Deputy City Manager - Finance

Looking for the next Deputy City Manager of Finance in Concord, New Hampshire. The Capital City of Concord, New Hampshire (Pop: 44,000), a classic New England city and one of the finest communities in the country. The city has been recognized nationally for its vitality and economic strength and offers an exceptional quality of life.

Annually, the City issues an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which has received the Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association for thirty years. In 2022 Concord earned 6th place in ‘State Capitals to Live In’ by SmartAsset (#4 in 2021 and #4 in 2020). It has also been recognized by Money Magazine as a best place to retire. Located in the heart of the Merrimack River Valley with four rivers running through, Concord is full of beautiful scenery and is the fastest growing city in the state. It enjoys close proximity to Boston, the Lakes Region, the White Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean – all within an hour’s drive.

Recreational opportunities can be found in its vast swaths of public conservation lands or at its 27 neighborhood parks, ice arena and two golf courses (one public and one private). The downtown is revitalized and vibrant and the city boasts a wide variety of cultural facilities including live performance theaters, museums, and art galleries. The City has one of the lowest violent crime rates among the 50 state capitals. All of the preceding, recognize Concord’s uniqueness, yet are only a sampling of why it is one of the most livable small cities and best loved areas in the nation!

The city has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top micropolitan economies, and is home to one of the finest health care networks north of Boston. Seeking a highly motivated, experienced individual who can work in a team environment to provide leadership and policy direction for the City and manage a Finance Department staff of approximately 20, responsible for a full range of Municipal services including: Accounting, Budget Management, Purchasing, Treasury and Tax Collection.

In addition to overseeing the financial operations and management of the City this individual will develop future strategies to position the City to maximize potential opportunities and mitigate risks and challenges. Under the general direction of the City Manager, provides recommendations and advice to the City Council and Council committees, City Manager, department heads, and other city personnel. Serves as chairperson or member of various internal committees. For a complete job profile, visit www.concordnh.gov.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors’ degree in public policy, public administration, community development or related field with Master’s degree preferred; ten years of progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Instructions for applying:

Submit resume and cover letter online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/concordnh or call TTY at 1-800-735-2964 or 7-1-1. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/DP/V.

Salary:

$143,270 to $187,408 depending on qualifications, with a very competitive and flexible benefits package.

Closing Date:

Open until filled.

Job Summary:

Serves as a member of the City's executive team, overseeing daily financial operations and assisting the City Manager in the overall financial management of the City while developing forward thinking strategies to position the City well to maximize potential opportunities and mitigate future risk and challenges. Provides management for assigned departments as well as analysis and recommendations on the City's current and forthcoming policies, procedures and overall financial position. Ensures compliance with the City Charter and other governance.

Examples of Duties

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans, organizes, and oversees City financial, accounting, and budgetary operations including the preparation of monthly budgetary reporting, the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and the City’s bond sale.
• Develops, analyzes, and implements goals and policies as requested by the City Manager.
• Ensures a comprehensive and effective program of financial management and reporting in accordance with applicable laws and rules, city polices and procedures, and industry standards.
• Provides management direction to assigned department to increase their efficiency and effectiveness; prepares strategic plans and annual work objectives.
• Coordinates the efforts of departments to solve or prevent organizational problems and to ensure that inter-departmental operations complement one another.
• Plans and implements short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the City, departments, projects, or programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Serves as the City Finance Director.
• Confers with upper management to keep them informed on key issues and progress toward objectives and to gain their support and approval; makes recommendations to assist management in making needed improvements.
• Performs special assignments as requested, to include researching and preparing reports and projects, developing and implementing programs, administering state and federal grants and presenting technical data to management, elected officials, and others.
• Represents the City at various functions such as making speeches at civic and business associations, meeting with influential persons within the community, developers, officials, citizens, and representatives of the press, to establish goodwill and resolve/respond to issues.
• Receives and investigates complaints and inquiries by citizens and outside agencies, responds or refers to appropriate department for action and follow-up.
• Reviews agenda items submitted by assigned departments to assure accuracy and content and attends City Council meetings.
• Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with City policies, procedures and applicable laws including: interviewing, training, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Recommends hiring and separation of department employees to City Manager.
• Supervises operations of the Finance Department, which includes Treasury/Collections, Purchasing, Office of Management and Budget, and Accounting Divisions, as well as the Assessing Department and Information Technology Department.
• Establishes and maintains a system of customer responsiveness in the overall delivery of financial services to customers consistent with the need to protect the City’s financial interests.
• Prepares and analyzes major public policy recommendations to City Manager and City Council on fiscal and related matters.
• Responds to public and media inquiries regarding City financial and management issues.
• Manages city-wide risk, insurance and claims adjustment process, including levels of retention, policy purchases, claims management and settlement authority.
• Monitors national and local economic conditions and related agency activity for indicators of revised policies and financial planning impacts.
• Monitors the legislative environment within the state of New Hampshire to protect the financial interests of the City.
• Prepares written and oral reports for delivery at City Council meetings, staff meetings and for the public.
• Negotiates sale, lease and management of real property.
• Serves as an ex officio member of the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee, and as Chair to special project efforts, as required by the City Manager.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Required:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in accounting, business management, or related field; and six years of progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

CPA (desired)

Supplemental Information

Material and Equipment Used:

Computer, Calculator, Fax Machine, Telephone

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public administration. Municipal budgeting procedures and fund accounting. Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and program budget development and implementation. Administration of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision. Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations, as well as GASB, GAAP, and other applicable financial and accounting standards. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation. Computer applications related to the work, including Microsoft Office suite. Governmental accounting. Knowledge of public relations and marketing techniques.

Skill in: Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction. Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing. Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff. Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. Supervising and directing the work of others. Planning, organizing, and directing the work activities of a unit. Performing complex financial analyses and operational reviews.

Mental and Physical Abilities to:

Speak effectively and respond to questions before groups of employees, officials, and the general public. Deal with the public and elected officials in an effective and diplomatic manner. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people. Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations. Adapt to change, and to actively influence and motivate a variety of people in changing situations. Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Interpret a variety of technical instructions with abstract and/or concrete variables. Perform statistical analysis and linear regression functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.

Working Conditions:

The incumbent's working conditions are typically quiet. Our organization is committed to ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion or other social identities in accordance with state and federal law. We recognize that each individual brings a unique perspective that is informed by their life experience and identity. Our organization is committed to recruiting and retaining the best qualified individuals based on a holistic review of their knowledge, skills, experience, understanding, communication and abilities.