The Position

The City of Merriam is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented finance leader to ensure the City’s strong financial position and earn trust as the City’s next Finance Director. Merriam’s Finance Director is responsible for maintaining the City’s fiscal integrity and ensuring the financial stability of the organization. The Director prepares the annual budget and provides financial advice and guidance to the City Council, City Administrator, and department directors. The Director supports the City of Merriam’s mission by guaranteeing the finance operations are executed effectively and are in line with the City’s overall objectives. This position involves developing accurate budgets and fiscal records and systems, managing complex government finance and accounting functions, maintaining the overall financial stability of the City, and sustaining professional relationships with the organization, governing body, and the community. The Finance Director serves as chief financial advisor to the City Administrator, attends and presents at regular and special City Council meetings, and provides professional advice to supervisors.

The Director monitors and supervises the collection of taxes, fees, and other receipts in accordance with laws and regulations. The Finance Director will serve as a coordinator of the Kansas Department of Revenue to ensure that the City of Merriam receives all sales tax due. The Director oversees the maintenance of the entire City’s financial records, including oversight of the central computerized financial and purchasing/accounts payable system. The Finance Director oversees the investment of City funds, including procurement of banking and investment services for the City. The Director also oversees and coordinates the issuance of general obligation bonds, temporary notes, and special financing districts for the City (e.g. Tax Increment Financing - TIF).

The Finance Director has the opportunity to train and develop financial staff within the department. The Director determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow. The individual in this role examines and standardizes operational procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Director provides written and oral instructions, allocates tasks, and reviews work for correctness, organization, and policy compliance. The Finance Director tracks progress, initiates change as necessary, and helps or resolves issues with subordinates' performance.

The Director coordinates the preparation of the City’s budget. This process encompasses managing the involvement of the City Council, the City Administrator, and department heads, developing and presenting the proposed budget, and filing the final adopted budget. The Director also oversees the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the materials and documentation for outside auditors, and the procurement of outside audit services for the City of Merriam. The Finance Director is responsible for ensuring the final published budget document meets the criteria for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, along with the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.  

Because of the City’s sound fiscal management, long-term financial planning, economic growth, and responsible budgeting practices, the City of Merriam has maintained a general fund reserve balance between 30-35% and received a Standard & Poor’s AAA credit rating.

The Finance Director reports to the Assistant City Administrator and works closely with the City Administrator. The Finance Department has a staff that includes the Finance Director, an Accountant, and an Accounting Clerk.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $127,000 - $146,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

Benefits offered include the following: medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance; Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS); 401(a) supplemental retirement; holiday, personal, volunteer time, vacation, and sick leave; health savings account with employer contributions; flexible spending accounts; free telemedicine; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and tuition reimbursement.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis via the application jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning November 1, 2024.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a closely related field, five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in local, state, or federal government finance/budget, and knowledge of government accounting or municipal budgeting, and supervisory experience.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and designation as a Certified Public Accountant (or working toward certification), Certified Public Finance Officer, and/or Certified Government Finance Officer. Additional preferred qualifications include a background in the areas of economic development, TIF, capital improvement planning, economic development principles, contract development, negotiation, Kansas incentive laws, public finance and fiscal planning, financial software systems, GAAFR, GAAP, and GASB.

About City of Merriam

Raftelis is an industry leader in financial, organizational, communication, and technology consulting for utilities and the public sector. We provide insights and expertise to help government agencies operate as high-performing, sustainable entities, and, ultimately, make their communities better places to live, work, and play.

Connections working at City of Merriam