Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is a key member of the City’s executive management team. This position plans, organizes, and directs all financial operations of the City of Sutter Creek, including budgeting, treasury and cash management, strategic financial planning, grant administration, and general accounting. This role shifts the City’s focus from day-to-day project management to long-term financial resilience. The Director will act as the primary financial advisor to the City Manager and the City Council, ensuring that the City’s strategic goals are supported by sound fiscal policy and maximized grant funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below.)

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

● Directs the development, adoption, and administration of the City’s annual/biennial budget.

● Develops long-range financial forecasts, revenue projections, and expenditure models to support the City Council’s strategic plan.

● Evaluates alternative financing methods for major capital improvement projects (CIPs), equipment acquisitions, and infrastructure upgrades.

● Prepares quarterly budget status reports and presents complex financial data to the City Council and the public in a clear, accessible manner.

Treasury & Cash Management

● Serves as the designated City Treasurer, managing the City’s investment portfolio in compliance with state law and City policy.

● Ensures adequate cash flow to meet the City's operational obligations.

● Oversees banking activities, debt issuance, debt management, and ongoing financial disclosure requirements. Grant Administration & Project Finance

● Actively researches, models, and administers financial tracking for federal, state, and regional grants.

● Ensures strict compliance with grant reporting requirements and allowable cost parameters.

● Works alongside contract engineers and construction managers to ensure capital projects are financially tracked, funded, and closed out correctly.

General Accounting & Audit

● Oversees the Finance Supervisor and centralized accounting functions of the City, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the general ledger.

● Coordinates the annual independent audit and prepares the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

● Develops, implements, and maintains robust internal financial controls to safeguard City assets.

● Oversees utility billing (water/sewer) and the issuance of business licenses, ensuring accurate fee collection and rate analysis.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

● Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. (A Master’s degree or CPA designation is highly desirable).

● Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience. Public sector or municipal finance experience in the State of California is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of:

● Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.

● Principles of municipal budget preparation, tax options, and fee structures in California (including Proposition 218 compliance).

● Grant accounting, state and federal reporting, and automated financial management systems.

● Investment and treasury practices governed by the California Government Code.

Ability to:

● Analyze complex financial data and translate it into actionable strategies for non-financial stakeholders (City Council, residents).

● Modernize and streamline financial software systems and billing procedures.

● Collaborate effectively as a team player with the City Clerk, City Manager, and contracted project managers.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting with regular attendance at evening City Council meetings. The role requires prolonged sitting, frequent use of a computer, and the ability to communicate clearly in person and over the phone.