FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Financial Administration Director develops, analyzes, and administers the department’s budget and manages the financial and administrative staff.

Finance Management

• Direct and oversee departmental financial operations, including accounting, procurement, grant management, and enterprise resource planning (ERP).  
• Audit staff financial reports to confirm accuracy and adherence to compliance requirements.
• Review and analyze expenditures, management reports, and revenue projections/forecasts.
• Maintain and update budget policies and procedures, recommending improvements as necessary.
• Develop and oversee the departmental budget and multi-year financial forecast.
• Set strategic priorities and develop appropriate capital and operating budgets related to departmental priorities.

Leadership

• Develop and maintain organizational procedures and policies, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee projects and requests from higher-level management, which may span the interests of multiple City departments.
• Coordinate and prepare departmental responses to requests made by other City agencies and external entities.
• Establish a positive work culture that demands a high degree of staff responsiveness, encourages creativity, and supports professional growth.
• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to division management, including coaching, delegating assignments, and evaluating performance.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Lead and oversee special projects related to operational objectives.
• Build relationships with external community partners to identify opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
• Serve as a liaison with key public and elected officials, including the Mayor and the Common Council.

 We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Financial Administration Director must be able and willing to do the following:

• File a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
• Work non-standard hours and travel as needed.

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, mathematics, economics, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of management-level experience in financial administration, accounting, or a related field.
3. Ability to travel independently throughout Milwaukee, either by transit, bicycle, or automobile.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of either the selection process or the background screening process before extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Technical

• Expert-level knowledge of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting principles.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics, with the ability to conduct research and make accurate calculations.
• Knowledge of business and management principles related to strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and coordination of people and resources.
• Ability to read and apply complex job-related documents such as procedures, laws, and rules.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing financial practices and procedures.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office to create documents, develop spreadsheets, and craft presentations.
• Ability to use financial management information systems.
• Ability to learn and apply municipal financial procedures as they relate to budget preparation and administration.

Leadership

• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise staff members engaged in accounting activities, including reviewing work, expectations, tasks, and deadlines.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to support employee career development.
• Ability to encourage positive cross-departmental operations.
• Ability to create and develop a diverse work team in which all members can reach their potential.
• Ability to develop and implement performance management strategies and measures and to facilitate assessment and planning.
• Ability to facilitate and promote individual staff accomplishments toward organizational objectives, including shared responsibility, teamwork, and acceptance of change.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic policies through effective delegation, persuasion, and negotiating skills.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple forums.
• Written communication skills; ability to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Ability to present complex financial analyses into actionable insights that support organizational alignment.
• Ability to negotiate and influence others to understand and accept new concepts, practices, and approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with elected officials, colleagues, staff, community groups, and the public.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to accurately report financial data.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to be highly organized, detail-oriented, and accurate while adhering to deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while handling multiple priorities.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and courteous, even during adverse situations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, robust organization.
• Skill in short and long-term strategic planning.
• Honesty, integrity, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

The current salary range (1QX) is $132,713-$191,365 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $138,022-$199,020 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications, and is subject to DER approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan       
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan     
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Comprehensive Wellness Program        
• Onsite Clinic Services       
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program       
• Alternative Work Schedules        
• Long Term Disability Insurance     
• Group Life Insurance     
• Tuition Benefits      
• Paid Vacation        
• 12 Paid Holidays        
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement       
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/DER/benefits

NOTE: Applications must include a detailed resume and cover letter at the time of submission. 

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions, a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 101 

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.