City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.Job DescriptionThe Commissioner of Finance serves as the City's chief fiscal officer and is responsible for the overall financial management, stewardship, and integrity of the City of Syracuse. Reporting to the Mayor and working closely with the Common Council, the Commissioner oversees revenue collection, treasury operations, accounting, debt management, payroll, financial reporting, licensing administration, and internal financial controls.The Commissioner ensures compliance with City Charter provisions, state and federal laws, and accepted governmental accounting standards while providing strategic financial leadership to support policy decisions, capital planning, and long-term fiscal sustainability.Key ResponsibilitiesExecutive Financial LeadershipServe as the City's chief fiscal officer and principal advisor to the Mayor and Common Council on financial mattersDevelop and implement financial policies that promote accountability, transparency, and long-term stabilityProvide strategic analysis to inform major policy, capital, and economic development decisionsEnsure fiscal operations align with the City Charter and applicable lawRevenue Administration & Treasury ManagementOversee the collection of all City taxes, fees, assessments, and other revenuesAdminister real property tax billing and enforcement, including tax foreclosure and property salesManage the City treasury and ensure proper deposit, safeguarding, and collateralization of fundsDesignate depository banks with required approvalsIssue annual revenue demand notices and oversee collection strategiesBudget & Financial OperationsAssist in administration of the annual operating and capital budgetsMaintain commitment and expenditure controls to ensure appropriations complianceApprove purchase orders and contracts as to availability of fundsOversee payroll processing and pension disbursementsSupervise cost accounting systems and financial reporting functionsAccounting & Financial ReportingPrescribe and maintain the City's accounting systemsEnsure compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and other regulatory requirementsPrepare and issue the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) within statutory timelinesOversee year-end closing, fund balancing, and required transfersEstablish accrual-based accounting for municipal enterprises as requiredDebt & Capital FinancingCoordinate issuance and sale of bonds, notes, tax anticipation warrants, and other debt instruments as authorizedManage debt service schedules and maintain strong relationships with financial advisors, bond counsel, and rating agenciesSupport long-term capital planning and financing strategiesClaims & Risk OversightReview and approve payment of valid claims against the CityParticipate in settlement of disputed claims in coordination with Corporation Counsel and executive leadershipMaintain strong internal controls to reduce fiscal risk exposureOrganizational LeadershipLead and manage Department of Finance personnelPromote a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvementDevelop staff capacity in governmental accounting, treasury operations, and regulatory complianceKnowledge, Skills, AbilitiesStrong knowledge of municipal finance, governmental accounting standards (GASB), and public budgetingExperience managing complex revenue systems and capital financing structuresAbility to translate financial data into strategic recommendationsHigh level of integrity, judgment, and political acumenExceptional communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work collaboratively with elected officials, department heads, auditors, and the publicQualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred)Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in municipal or public sector financeDemonstrated experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, debt issuance, and treasury operationsPreferred CertificationsCPA, CGFM, or equivalent professional credentialBenefitsDental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offParental leaveVision insuranceRetirement Plan The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.All offers of employment will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check and/or drug screen.
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