POSITION SUMMARY

As outlined in the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Home Rule Charter, the Chief Financial Officer administers Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government finance and revenue program and is responsible for accounting for Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government property by performing the position’s duties personally or through subordinate supervisors. This position is appointed by the Mayor-President and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor-President.

DUTIES AND EXAMPLE OF WORK

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform duties and example of work as described below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Below is a list of duties and examples of work done by incumbent:

• Collection (except where specifically otherwise provided for by law) and custody of all monies of the City-Parish Government from whatever source.
• Assistance to the Mayor-President and CAO in the preparation of the annual operating budget and the capital improvement budget.
• Maintenance of a record of indebtedness and the payment of the principal and interest on such indebtedness.
• Ascertaining that funds are available for payment of all contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur a financial obligation for the City-Parish Government, and that such documents are in accordance with established procedures and state laws.
• Disbursement of City-Parish funds.
• Administration of a uniform central accounting system for all City-Parish departments, offices and agencies, using nationally accepted standards where applicable.
• Preparation of a monthly statement of revenues and expenditures which shall be completed and made available for public inspection not later than thirty-one (31) days after the end of each month.
• Procurement of all personal property, materials, supplies and services required by the City-Parish Government under a central purchasing system for all departments, offices and agencies in accordance with applicable state law, City Council and/or Parish Council policy and administrative requirements.
• Responsible for the execution and supervision of operating and capital budgets, and provides assistance in budget preparations.
• Investment of idle funds, as permitted by law, so as to receive the maximum rate of return.
• Supervisory responsibilities and management authority for the Finance and Management Department of 60+ employees with a $113 Million budget, across four (4) divisions: Accounting, Budgeting, Purchasing and Property Management, and Risk Management and Group Insurance.
• Attend and participate in City Council, Parish Council, and Budget meetings as required.
• Administer a consolidated budget of $1 billion (includes carry-over funds) for a mid-size Consolidated City-Parish Government with 2,200 employees and a self-funded group insurance fund with more than 4,000 covered employees and dependents.
• Negotiate agreements with the depository banks, subject to the approval of the governing authority.
• Prepare and present financial reporting, budgeting, analyzing, and communicating financial and operating results of general governmental services, utilities (electric, water, wastewater, and fiber-optic communications), self-insured group health, workers compensation, and general liability to the City Council, Parish Council, rating agencies, bond insurers, and civic groups.
• Prepare and present ad-hoc management reports for multiple elected officials, governmental departments, and third parties for use in day to day decisions and general operations of government.
• Assist bond counsel and underwriters in the sale of various bond issuances and refinances, totaling more than $1 billion.
• Initiate conservative financial reporting and budgetary policies that are directly related to bond rating increases.
• Supervise the preparation of annual audit, budget, and continuing disclosure report in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12(b) (5) and the post issuance compliance guidelines promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Support and advise Mayor-President, CAO, Department Heads, City Council, and Parish Council on issues of fiscal impact, policy development, budgetary impacts, internal controls and risk management concerns.
• Work with oversight authorities and auditing agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office.
• Oversee management of requests for proposals and responses for finance and accounting professional services.
• Manage contractual agreements and purchasing agreements in accordance with state bid law, internal policy, and for compliance to applicable statutes.
• Participate in the mitigation of and monitoring of lawsuits, general liability claims, and settlement agreements.
• Directing finance staff in maintaining compliance with all laws and standards such as GASB statement implementation.
• Work closely with financial and bond consultants as needed for recommendations.
• Other such activities as may be directed by the Mayor-President or CAO.

REQUIREMENTS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Education: BS in Finance and Accounting Management or related field from an accredited 4-year college or university.
• Master’s Degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, managerial and/or administrative experience in fiscal matters, which includes at least five years of supervisory experience is required.
• Certified Government Finance Officer is preferred.
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to Finance and Accounting Management.
• Prior experience working with and leading the Financial Department in utilizing a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Includes, but is not limited to, Budgeting, Purchasing, Payroll, and HR modules and required system workflows.
• Oversee updating and implementing new ERP systems with the IT and HR Department and vendors, as required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, contracts, cooperative endeavor agreements, and intergovernmental agreements. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or council members.
• Supervisory responsibilities for direct reports and for department employees include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Ability to work and deliver under stressful and challenging situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The primary duties of this position are typically performed in a professional office environment at Lafayette City-Parish Hall. Occasional travel for conferences and training.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The incumbent is subject to an initial and random drug testing

MEETING REQUIREMENTS

• The incumbent is be required to attend bi-weekly City Council and Parish Council meetings and all annual Budget hearings that are held before, during, and after