Director of Finance

City of St. Joseph
City of St. Joseph

Accounting & Finance

St Joseph, MO, USA

Posted on Jul 8, 2026
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Position: Director of Finance
Location: St. Joseph, MO
Job Id: 810
# of Openings: 1
POSITION TITEL: Director of Finance
DEPARTMENT: Finance
SALARY: Negotiable
CLOSING: Until Filled

Job Summary/Scope
Serves as Chief Financial Officer for the City with responsibility for city-wide financial affairs and functions including, accounting, operating and capital budget development and administration, procurement, disbursements, collections and billings (including utility billing), audits, bond financing, municipal court services, customer service, and monitoring of various types of financial economic development tools. Provides advice and direction on financial matters for the City Council, City Manager, and City departments. Communicates about the City’s financial strategy, plan, and status with City officials, news media, members of the public, and other governments and bond rating agencies.

Supervisory Responsibility
Integral to the position of Director of Finance is the responsibility for developing subordinates across an array of divisions to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of communicating, coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Department leadership and communication:
    • Leads the Finance Department in a manner that ensures high levels of customer service to both internal and external customers in functions including accounting, budgeting, procurement, cash management, billing, collections, municipal court services, and customer service.
    • Manages all departmental operations, staffing, strategic planning, internal procedures and controls, and investment policy administration.
    • Works with City staff members on standing and temporary teams to accomplish City Council initiatives, including attendance at City Council meetings.
    • Effectively communicates with City officials, members of the public, and members of the media, including communications of difficult financial situations.
    • Represents the City to outside agencies and organizations including financial institutions, auditors, state and federal departments, bond buyers, rating agencies, organized labor representatives, and attorneys.
    • Contributes to community initiatives and participates in community activities, including activities that may not directly relate to finance management.
  • Budgeting and financial reporting:
    • Leads preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, leads budget communication plan in close coordination with the City Manager’s Office, and administers annual operating and capital budgets.
    • Advises City officials on financial matters and budget strategies.
    • Prepares for and attends City Council meetings, work sessions, citizen committee sessions, staff/departmental meetings, community meetings, and meetings with area municipal officials.
    • Prepares special reports, financial projections, and other analyses for City officials.
    • Leads on-going analysis of municipal expenditures and revenues and issues timely recommendations based upon evolving circumstances.
  • Financial Management:
    • Develops, presents, and promotes City revenue and debt financing alternatives.
    • Analyzes, develops, and implements new financial and budget administration procedures.
    • Develops and implements city-wide financial policies and procedures in conjunction with department and division leaders.
    • Manages the City’s debt and monitors for opportunities to utilize debt more effectively.
    • Manages the City’s deposit and investment accounts to ensure security of City funds.
    • Coordinates with the City’s outside financial advisor.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct to everyone with whom they come into contact, both internally and externally, during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being courteous, helpful, respectful, communicative, informative, fair, and honest.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts in verbal and written communication.
  • Strong leadership skills, ability to develop a strategic plan, and ability to contribute to overall organizational mission.
  • Knowledge of local government functions and operations.
  • Skills in accounting and financial management and knowledge of investments and debt management.
  • Knowledge of auditing and financial standards.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills, particularly where understanding, influencing, and obtaining cooperation of others is involved.
  • Experience with administration of various economic development tools.
  • Knowledge of financial software packages in general and the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office in particular.
  • Ability to contribute to and develop a team-oriented environment.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • CPFO, CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
  • Five years of experience in municipal finance administration, or equivalent experience, required.
  • Must be bondable to obtain a public official bond.
  • Experience in labor relations.

Materials and Equipment Directly Used
Regular use of office equipment such as personal computer, calculator, printers, copiers, and other related office equipment. There may be times when a personal vehicle may be required.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Work is performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. Attendance during regular business hours is required; work in excess of eight hours per day and/or forty hours per week is ordinarily required. Work involves prolonged sitting at a computer terminal, reaching, bending, stooping, and walking. Seldom need to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Work involves oral communication through the use of telephone and in person. Some overnight or day travel will be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling require approval of the City Manager.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, public administration, or related field required. Graduate work or advanced degree in business administration, accounting, public administration, or related field preferred.
All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.
Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.
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