Description

The Finance Director serves as the City of Chelsea’s chief financial officer and is responsible for the administration, planning, control, and reporting of all municipal financial activities. The position ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, City Charter provisions, ordinances, policies, and generally accepted accounting principles for governmental entities, and safeguards the City’s fiscal integrity and transparency. Treasurer duties are performed pursuant to MCL 64.1 and MCL 117.3(j).   Resume and cover letter can be emailed to humanresources @city-chelsea.org or mailed to Attn:  Human Resources, City of Chelsea, 305 S. Main St. Ste. 100, Chelsea, MI 48118.  Please refer to the city website at www.city-chelsea.org for more information.

Financial Administration & Internal Controls

Direct and manage all City financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing records, payroll coordination, debt administration, and internal controls. 

Manage the City’s general, auto, and property liability.  Manage the City’s workers’ compensation liabilities and policy.

Establish and maintain internal control systems consistent with Government Auditing Standards, GFOA best practices, and Michigan Department of Treasury.

Budget Development & Financial Planning

Direct the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets in compliance with Michigan law.

Coordinate departmental budget development and provide financial analysis, guidance, and recommendations.

Monitor revenues and expenditures, prepare budget amendments as necessary, and maintain multi-year financial forecasts aligned with the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and City Council goals.

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Audit

Oversee general ledger and fund accounting for governmental, enterprise, and fiduciary funds.

Prepare or supervise the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

Manage the City’s fixed assets and reporting.

Coordinate the annual independent audit and serve as the primary liaison to external auditors.

Ensure timely completion of required financial reports and implementation of audit recommendations.

Complete necessary State and Federal reporting associated with Act 51, Michigan Treasury Department, and U.S. Department of Energy.

Submit State Form F-65, Debt Reporting, and CVTRS documentation as required.

Revenue Administration & Financial Compliance

Oversee City revenue systems including property taxes, fees, licenses, permits, utility revenues, intergovernmental revenues, and special assessments.

Ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance for utility billing, state shared revenue, and grants.

Coordinate with departments, counties, and external agencies to ensure proper revenue recognition and statutory compliance.

Enterprise Fund & Utility Financial Oversight

Provide financial oversight for the City’s enterprise funds.

Support rate modeling, cost-of-service analysis, and long-term capital and infrastructure planning.

Ensure compliance with GASB standards, bond covenants, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Grants, Capital Financing & Debt Administration

Provide financial oversight for grants, including budgeting, compliance, reporting, and audit coordination.

Assist with debt issuance, capital financing strategies, continuing disclosure, and related compliance.

Support long-range capital planning and financial sustainability initiatives.

Leadership & Organization Collaboration

Supervise and evaluate Finance Department staff and promote efficient, customer-focused operations.

Collaborate with department directors to strengthen financial literacy, controls, and operational efficiency.

Serve as a financial advisor to the City Manager and City Council on policy decisions, labor negotiations, and major initiatives.

Governance Support & Public Communication

Prepare financial reports, analyses, and presentations for City Council meetings and public hearings.

Respond to inquiries from elected officials, residents, auditors, and regulatory agencies.

Support transparency and public understanding of City finances.

TREASURER DUTIES

Treasurer duties are governed by the City Charter and Michigan law and may be assigned separately by City Council. Responsibilities include property tax administration, cash and investment management, tax settlements with Washtenaw County and other jurisdictions, and the safekeeping and disbursement of City funds.

Complete City investment reporting and manage City cash flows and investments.

Ensure accurate collection and settlement of property taxes and special assessments.

Administer tax increment financing (TIF) reports and ensure accurate tax capture data

Pursue collection of delinquent personal property taxes

Performs related work as required.  Duties and responsibilities may be added, omitted, or modified at any time

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CGFM or similar certification preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or municipal finance.

Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, managing finance teams or departments.

Demonstrated experience in municipal budgeting, fund accounting, audits and GASB standards

Must be bondable in accordance with State of Michigan treasurer requirements.

Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting principles.

Working knowledge of Michigan finance laws and regulations.

Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences. 

Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and financial software systems.