Finance Director

Department: Administration
Job Title: Finance Director
Reports to: City Administrator
Salary Range: $102,000.00 To $145,000.00 Annually DOE

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Finance Director provides strategic leadership for the City’s financial operations, ensuring
fiscal integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all core financial
functions—including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls—in
compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), the Salida Municipal Code (SMC), and
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Serving as a key advisor to the City’s leadership, the Finance Director guides sound financial
decision-making and helps align financial strategy with community priorities. The position
directs the City’s fiscal systems and records; supervises finance staff; and oversees essential
financial operations including billing, revenue collection, vendor payments, payroll and tax
reporting, general ledger management, annual budgeting, debt administration, and investment
management.

The Finance Director also plays an important role in shaping the City’s financial future by
monitoring the utilities code and advising on rate setting to ensure sustainable and equitable
service delivery. The position coordinates the City’s insurance coverage and reporting,
manages financial aspects of risk mitigation, and works closely with the City Administrator on
complex financial planning and policy matters.

In partnership with the Elected Treasurer and the City Council’s Finance Committee, the
Finance Director helps ensure strong financial stewardship through oversight of the City’s
audit process, adherence to budget policies, and continuous improvement of financial practices.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to the City Administrator and directly supervises finance staff within the
Administration Department. Coordinates and oversees the work of consultants and
independent contractors as needed. As a member of the City’s management team, provides
financial guidance, information, and support to City departments and employees on accounting
and financial matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not
include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The City of Salida retains
the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any
time.
• Coordinates the work of finance staff, including planning and organizing assignments
and workloads to meet departmental goals, training and motivating employees,
evaluating performance, monitoring progress, and directing adjustments as needed.
• Manages the City’s financial records to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
Maintains the Chart of Accounts, ensures records are current and available for public
review, and performs monthly reconciliations in preparation for the annual audit.
• Maintains system of fund accounting as prescribed in the Salida Municipal Code.
• Reviews, designs and implements accounting procedures to maintain compliance with
GASB pronouncements and a comprehensive framework of internal controls.
• Prepares the annual budget in compliance with the Colorado Budget Law and within
City Administrator and City Council guidelines, including the development of annual
operating and capital improvement plans.
• Provides and coordinates support work for development of the City’s annual audit in
compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes and the Salida Municipal Code.
• Analyzes financial data; prepares and publicly presents monthly, quarterly and annual
financial reports including routine updates and ad hoc reports, as needed.
• Provides staff support and guidance pertaining to any utilities code; analyzes and
advises City Council regarding rates of the City.
• Directs the investment and debt management programs to provide infrastructure
financing and liquidity for daily operations while ensuring compliance with limitations
under C.R.S. and other applicable laws.
• Oversees and coordinates financial transaction processing, including vendor invoices
and disbursements, utility billing, miscellaneous invoicing (municipal services, rents,
etc.), collections, certification of tax liens, occupational lodging tax filings, general
ledger entries, and account reconciliations.
• Coordinates and fulfills data requests of the independent accountants, workers
compensation auditors, financial auditors, etc.
• Prepares resolutions and ordinances along with cover memos summarizing the
background and impact of various agreements, code changes and other actions
proposed for council decisions.
• Evaluates current processes and recommends changes to increase efficiency and
productivity within all City departments while insuring adequate internal controls.
• Participates in collaborative management studies and reports on complex financial
analyses and policies.
• Monitors the collection of taxes, fees, and other receipts in accordance with laws and
regulations.
• Communicates with City Council, City staff and residents, both orally and in writing, on
matters of importance to the City and City Council.
• Directly participates in or oversees special projects, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• High level of computer proficiency, including accounting software, Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, and Tyler/InCode.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Colorado Revised Statutes, municipal codes,
ordinances, and public sector accounting processes, including payroll taxes and internal
controls.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, systems, and responsibilities.
• Ability to supervise, develop, and train staff.
• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to effectively address and resolve
questions, concerns, and complaints.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting or
financial management, including at least five (5) years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Government or municipal accounting experience required, including familiarity with
public sector budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
The majority of this position’s duties are performed in an office environment and require sitting
for extended periods and moving between office areas. In addition, the following abilities are
required:
• Visual and physical ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to other City facilities and to local vendors and banking institutions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS:
The City offers a full benefits package for this position including: medical/dental/vision
insurance, 401(a) and 457 retirement plans with employer match, paid time off accrual, life
insurance, long-term disability, swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, and
discounted golf at Salida Golf Club.