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Director of Finance and Administration

Statement of Duties

The employee is responsible for all administrative, financial, and business office customer service functions of the DPW. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

  • Direct, coordinate and supervise administrative, financial, and service functions of office.
  • Manage accounting, budgeting, and payroll activities.
  • Provide financial analyses of ongoing projects and contracts.
  • Perform studies and prepare operational reports of divisional functions and activities.
  • Monitor Personal Services, Ordinary Maintenance, Contracts, and Capital spending and make recommendations for budget adjustments.
  • Forecast annual revenues and expenditures.
  • In coordination with the Director of Operations and Divisional Superintendents, draft specifications, and contract terms for a wide variety of supplies and services needed by the Department.
  • In coordination with the Purchasing Department, procures by competitive bidding informal quotations and negotiation, items of supply, equipment, fleet vehicles, and certain contractual services necessary for the operation of the Department.
  • Initiates contacts with vendors relative to supply and equipment availability, purchase orders, and contracts.
  • Negotiate and implement strategies with vendors and internal customers to reduce cost and improve delivery and service.
  • Work with the Director of Operations and Divisional Superintendents to develop a system of monitoring vendor performance.
  • Assists the Commissioner in negotiating contracts working with vendors, the Law Department, and Purchasing Department.
  • Studies price trends and market conditions; keeps abreast of supply sources and new product development.
  • Review revenue receipts and entries for proper posting in accounting system.
  • Manage service section responsible for providing centralized reception, work request and complaint services.
  • Establish administrative and operational controls to record and monitor departmental activities (i.e., attendance, overtime project costs).
  • Develop and implement divisional procedures.
  • Participate in developing and implementing departmental policy.
  • Work with Director of Operations and Superintendents to maintain fiscal control of divisional budgets.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in finance and seven (7) years experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Knowledge of governmental budgeting and accounting; knowledge of enterprise fund accounting.

Abilities: Ability to interact with diverse groups and individuals. Ability to complete multiple tasks in a timely, detailed and organized manner.

Skill: Analytical skills required. Proficient data processing skills including worked processing and spreadsheet applications.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.
 

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30lbs.)

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
 

Hours: Full-Time 
Salary: $110,000 annually plus benefits
Union: Non-Union
FLSA: Exempt
Date Posted: April 4th, 2025

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The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

  • MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
  • Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

  • 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union.
  • Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
  • Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
  • Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
  • Long term disability through Sun Life
  • Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
  • Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
  • Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
  • Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
  • Annual cancer screening & wellness release
  • Somerville Retirement Pension System
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • MBTA pass program
  • FREE Blue Bikes membership
  • Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.

Average salary estimate

$110000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$110000K
$110000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Director of Finance and Administration, City of Somerville, MA

If you're a passionate finance professional looking to take the next step in your career, consider the exciting opportunity of becoming the Director of Finance and Administration at the City of Somerville, Massachusetts! In this vital role, you will harness your expertise to oversee all financial and administrative operations within the Department of Public Works. You will lead the charge in managing accounting, budgeting, payroll, and customer service functions while collaborating closely with the Director of Operations and Divisional Superintendents. As the Director, you'll analyze ongoing projects, forecast revenues, and ensure procurement processes align with our department's needs. Your knack for negotiation will shine as you engage with vendors to secure the best prices and services, all while maintaining an eye on market trends. With a Bachelor's degree in finance and substantial experience under your belt, you will navigate challenges with grace and efficiency. Your leadership will impact our team's effectiveness, helping us maintain the fiscal health of the Department. Plus, the City of Somerville offers an attractive salary and benefits package, making this an opportunity you won't want to miss! Let's shape the future of our community together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director of Finance and Administration Role at City of Somerville, MA
What are the primary responsibilities of the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville?

As the Director of Finance and Administration for the City of Somerville, your primary responsibilities include supervising administrative and financial operations, managing accounting and payroll activities, and providing financial analyses for ongoing projects. You'll also draft contract specifications, monitor budgets, and work to negotiate beneficial terms with vendors.

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What qualifications are required for the Director of Finance and Administration position in Somerville?

To qualify for the Director of Finance and Administration role at the City of Somerville, candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in finance alongside a minimum of seven years of relevant experience. This may also include equivalent combinations of education and training that demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the position.

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What skills should a Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville possess?

The ideal candidate for the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville should have strong analytical abilities, proficient data processing skills, and experience in governmental budgeting and accounting. Additionally, interpersonal skills are essential for interacting with diverse groups and completing multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.

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What is the salary for the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville?

The salary for the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville is set at an annual rate of $110,000, which is complemented by an extensive benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental coverage, and additional perks designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.

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What is the work environment like for the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville?

The work environment for the Director of Finance and Administration in Somerville is primarily office-based, involving everyday interactions typical of administrative settings. However, candidates should be prepared for occasional exposure to outside elements and may need to engage in after-hours commitments for meetings or urgent deadlines.

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Common Interview Questions for Director of Finance and Administration
Can you describe your experience with governmental budgeting and accounting as a Director of Finance and Administration?

When answering this question, be prepared to share specific examples of your experience with budgeting and accounting within a governmental context. Highlight your familiarity with compliance regulations and how you have successfully managed budget allocations or adjustments.

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How do you prioritize and manage multiple financial projects simultaneously?

A strong response would involve explaining the strategies you use for prioritization, such as assessing project timelines, resource requirements, and potential impacts. Mention any tools or methodologies you apply to ensure organized execution of various projects.

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What steps would you take to improve cost efficiencies in the department?

Discuss your analytical abilities and mention specific instances where you identified cost-saving opportunities. Elaborate on how you analyzed expenses, negotiated with vendors, and implemented strategies that resulted in measurable cost reductions.

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Can you explain your approach to vendor management and negotiation?

In your answer, emphasize the importance of building strong vendor relations and how you approach negotiations. Provide an example of a successful negotiation that resulted in improved service or pricing, highlighting negotiation tactics and outcomes.

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What experience do you have with financial reporting and analysis?

Discuss the types of financial reports you have generated, your analytical skills, and how these reports impacted decision-making processes. Providing examples of specific analyses or studies you’ve conducted would make your answer compelling.

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How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and policies?

Talk about your familiarity with relevant financial regulations and compliance requirements. Mention strategies you have employed to ensure adherence to these policies and any training initiatives you’ve led or participated in to promote compliance within teams.

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Describe a time when you had to implement a significant policy change. How did you manage it?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to respond effectively. Highlight the challenges faced during the policy implementation, how you communicated the changes, and the positive outcomes resulting from your leadership.

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What financial software and tools are you proficient in?

Provide a detailed overview of the financial software and tools you are proficient in, such as accounting software, budgeting tools, and data analysis programs. Be specific about how you have utilized these tools in your previous roles to improve financial operations.

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How do you handle discrepancies or issues in financial reporting?

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies in financial reports. This might include conducting thorough reviews, engaging stakeholders for clarity, and implementing preventive measures to avoid future discrepancies.

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What is your leadership style as a Director of Finance and Administration?

Here, convey your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with fostering team collaboration and effectiveness. Provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams under stressful conditions while achieving desired outcomes.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 4, 2025

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