Director, Finance

Description

Job Title:    Director, Finance

Immediate Supervisor: Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO)

Classification: Director / Year Round Contracted

Status: Exempt

Official Station:  Oshkosh, WI

Telework:    Hybrid

WRS Classification: Educational Support (42)

SUMMARY

The Director of Finance oversees daily finance functions for the agency. Responsibilities include overseeing accounting operations, financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations, supervising accounting staff, and producing financial reports for the executive leadership team and board of control. The role will collaborate with other centers/departments to optimize financial performance by providing financial analysis and insights to support strategic initiatives.  This position reports directly to the agency’s Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Support the development and execution of comprehensive financial strategies aligned with agency objectives.
• Based on rigorous financial analysis and risk assessment, provide strategic insights and recommendations to the executive leadership team.
• Evaluate investments, capital expenditures, and financing options to support strategic initiatives.

Accounting Operations:

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll functions.
• Manage the general ledger system, ensuring its integrity, accuracy, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee implementing and maintaining accounting software and systems to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Ensure accurate recording of all financial transactions in the general ledger, including journal entries, adjustments, and allocations.
• Review transactional data to verify completeness, accuracy, and proper classification in accordance with GAAP and company policies.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Maintain thorough documentation of general ledger procedures, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and distribute financial reports, schedules, and analyses as leadership, auditors, or regulatory agencies require.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Assist the CFOO with the annual budgeting process, establishing financial targets, performance metrics, and resource allocation priorities in conjunction with the executive leadership team.
• Monitor budget performance monthly and update the executive leadership team on variances and trends.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis and forecasting to assess business performance, identify key trends, and proactively mitigate risks.
• Perform scenario modeling and variance analysis to support decision-making and optimize resource allocation.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard agency assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies, ensuring timely completion of audits, filings, and disclosures.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes, assessing their potential impact and recommending appropriate courses of action.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities: 

• Understand and maximize the strengths of each team member so they can strive.
• Foster an engaged work environment conducive to collaboration, innovation, and professional growth and development.
• Define discrete roles and responsibilities for finance team members so duties are segregated and work appropriately delegated.
• Deploy the agency's feedback and evaluation processes to lead, manage, and provide accountability structures for team members.
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to team members to ensure high productivity levels and job satisfaction.
• Provide timely coaching to all direct reports through the agency’s one-on-one processes.
• Collaborate with human resources in the recruitment, selection, assignment, co