of the Finance Department, including disbursement and accounting of Town funds and oversees the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Assigns, directs, and supervises a staff of accounting and customer service personnel, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards; assists and advises subordinates, as necessary, resolving problems as non‑routine situations arise.
• Supervises and establishes daily priorities for the operation of the accounting, revenue collection, utility billing and payroll functions, and activities for the office.
• Ensures the safeguarding of all municipal funds.
• Administers and monitors the financial system to ensure that municipal finances are maintained in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assists with preparation of the budget and capital improvement plan; establishes and maintains cash controls.
• Establishes, maintains, and reconciles the general ledger; monitor cash reserves and investments; prepares and reconciles bank statements.
• Provides information and assistance to the Town Manager, staff, and elected officials regarding financial reporting and budgeting : advises management and the Council Members on a variety of financial issues; attends budget meetings and council meetings; submits monthly reports.
• Prepares budget amendments and capital project budget ordinances; prepares reports for Town Council Members, Town Manager, and Department Heads and ensures that departments stay within the department budget.
• Prepares varied periodic and special financial and statistical reports.
• Assists with Town business insurance including liability coverage, property, auto, employee bonds, etc.; prepares policy applications; reports policy changes and claims; manages the workers’ compensation policy audit including payroll and accounts payable.
• Interprets and presents financial and budgetary reports in a variety of public meetings.
• Exercises administrative control over the allocation of funds and the rate of expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
• Designs long‑term budget models and financial plans.
• Oversees the investment of and accounting for all town funds including debt management.
• Explains detailed or general fiscal and tax requirements to residents.
• Ensures transactions are properly recorded and entered into the computerized accounting system.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, public administration, or a related field and extensive work experience in finance administration (preferably in local government) or an equivalent combination of education and experience that produces the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. A Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields is preferred. Preference is for those with Certified Local Government Finance Officer or CPA in the State of NC. NC Driver's license and Notary Public are required.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is described as being sedentary and seldom requires much physical exertion to complete tasks. Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Employee regularly operates a variety of machinery and equipment, including telephones, computers, calculators, copiers, scanners, etc. Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading. Working conditions include inside environmental conditions.

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