City of Northfield Finance Director Salary Range------$102,040 to $129,376

City of Northfield Mission “The City of Northfield is dedicated to providing effective and responsive public services to develop and enhance a livable and vibrant community”

Community Information Northfield is named after John Wesley North who, along with his brother-in-law George Loomis, settled in the Cannon River Valley in 1855. The two built a bridge, saw mill and flour mill – charting Northfield’s future for years to come. In the late 1800’s, Jesse Ames purchased and enlarged this flour mill, which is operated today by , a consumer goods company, who recently purchased the facility from MOM Brands (Formerly Malt-o-Meal Company.) Now, Northfield is a steadily growing, full-service City with over 20,000 people. Forty-five miles from downtown and St. Paul, it offers residents a desirable combination of small town living with easy access to the amenities of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Northfield’s charm, commitment to the arts, and proximity to the Twin Cities contributes to the area’s new developments and business growth.

Education Northfield enjoys a rich educational heritage dating to the establishment of its first school in 1856. Today, Northfield has a first-class public school system that offers progressive educational programs designed to maximize student success – including a wide range of honors and advanced placement educational opportunities and a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. In addition, private schools and public charter schools offer educational options for residents.

The Northfield Public Schools education takes place in six school buildings – three elementary schools serving approximately 1,600 students, a middle school and a high school. A new elementary school was built in 2003 and a new middle school was completed in 2004. The high school was extensively remodeled and a new football field/stadium built in 2004.

The combination of progressive programs, quality teachers, improved facilities and a high level of community support has proven to be a success. Northfield Public Schools have a graduation rate 15 percentage points above the average, with approximately 85% of graduating seniors moving on to post-secondary education.

Northfield is home to two prominent liberal arts colleges – St. Olaf College (approximately 3000 students) and (approximately 2000 students). Both are a valued part of the community, add to the cultural and artistic vitality of the City, and contribute to a strong and diverse local economy.

The City Northfield is a home rule charter City. The City Council is comprised of seven elected officials who legislate policy and govern, with the Mayor serving as the presiding officer. Of the six Council positions, there are four ward representatives and two at-large positions – all with staggered, four-year terms.

The City enjoys a committed and involved citizenry, many of whom actively participate in local government affairs and offer perspective and insight to staff and elected officials. Community members participate on a host of commissions and task forces that add a grassroots element to local policy-making and implementation of plans and policies.

The City owns Northfield Hospital and Clinics which is administered by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City is not directly involved in hospital operations, but does approve major bonding projects. Northfield Hospital and Clinics provide an extensive array of services and function as a regional medical destination.

The focal point of the community is its historic downtown district, located along the scenic Cannon River. On summer evenings, many people gather at Bridge Square, in the heart of the City, for concerts and other community events. The community is recognized for its active arts programs and events throughout the year. Each September, the community hosts the ‘Defeat of Jesse James Days’, where the famous James Gang’s unsuccessful attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield is re-enacted for large crowds of residents and visitors.

A scenic walk along the river or biking on one of the many trails offers people an opportunity to enjoy nature within an energetic community. Over 30 City parks provide amenities for year- round recreation and enjoyment. All in all, Northfield offers recreational and cultural opportunities that are unmatched for comparably sized communities.

Economic Vitality Northfield boasts a strong and diverse economy with a wide variety of employers. Unemployment in the community is consistently below the state average and many employers are expanding to meet growing demand for goods and services. The median household income is $58,594.

Post Holdings, Inc. is the largest employer in the City, followed by St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. An assortment of other manufacturers, as well as educational and health care institutions fill out the list of top employers in the community.

The economy is also enhanced by a vibrant collection of downtown businesses that offer an extensive assortment of products and services for residents and visitors to the community. Northfield is a destination for people seeking a charming and functional downtown district.

Transportation and Housing Northfield’s excellent transportation system seamlessly links Northfield to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, particularly through Interstate 35, which is located 7 miles west of the City. Two major State Highways – 3 and 19 – also run through the City, connecting all of its population centers.

City-wide transit services are provided by a local nonprofit transit provider. These services consist of routes and dial-a-ride options for citizens and all buses are handicap accessible.

Northfield’s homes and neighborhoods are a well-maintained blend of the historic and contemporary, with new developments still maintaining a connection to the City’s architectural heritage. Diverse and affordable options are also available to fulfill homeowner or renter preferences. The Organization The Council appoints the Finance Director, who oversees the Finance Department, Liquor Store, and Motor Vehicle divisions of the City. The Finance Director reports to the City Administrator.

TABLE OF ORGANIZATION

Citizens

City Council

Economic Development Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Charter Commission Administrator

Administrative Services Community Planning Public Safety Community Services Public Works and Development

Administration Finance Police Library Engineering Planning City Clerk Information Techloogy Streets Housing Human Resources Wastewater Building Inspections Communications Water Stormwater Recreation

The City employs 80 full-time employees, 39 part-time employees and approximately 63 seasonal employees. Police protection is provided by 22 licensed peace officers. Fire protection is provided through a joint powers agreement with the City of Dundas and area townships. A joint powers board provides governance over the fire service.

The City has 15 boards and commissions, including a Charter Commission, Economic Development Authority, Environmental Quality Commission, Heritage Preservation, Hospital Board, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Human Rights Commission, Library Board, Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, Rental Housing Board of Appeals, Arts & Culture Commission, Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use. Northfield’s youth are very involved on community boards and commissions. Budget The 2017 general fund budget is $11.9 million.

Expenditures by Major 2015 Adopted 2016 Adopted 2017 Adopted Category General Government 2,181,168 2,193,341 2,161,947 Public Safety 3,969,489 4,287,952 4,293,679 Public Works 2,264,876 2,288,474 2,491,821 Culture and Recreation 2,311,993 2,288,474 2,402,008 Other Financing Uses 380,546 373,946 4,76,154 Total Expenditures 11,108,072 11,579,376 11,825,609

Other budget funds include Debt Service and Capital Project funds along with business-type activities such as Water, Wastewater, Garbage, Storm Water and Liquor Store.

Sound fiscal management has helped the City maintain healthy fund balances that will help prevent future financial issues and allow for investment in projects as determined by the City Council. The City has recently shown evidence of its commitment to long term capital investment by completing the following City projects:  Second Street reconstruction  Meadows Interceptor Swale  Enterprise Park Street reconstruction  City Hall Renovation  Linden and Plum reconstruction  Valley View 4th Addition (New single family)  Sixth Street reconstruction  Hills of Spring Creek 6th (New single family)  New Police facility  Hills of Spring Creek 7th (New single family)  Skateboard park  Bridgewater Commons (Dollar Tree, Maurice’s)  Pool concession stand improvement  Municipal Well 6 drilling  Wastewater Plant Facility Study  Riverwalk gazebo replacement  Cannon River wall repair  Woodley Street Reconstruction

Finance Director Duties Manages and directs all aspects of the financial operations of the City.  Responsible for the custody and disbursement of City funds inclusive of payables, receivables, and encumbrances.  Provides current financial information in a timely user-friendly format.  Monitors state and federal legislation that may impact the city regarding financial management.  Coordinates the issuance of bonds including preparing and presenting information needed for the official bond offering statements, and preparing the debt schedules. Manages and directs investment of City funds.  Administers the City’s investment policies and practices.  Recommends and evaluates investment consultants.  Invests funds according state law.  Prepares monthly cash and investment balances for City Administrator and City Council review.  Monitors and reports the status of all investments.

Plans and directs the continuous review and analysis of fiscal operations, needs and resources.  Develops, recommends and implements generally accepted accounting procedures (GAAP) for accounting and audit procedures in compliance with GASB reporting standards.  Recommends, manages and evaluates auditors.  Prepares comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  Oversees city’s fixed asset system; establish proper controls and monitor compliance.

Manages and directs the annual budget process.  Develops annual budget for the city under the direction of the City Administrator.  Monitors and projects status of budget to City Administrator and department directors.  Educates and trains managers on the computerized accounting system.  Presents information, analysis and data to City Council and public.

Manages and directs the Five-year Capital Improvement Plan  Develops annual five-year capital improvement plan for the city under the direction of the City Administrator.  Forecasts capital project revenues and expenses.  Prepares and analyzes cash flow statements.  Monitors and projects status of CIP to department directors and City Administrator.  Provide alternatives and financial options to department directors, City Administrator and City Council.

Manages and directs the financial aspects of all development agreements.  Provides both analytical and technical financial assistance in the City’s development agreements.  Develops long-range financials for the city in cooperation with the City Administrator and department directors.  Develops projected income and obligations.  Monitors and reports the status of all development agreements.

Manages and directs Finance department employees.  Leads, coaches and manages staff to maximize internal and external customer service.  Hires, trains and motivates departmental employees.  Monitors performance and assign tasks.

 Conducts regular staff meetings.

Manages and directs Motor Vehicle office.  Acquires and maintains the Deputy Motor Vehicle Registrar designation.  Meets and exceeds all State Motor Vehicle regulations.  Responsible for custody and disbursement:  License Tabs  Vehicle Registration  Driver’s License  DNR License Registration and Tabs

Manages and directs the Municipal Liquor Operations.  Manages the Liquor Operations Manager.  Provides ongoing financial goals, performance measures and reporting.  Ensures proper internal control procedures and inventory monitoring.

Manages and directs service delivery.  Manages the department to provide financial services to the public and the city organization in a timely and accurate manner.  Evaluates service delivery, develops procedures and implements changes pro-actively.  Develops, maintains and promotes a collaborative working relationship among peers and the City Administrator across the organization.  Works under the direction of the City Administrator to implement City Council goals and priorities.  Actively participates and supports management strategic planning.

Applies for and obtains Certifications from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) annually.  Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting  Distinguished Budget Award annually.

Core Competencies The City of Northfield is looking for a candidate with a background and track record in governmental accounting and financial management. The City is seeking a Finance Director with the following qualities and professional competencies:

 Fosters strong customer service.  Can articulate a long-range vision for the City.  Recognizes leadership capability in others.  Shares leadership and seeks consensus.  Supports and empowers staff in their decision making while holding them accountable.  Nurtures staff, bring out staff’s best qualities.  Effectively motivates staff and develops a spirit of camaraderie.  Encourages creativity and appropriate risk taking.  Is fair, objective, and able to gain the respect and trust of others.  Shows strong trust in staff’s abilities – solicits their input, delegates responsibility, and allows sufficient latitude.  Coaches and trains staff where necessary.  Challenges employees.  Is willing to make tough decisions.  Earns allegiance of staff.  Attracts/retains high-quality staff.  Aligns efforts toward common goals.  Shares credit with staff as appropriate.  Creates a climate of trust and openness.

Technical Skills  Possesses strong financial management skills.  Has proficiency in government fund accounting.  Demonstrated skill in fiscal accountability.  Understands tax increment financing.  Demonstrates understanding of financial tools for funding city services and capital projects.  Possesses knowledge of financial infrastructure for new development.  Demonstrated budget and capital improvement plan document development.  Demonstrated proficiency in the development of financial reporting documents.  Has knowledge of legal issues.  Proficient with Microsoft Office and financial software.

Communication Skills  Listens well, demonstrates receptivity and attentiveness.  Is an articulate communicator, both written and verbal skills.  Clearly lays out expectations.  Seeks input from others.  Is comfortable in an open environment.  Is effective as a public speaker.

 Can present ideas in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.  Fosters open communication.  Encourages dialogue and debate.

Administrative Skills  Possesses strong long-range financial planning skills—has good visionary skills and is able to develop long-term strategies.  Establishes clear, effective priorities.  Is able to coordinate/manage resources so that operations are efficient and focused.  Demonstrates good contingency planning.  Demonstrates an appropriate level of control and follow-up, neither over-controlling or under-controlling.  Possesses solid overall management skills.  Ensures that things are completed in a timely fashion.  Follows through on projects, inquiries, and commitments.

Human Relations  Establishes and maintains strong, cooperative, and trusting working relationship with city administrator, staff, governmental agencies, and other groups.  Demonstrates strong interest in, understanding of, and consideration of others’ needs, feelings, and opinions.  Expresses disagreement tactfully.  Is skilled and objective in resolving conflict.  Is open and approachable by others.  Builds a strong network of support.  Works well with all people regardless of position, ethnicity, or gender.  Maintains positive relationships even in the face of heated issues.  Takes time to interact with staff.

Judgment and Decision Making  Takes a big-picture perspective; does not lose sight of important issues.  Is willing to make tough decisions.  Possesses sound business judgment.  Has an open decision-making style.  Is deliberate and decisive in regard to taking action.  Is a quick study and demonstrates a grasp of intuitive issues.  Is fiscally astute; possesses good quantitative skills and has a strong understanding of fiscal management.  Develops create solutions to problems.  Provides city administrator, city council and staff with appropriate alternatives and recommendations.  Approaches issues from multiple perspectives.  Thinks quickly on his/her feet.  Demonstrates acumen as a long-term financial strategist.  Possesses the foresight to anticipate problems.  Is open to suggestions from others.  Is willing to take appropriate risks.

Personal Characteristics/Competencies  Demonstrate and be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships to merit the respect, trust and confidence of governing officials, other public officials, employees, and of the public.  Possess high ethical standards and considers the ethical implications of actions.  Appreciates the importance of accountability to the public in managing the short term and long term financial affairs of the City.  Understands, articulates and addresses a comprehensive financial picture of the city as the starting point to the financial management of the organization.  Communicates complicated financial information in a clear and understandable way to the staff, city administrator, city council, and the public through written, verbal and electronic methods.  Enjoys the challenge of prioritizing and managing a wide variety of activities and is readily able to adapt to changing priorities.  Respects the present processes and initiates change when change is needed to improve operations, planning, accountability, efficiencies, work environment, etc.  Seeks out input from others within the department and within the organization.  Able to openly, voluntarily express ideas and opinions, is flexible in discussing them.  Is willing to admit mistakes, lack of knowledge, etc.  Produces accurate and complete work assignments.  Is flexible and adaptable.  Is enthusiastic and positive.

Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, with five years progressively responsible governmental fund accounting experience, which includes previous supervisory experience and experience with computerized accounting systems, or any combination of education and/or experienced that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Certified Public Accountant certificate preferred.

Position Announcement Finance Director: Northfield MN (population 20,313). Salary Range: $102,040 to $129,376 with excellent benefits.

Northfield is a vibrant, two-college community located on the southern edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and is well known for its educational excellence, historic character, large manufacturers, and charming downtown.

The position reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for managing the operation of the Finance Department, including administering and coordinating projects and programs that directly relate to the City’s financial goals.

Qualified candidates will possess Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, with five years progressively responsible governmental fund accounting experience, which includes previous supervisory experience and experience with computerized accounting systems, or any combination of education and/or experienced that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Certified Public Accounting certificate preferred.

Position profile and city application are available online at http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/Jobs.aspx

Complete City application and return to Michelle Mahowald, Communication & Human Resources Manager [email protected] Human Resources Office is located on the second floor of City Hall, 801 Washington Street, Northfield, MN 55057.

Application materials will be received thru 4:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017.

The City of Northfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Timeline 03/27/17 – 04/20/17 Recruitment 04/20/17 Application Deadline 04/28/17 Interview 05/01/17 Conditional Offer of Employment ** Commence background and reference check 06/05/17 Start Date **

**Approximate & subject to change