Director of Finance/Comptroller

Director of Finance/Comptroller

Salary

$140,500.00 - $160,000.00 Annually

Location

207 S. Forrest Street, Stoughton, WI

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

458

Department

Finance

Opening Date

07/23/2026

• Description
• Benefits

SUMMARY OF JOB

Join a team that values you as much as you value the community you serve!

The City of Stoughton offers an exceptional benefits package featuring very low-cost health coverage, dental at no cost to you, WRS Retirement participation, and competitive wages-all designed to support your well-being while you support ours.

The City of Stoughton, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Director of Finance / Comptroller.

Stoughton, Wisconsin, is a welcoming, vibrant community just 20 minutes south of Madison, known for its rich Norwegian heritage, historic downtown, and strong sense of local pride. As a financially sound and steadily growing city, Stoughton offers stability and confidence for those looking to build their careers in public service. This exempt position also places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering flexible hours and scheduling options to help support both your professional success and personal well-being. With beautiful parks, year-round community events, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Stoughton blends small-town charm with big-city access-making it a great place to work, live, and make a meaningful impact.

The purpose of this position is to supervise, direct, and be responsible for the overall accounting and coordination of the financial activities of all City departments, serving as comptroller with duties as outlined in 62.09(10) Wis. Statutes and City ordinances. This position provides high-level financial oversight of the City's accounting activities; supports the Mayor, City Council, and City departments in budgeting, financial management, and reporting; and presents fiscal issues and recommendations to guide strategic policy decisions that maintain and enhance the City's financial health. The position also performs administrative functions delegated by the Mayor and City Council that do not conflict with core responsibilities or compromise the required segregation of duties. In addition, this role oversees the financial management, reporting, compliance, and long-term planning associated with the City's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Districts (TIDs), ensuring accurate tracking, forecasting, and statutory compliance. This position does not include any Utilities Finance management duties.

Our full-time employees enjoy an outstanding benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and overall well-being. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance with low employee premiums, dental insurance with zero employee premiums, next-day coverage upon hire, and access to flexible spending options. Employees also participate in the highly regarded Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the strongest public pension programs in the country. Additional benefits include group life insurance, income continuation coverage, paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave, longevity pay, and free membership to Anytime Fitness. A variety of optional supplemental insurance plans are also available at group rates. Together, these benefits provide a strong foundation for long-term stability, work-life balance, and support for you and your family.

THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs, coordinates, and supervises the Finance Department staff regarding the financial and accounting activities of the City of Stoughton.
• Directs the preparation of the annual City budget, including advising the Mayor, City Council, and City department directors in the review of estimates and the preparation of individual departmental budget requests.
• Reviews and oversees the annual City audits and submits all required regulatory/statutory reports.
• Reviews, directs, coordinates, and supervises Special Assessments.
• Review tax roll, special charges, delinquencies, and assessments.
• Review tax roll prior to submission to the County Treasurer.
• Oversees the preparation of Statement of Taxes, Levy Limit worksheets, and Expenditure Restraint reporting.
• PerformsComptrollerfunctionsasrequiredbyStateStatutes62.09(10) and City ordinances.
• The comptroller shall submit a monthly report in writing to the council at its first meeting the condition of outstanding contracts and of each of the city funds and claims payable therefrom, and shall each year on or before October first file with the clerk a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements on account of each fund of the city and of eachaldermanicdistrictorotherfinancialdistrictduringtheprecedingfiscalyear, specifying the source of each receipt and the object of each disbursement, and also an estimate of the receipts and disbursements for the current fiscal year.
• The comptrollers shall, each month and as often as reported, examine the treasurers accounts as reported and as kept and attach thereto a report to the council as to their correctness and as to any violation by the treasurer of the treasurers duty in the manner of keeping accounts or disbursing moneys.
• The comptrollers shall examine each claim presented against the city, and determine whether it is in order, and if it is on contract, whether authorized and correct. For these purposes, the comptroller may swear witnesses and take testimony. If the comptroller finds no objection, the comptroller shall mark his or her approval on the claim. If the comptroller disapproves in whole or in part, the comptroller shall report the reasons for that disapproval to the council. The comptrollers shall, in all cases, report evidence taken. No claim shall be considered by the council or be referred to a committee until it has been so examined and reported on.
• The comptroller shall countersign all contracts with the city if the necessary funds have been provided to pay the liability that may be incurred thereunder, and no contract shall be valid until so countersigned.
• The comptrollers shall, each year, make a list of all certificates for the payment of which special taxes are to be levied, in time for the same to be inserted in the tax roll and certify its correctness.
• Maintains an accounting system for the City government and its agencies in a manner consistent with established and accepted municipal accounting principles and procedures, and in sufficient detail to produce adequate cost, financial, and statistical data for City and department management purposes and to meet statutory requirements.
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable, auditing of purchase orders, receipts, and disbursements, reconciling accounting records with various departments, and allocating payments to various accounts.
• Functions as a resource and support to enhance the department's financial management capacity.
• Maintains a system of budgetary control to ensure that expenditure does not exceed appropriations, and that sufficient revenues are available to meet anticipated needs.
• Directs the development and update of a Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, a Five-Year Financial/Operating Budget Forecast, and accompanying financing plans.
• Provides the Mayor, City Council, and Finance Committee with timely and informative financial reports, statements, financial analysis, and fiscal projections on major issues requiring policy direction.
• Analyzes City debt structure and prepares recommendations for restructuring thereof; advises the Mayor and Finance Committee regarding debt management.
• Coordinates a variety of special administrative projects, as assigned, which include but are not limited to the negotiation of contracts, leases, purchases, land acquisitions, and others of a similar nature.
• Proposes recommendations to streamline and consolidate budget and accounting functions in a continuous improvement effort.
• Coordinates activities of City Assessor contract compliance.
• Administers the CDBG-Community Development Block Grant program.
• Represents and oversees the City in all fiscal matters, excluding the Utilities Department.
• Administers the investment of surplus City funds and documentation relating to the sale or renegotiation of stocks and bonds.
• Administers the Firefighters' Pension Fund and serves on the Firefighters' Pension Board.
• Attends City Council meetings and committee meetings as deemed necessary by the Mayor and other City of Stoughton authorities.
• Serves on the Board of Trustees-Riverside and Wheeler Prairie Cemeteries.
• Provides administrative oversight and reviews the financial activities of duly authorized volunteer organizations.
• Keeps informed of new trends, developments, laws, and regulations that impact the activities of the finance and treasury functions of the City.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training/Certifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Financial Management, Public Administration or related field.
• CPA, masters in accounting, or other related certifications desired.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible supervisory or management position related experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in a government environment serving as a finance director, assistant finance director, or manager. Specialization in municipal accounting may be substituted for municipal accounting/finance experience. The ability to independently initiate analysis and solve a variety of accounting and fiscal issues from both long-term and daily operational perspectives.
• The ability to independently initiate analysis and solve a variety of accounting and fiscal issues from both long-term and daily operational perspectives.
• Significant knowledge of computer programs used in the municipal environment, including experience with automated accounting, financial and billing systems. Advanced user of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) preferred.
• Experience in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Knowledge of municipal accounting and auditing, including enterprise funds; considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS); considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of new Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and ability to implement and maintain records in accordance with such. Familiarity with State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Proven success and experience in teambuilding and collaboration, and experience with effective supervisory/management techniques.
• Understanding of effective customer service principles and techniques.
• Must pass a background check, driver's license verification, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Supervisory Skills

• Proven skills and five years of experience in the area of supervision and management, including participative management.
• Ability to supervise the work of departmental staff, including coordinating, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating work; and developing, training, counseling, and disciplining staff.
• Ability to positively motivate employees and create a teamwork-oriented, effective, and efficient work environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, City Council members, department directors, staff, and the public.

Language Skills

• Skill in effective, clear, and objective oral and written communications about the City's finances to individuals and groups.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents, including municipal and business financial statements, invoices, contracts, tax rolls, budget requests and amendments, audits, bank statements, budget documents, service contracts, state statutes, city ordinances, and policies, etc.
• Ability to prepare a variety of documents with clear, comprehensive explanatory narratives to accompany budget documents, financial statements, and fiscal analysis.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
• Ability to use and interpret legal and accounting terminology.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and precents, and make use of the principles of descriptive statistics.
• Ability to design and produce graphical representations of complex financial and performance data.
• Ability to prepare accounting and financial data projections.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Position Functions

• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to develop manual and computerized financial systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Copilot.
• Advanced skill set - Excel.

Environmental Adaptability

• Understanding of the City's political environment and sensitivities; ability to function effectively within that environment.
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment.
• Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS: 32+ Hours per Week

Effective 1-1-2026

The following benefits are offered to regular full-time (32+ hours per week/1664+ annual hours minimum) employees. Please note that this is a summary, and benefits are not guaranteed. Review the GHC HMO Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document for coverage details or contact GHC directly.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Coverage is effective the day after hire; premiums are deducted monthly from the 1st payroll of the month.

GHC HMO - benefits listed for in-network providers only.

Employee responsibility toward monthly premium:Family $75.26Employee & Spouse $50.99Employee & Child(ren) $44.91Single $24.27

GHC PPO - This plan is available exclusively to employees who do not have any GHC locations in their area.

Employee responsibility toward monthly premium:Family $101.60Employee & Spouse $68.81Employee & Child(ren) $60.62Single $32.79

In-Network Provider Coverage ONLY - See SBC for details

Deductibles are $500/single - $1,000/family

$0 co-pay for preventative services

$30 co-pay on office visits

$30 co-pay on urgent care visits

$100 co-pay on emergency room visits (co-pay waived if admitted to hospital)

Prescription drug co-pays:

$10/Tier 1

$35/Tier 2

$60/Tier 3

$200 Specialty drugs

$5 RX Outcomes

Out of Pocket Limit $2850 Single/ $5700 Family

Note: Employee out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses can be run through the flexible spending plan (Section 125), which is managed through Employee Benefits Corporation (EBC). Enrollment into this plan occurs only during annual enrollment, which is November/December.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Coverage is effective the day after hire. The City covers 100% of the premium for dental coverage.

Note: Full-time employees pay no portion of the dental premium.

Delta Dental benefits listed for in-network providers only

Delta Dental In-Network Coverage:

There is no deductible for dental coverage.

Per person, per benefit accumulation period is $1,000.

Diagnostic and preventive procedures are paid at 100%;

Basic restorative procedures are paid at 80%;

Major restorative procedures are paid at 50%;

Orthodontic procedures are paid at 0%.

Check Up Plus - lets you obtain diagnostic and preventive services - including examinations, X-rays, regular cleanings, and other related treatments without the costs of those services applying to your individual annual maximum. The full value of your annual maximum is applied to the benefits you receive for base and major restorative services.

RETIREMENT Provider: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

The 2026 Wisconsin Retirement Rate is 14.40% for general employees. The employer and employee shares are equal at 7.20% each.

The 2026 Wisconsin Retirement Rate is 22.00% for protective employees. The employer share is 14.80% and the employee share is 7.20%.

Eligibility to Participate- from the ETF Your Benefit Handbook (ET-2119) Rev10/13

Depending on when you began your job, your job will have to meet one of these two standards for it to be covered under the WRS.

• One-third standard -- A position that is subject to the one-third standard meets WRS participation standards if you are expected to work at least one-third of full-time (600 hours for non-teaching employees) for at least one year from date of hire. You will remain eligible even if your job subsequently drops below one-third.
• Two-thirds standard -- A position that is subject to the two-thirds standard meets WRS participation standards if you are expected to work at least two-thirds full-time (1200 hours for non-teaching employees) for at least one year from date of hire. You will remain eligible even if your job subsequently drops below two-thirds.

If you were a continuing employee as of July 1, 2011, your job must meet the one-third standard. You will remain eligible even if your job subsequently drops below one-third.

If you were hired after July 1, 2011:

• If you were a participating employee before July 1, 2011, left WRS service, and did not take
• A separation benefit, and are now returning in a new job, your job must meet the one-third standard.
• If you were a participating employee before July 1, 2011, left WRS service, took a separation benefit, and are now returning in a new job, your job must meet the two-thirds standard.
• If you were not a participating employee before July 1, 2011, your job must meet the two-thirds standard.*

If you are not expected to meet these eligibility criteria when you are hired, you will not be enrolled in the WRS at that time. However, if you subsequently work at least 12 months, and in any 12-month period you meet the hours requirement, you are prospectively enrolled in the WRS. In this situation, your WRS coverage is not retroactive.

WRS Mandatory Employee Contributions

If your employment is eligible to be covered under the WRS, you must make employee-required contributions. These contributions are credited to your individual WRS account. These contributions are vested immediately.

Your contributions are calculated as a percentage of your WRS earnings. The contribution rates are different for each WRS employment category. The rates generally change from year to year based on the recommendation of the consulting actuary.

Your employer may have agreed to pay part or all of your employee-required WRS contributions on your behalf, pursuant to a contract or collective bargaining agreement entered into prior to June 29, 2011. In addition, certain employees retained the right to bargain with their employers after that date over who will pay the employee-required contributions. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE Provider: Employee Trust Funds (ETF)/Securian

The city pays for the basic premium: Premium based on salary and age. Each employee will receive $1,000 insurance for each portion of $1,000 in earnings the previous year.

Eligibility: First of the month following 30 days of employment (timely enrollment-within 30 days from hire). No evidence of insurability required if the employee files within 30 days from date of hire.

Coverage for spouse/dependent and additional units is available, as an employee deduction.

INCOME CONTINUATION INSURANCE Provider: Employee Trust Funds (ETF)

The city provides the 90-day waiting period without cost to the employee.

The 60 or 30-day waiting period is available with the employee paying the cost of the difference between the 90-day waiting period and the period selected. Eligibility: First of the month following 30 days of employment (timely enrollment-within 30 days from hire).

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT Provider Employee Trust Funds (ETF)

Coverage is equal to the total amount of your group life insurance under the basic, supplemental and additional coverages. See The Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program Booklet ET-2101 Rev 1/2016 for further details.

VACATION

2 weeks + 3 days at hire and less than 4 full years of service (104 hours)

3 weeks + 3 days after 4 full years of service (144 hours)

4 weeks + 3 days after 9 full years of service (184 hours)

4 weeks + 4 days after 10 full years of service (192 hours)

4 weeks + 5 days after 11 full years of service (200 hours)

4 weeks + 6 days after 12 full years of service (208 hours)

4 weeks + 7 days after 13 full years of service (216 hours)

4 weeks + 8 days after 14 full years of service (224 hours)

• Vacation is effective as of January 1st each year*

Union-represented Police employees and Dispatchers have a separate vacation schedule.

SICK LEAVE is earned per month based on normally scheduled hours per day (i.e. 8 8-hour day earns 8 hours per month - 5-hour day earns 5 hours per month).

LENGTH OF SERVICE PAYMENT (longevity) The first length of service payment is $150.00 (for a 40-hour-per-week employee) after the employee has completed three full years of continuous full-time City employment prior to December 1 of the calendar year in which the payment is made. Subsequent length of service payments are increased by $50 for each additional year of continuous full-time employment. This amount is prorated for employees working less than a 40-hour week.

HOLIDAYS Employee is eligible for the listed paid holidays (in the Work Rules) based on the employees normal scheduled hours of work per week.

FUNERAL LEAVE Employee may take up to three (3) days for a death in the family based on the employees normal scheduled hours of work per week (family is defined in the Work Rules). 8 hours scheduled = 8 hours funeral leave per day, 6-hour regular day = 6 hours funeral leave per day.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP Employees are eligible for a free membership to Anytime Fitness. Anytime also offers spouse and family discounts to City of Stoughton employees' families that reside in the same household. See the City of Stoughton Employee Health Club Membership Flyer in your new hire orientation packet. *This is not a guaranteed benefit and is subject to change at any time.

OTHER BENEFITS AVAILABLE The following benefits are available to employees and are 100% employee-paid if elected. These insurances are offered to complement our existing benefits package and to offer the group rates to all benefit-eligible employees.

• Flexible Spending (EBC) As stated above, eligibility for this benefit is only during annual enrollment in November/December for the next calendar year.
• AFLAC Short Term Disability, Accident, Cancer, etc.
• Legal Shield Legal advice and/ or ID Theft.
• Delta Vision (EyeMed) Vision Coverage.
• T-Mobile

Disclosure: Please note that this document serves as an overview and in no way should be used to determine coverage. Please refer to your plan documents and or contact the carrier for coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, and insured amounts. This document is subject to change at any time and by no means serves as or is intended to serve as a contract.

Employer City of Stoughton

Address 207 S. Forrest St

Stoughton, Wisconsin, 53589

Phone 608 646 0272

Website https://www.cityofstoughton.com/hrrm