Director of Finance

The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced finance professional with deep expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, and treasury management. The ideal candidate should bring a strong background in guiding long-range financial planning that ensures fiscal sustainability. They will be adept at balancing compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and the strategic needs of city leadership. The candidate should also be technologically forward-looking, leveraging Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and modern financial tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer service.

Equally important, the candidate should be collaborative leader who builds trust with elected officials, department heads, staff, and community stakeholders. They are skilled at translating complex financial data into clear, actionable guidance and excel at developing and mentoring finance staff for future leadership. With proven experience in labor relations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, they embody integrity, strategic vision, and a public-service mindset—ensuring the City’s financial health while fostering accountability and innovation.

Learn more about this great opportunity in our brochure.

• Oversees all fiscal affairs of the City, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Prepares long-range financial planning forecasts for all City funds in collaboration with department directors.
• Advises the City Manager and Council on tax levy strategies, debt issuance, and economic development financing tools (e.g., TIF).
• Participates in citywide policy-making decisions related to resource allocation and program funding.

• Directs the preparation and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Leads the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB standards.
• Prepares fiscal and audit reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely delivery.

• Manages issuance and administration of long-term debt.
• Develops and executes investment policies; manages day-to-day investment of City funds.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.

• Oversees centralized purchasing of goods and services for all City departments.
• Directs risk management functions to safeguard City assets and financial stability.

• Evaluates and implements financial systems and customer service technology, including online bill payment and credit card processing.
• Stays current on emerging tools and financing methods that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

• Leads, mentors, and evaluates staff in the Financial Management Department.
• Implements succession planning, training, and cross-training to build departmental capacity.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred, in accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field; CPA, CGFM, or CPFO certification(s) preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting, with at least three years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Thorough knowledge of financial automation systems, treasury management, and procurement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP and financial technologies, including online billing, payment platforms, and customer service solutions.
• Comprehensive understanding of governmental fund accounting, financial controls, and public budgeting practices.
• Proven ability to develop, administer, and monitor complex operating and capital budgets in compliance with professional and statutory guidelines.
• Thorough knowledge of GASB rules and pronouncements, particularly those related to municipal accounting, debt issuance, and revenue administration.
• Ability to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal financial reporting…