DescriptionThe City of Frankfort is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented Finance Director to provide executive financial leadership and safeguard the fiscal integrity of Kentucky's capital city. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Finance Director oversees all municipal accounting operations, budget administration, treasury management, tax assessment, and financial reporting. This role serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, Department Heads, and the Board of Commissioners, ensuring transparent fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term financial sustainability.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial Leadership & Advisory- Direct the City's overall fiscal operations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and municipal ordinances.
- Advise the City Manager, Department Heads, and the Board of Commissioners (BoC) on long-range financial planning, fiscal impacts of proposed programs or regulatory changes, and strategies to strengthen the City's financial position.
- Prepare and present timely financial analyses, revenue forecasts, and audit findings to the BoC, the quarterly Finance Committee, and special called meetings.
- Serve on and manage investment and checking accounts for the City of Frankfort Police and Firefighters' Pension Committee.
Budgeting & Fiscal Controls- Partner with the City Manager to plan, prepare, and administer the annual municipal budget, providing historical revenue and expenditure data.
- Coach and educate Department Heads on budget management and financial best practices to drive continuous improvement across municipal operations.
- Maintain rigorous internal controls to ensure expenditures remain within appropriated limits and adequate reserves are maintained for General Fund, Sewer, and special capital projects.
- Continuously evaluate and update the City's accounting systems and financial procedures manual to enhance operational efficiency and internal controls.
Treasury, Tax & Revenue Administration- Manage municipal cash flow, banking relationships, and investment portfolios in strict compliance with City ordinances and state statutes, promptly reporting portfolio changes to leadership.
- Calculate the annual property tax rate for presentation to and approval by the Board of Commissioners.
- Oversee billing, revenue collection, business licensing, and the custody and disbursement of all municipal funds.
- Compile and file the annual Uniform Financial Information Report (UFIR) with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG).
Accounting Operations & Team Management- Lead, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department personnel, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and customer service.
- Oversee core daily accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, fixed asset records, general liability insurance administration, and incoming mail handling.
- Supervise bi-weekly payroll administration in close coordination with Human Resources to ensure accurate general ledger reconciliation.
- Coordinate the annual external audit process, overseeing the preparation of all required audit schedules and financial statements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Manager.
Requirements- Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation is strongly preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial administration. Prior municipal or public-sector finance experience and supervisory leadership are strongly preferred.
- Core Competencies: Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GASB), municipal budgeting, treasury management, and Kentucky local government financial regulations (KRS); exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and executive presentation skills.
Work Environment & Conditions of Employment- Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with occasional evening attendance required for Board of Commissioners and committee meetings.