Director of Finance

This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

SUMMARY:
The Director of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the overall strategy and management of financial operations of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD); primarily day-to-day responsibility for financial policies and planning; implementing, managing, and controlling all financially-related activities; ensuring compliance with DWSD business objectives and goals, industry standards and regulatory body requirements; and financial reporting.

This will include direct responsibility for financial planning, analysis and forecasting for both operations and capital program, budget administration, rates and charges analysis, risk assessment and internal controls, treasury operations, debt management, billing and collections; organizing tasks and setting priorities that involve a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Direct and oversee the budget development processes. financial planning and forecasting, treasury functions, including analyzing cash flows to meet DWSD needs and optimization of its investment portfolio, participate in budgetary cost controls and expenses to guide DWSD and its leadership team. Review and analysis of financial statements to pinpoint potential weak areas, trends and opportunities. Work with the CFO and partner with Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure programmatic success through cost analysis support, and compliance with all contractual and operational requirements.

Promote and practice engagement of staff and executive management; coordinate and maintain good relationships with regulatory agencies and all DWSD’s operating and support service units. Prepare and manage financial reports in discussion with leadership, and upon request, present financial and other related reports before the Board of Water Commissioners (BOWC). Train the finance staff on raising awareness and knowledge of financial management matters and best practices in financial management. Assist the CFO on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management, cost benefit analysis, forecasting needs, development of rates schedules and proposed rate changes, long term financing needs and the securing of new funding.

Oversee management coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the organization including organizational revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to funding agencies, and development and monitoring of organizational and contract/grant budgets. Develop and maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard DWSD’s financial assets and oversee federal awards and programs. Perform other related work duties as assigned by the CFO. Monitor the work of staff and coach them to improve performance and provide timely feedback on staff performance.

Seek out opportunities for continuous improvement of the Finance function. Develop and implement the Finance function’s goals, objectives, policies and priorities. Communicate with executive management regarding the DWSD’s activities and coordination of efforts with the appropriate City of Detroit departments in addressing the needs of DWSD. Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. A Michigan Driver’s License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Work under the direction of DWSD CFO and exercise supervisory responsibility for the finance function.

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

•Financial, budgetary and accounting practices, as well as internal controls
•Financial Statements Preparation, Analysis and Reporting
•Operations and Capital Budgeting and Financial Forecasting
•Grants Monitoring and Compliance
•Capital Assets Management
•Municipal bond structuring and issuance
•Cash and Investment Management
•Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Government Accounting Standards
•Laws, regulations, and rules governing governmental agency accounting and finance functions
•Conflict management and resolution principles, styles, and strategies between individuals and groups; negotiation and persuasion techniques to garner support of project initiatives and goals
•Project management

SKILL TO:
•Use advanced technology
•Contribute to leadership planning and change

ABILITY TO:
•Demonstrate key leadership qualities
•Effectively communicate through clear concise and understandable content in a verbal and written format; being forthright and honest with the BOWC, Executive Management and staff.
•Establish by example of behavior, the highest level of personal accountability and integrity; being open and transparent about all relevant job-related activities; welcoming questions, and recognizing the value of constructive criticism and committing to always ensure all decisions are ethical and professionally responsible
•Foster and encourage relationships through active listening and encouraging the sharing of thoughts and ideas
•Demonstrate computer literacy with personal computer and financial systems and the ability to maintain knowledge and competency in the use of applicable software programs.
•Establish an effective team strategy to encourage cooperation, collaboration, cohesiveness and organizational support
•Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
•Make complex arithmetic computations
•Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
•Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
•Communicate frequently with the team about process, equipment or potential problems
•Direct team activities or to work as a team member
•Recognize and be responsive to the needs of DWSD leadership, BOWC and DWSD staff.

Supplemental Information:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (position requirements at entry)

•Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business or related field from an accredited college or university.
•A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience directly related to managing and controlling an organization’s finance function.
•Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent certification. MBA or an advanced degree in the field is preferred.
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity is also required.

Environmental Working Requirements:
Work is performed in an office or plant environment; exposure to computer screens; working in team offices, working closely with all staffing levels.

Level Progression Requirements:
Not Applicable

Other Requirements
Valid Michigan Driver’s License
The ability to work irregular hours, to commute to DWSD facilities and work sites, and respond to after hour emergencies and on-call response.

This title is a non-Civil Service and at-will position. The organization may in its sole discretion fill this position on a full-time or part-time basis. The organization may in its sole discretion utilize a contract of employment, “direct hire”, or other process to fill the Position within this Title. Incumbency in a position within this title does not create a property right or expectation for the incumbent. The presence of this title or the position within this title does not in any way restrict the organization’s sole discretion to utilize independent contractors or other means to provide for the performance of this work.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.