Director of Finance - RPU

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together

Nature of Work
The Director of Finance provides executive level strategy, direction, and leadership to the division and within RPU overall. This individual is responsible for the planning, development and implementation in finance, accounting, procurement/contract administration, insurance, materials management, process improvement, training and development at the utility. Additional responsibilities include the development and adherence to financial, accounting, procurement controls and standards and oversight of the external financing requirements of the utility. This position reports to the Assistant General Manager – Administration and requires the use of considerable independent judgement, discretion, and initiative in carrying out responsibilities. 

*Strategic Leadership and Direction

• Provide executive level strategic direction, guidance and coordination to the Utility as a member of the leadership team to fulfill the utility’s strategic plans and objectives.
• Participate in the organizational strategic planning process including development and implementation of short-term and long-term goals along with communication of the plan.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance in assessing organizational performance against both the budget and RPU's long-term strategic goals. 
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the RPU leadership and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
• Assist in establishing objectives and meeting agendas, selecting and engaging outside consultants (including but not limited to auditors, financial advisors and bond counsel).
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning, debt management, fiscal management the process for establishing rates and cost management in alignment with RPU's strategic plan.

*Division Management

• Provide executive-level direction, guidance and coordination to the functional areas of finance, accounting, procurement, materials management, HR support, training, development, process improvement and recognition programs, . 
• Develop and implement budgets, establish policies and internal processes for the successful operation of the division.

*Financial and Regulatory Reporting

• Provide executive-level oversight on all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standards, regulatory (FERC/AWWA) requirements, City Charter and Board policies. 
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for recognition of revenue, expenses, program expenditures, inventory and assets.  . 
• Oversee all audit activity, which consists of both a financial audit and regulatory Federal Energy Regulatory Commission audit. 
• Consistently analyze financial data and presents financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep abreast of RPU's financial status. 
• Engage the executive team and Board around fiscal issues, policies, industry changes and trends in financial operations and delivery.

* Budget Process and Rate Setting

• Provide executive-level oversight for budgeting which includes the annual budget and long-term planning processes. 
• Provide timely and accurate monthly budget to actual reporting and analysis to support business decisions.
• Present and make recommendations on the annual budget and corresponding rate adjustments to the Board and City Council in compliance with State Statutes, City Charter and Board policies.

*Debt Issuance and Management

• Provide direction and administer the debt management function for the utility to include oversight of debt planning, debt issuance or refunding, preparation of the official statements and working with underwriters, bond counsel, bond rating agencies and financial advisors. 
• Make recommendations to the Board to support prudent fiscal management.

*Exercise a leadership style that fosters teamwork, promotes team initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for Department employees.

• Foster a collaborative leadership style that encourages teamwork, promotes staff initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for all departmental employees.
• Develop and implement effective employee coaching and performance management strategies to ensure the achievement of organizational priorities and to create an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, employee engagement, fiscal responsibility, and high-quality work.
  
• Create expectations and outcomes for employees to work collaboratively with other City department staff, public agencies, customers, and the community.
• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and orientation processes for new employees and ensure strategies are implemented to obtain and maintain a diverse workforce.
• Partner with the Human Resources professionals to resolve employment/labor relations issues and participate in collective bargaining agreement negotiations when requested.
• Encourage and inspire employees to do their best work while demonstrating positive leadership, positive communication, and a commitment to our Foundational Principles.
  

 Other duties as assigned or necessary.
 
 * ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 10 years of progressively responsible full-time employment experience in a finance/accounting position with at least three years of supervisory/leadership experience directing professional and support staff.
OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
 
Licenses & Certifications
Applicant must be bondable, and possess a valid driver’s license.
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
 
Education
Masters in business administration (MBA) or related degree
 
Experience
Experience with governmental and project accounting, business process improvement, and financial and cost analyses. Familiar with utility operations, regulatory requirements, rate development and current utility issues.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
 
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
 
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
 
Continuous demands: sitting; fine dexterity
Frequent demands: standing; walking
Occasional demands: reaching; handling; bending, lifting
 
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include sight and hearing.
 
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions).