The City of Bowie is seeking a highly motivated and experienced finance executive, with a proven  and successful background in local government accounting and budgeting to serve as our next Finance Director.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Finance Director oversees a professional staff of 17, and administers the City’s $131.6M budget, while serving as a vital member of the City’s senior management team. The successful candidate will be a proven and effective leader with a history of solving complex organizational challenges with positive, innovative, and viable solutions.

Critical responsibilities of this position will include, but may not be limited to:

• Directing and managing all functions of the Finance Department including accounting, treasury management, payroll, utility billing, debt administration, and financial reporting.
• Managing and overseeing the City’s accounting records and financial management systems.
• Providing technical financial guidance and support to City departments regarding budget, accounting, and financial procedures.
• Supervising Finance Department personnel and establishing departmental priorities and performance expectations.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to safeguard City assets and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Directing the preparation, coordination, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Overseeing preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and other required financial statements and reports.
• Provide financial forecasts, long-range financial planning, and fiscal impact analyses for City initiatives and policy proposals.
• Oversee the investment of City funds in accordance with applicable laws and adopted investment policies.
• Coordinate and manage the City’s debt issuance and debt management activities.
• Coordinate the City’s annual independent financial audit and ensure implementation of audit recommendations.
• Oversee revenue administration functions including utility billing, accounts receivable, and other City revenue programs.
• Serve as liaison to financial institutions, auditors, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities.
• Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to City leadership and elected officials.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

THE CITY

With an active and engaged population of approximately 58,000 residents, Bowie is the fifth largest city in Maryland and the largest in Prince George’s County. Ideally located between Washington, DC, Annapolis, Baltimore, and with easy access to Northern Virginia, Bowie offers the convenience of a major metropolitan region while maintaining a welcoming, suburban character.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

The City of Bowie operates under a Council/Manager form of government.  Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in a governing council consisting of seven members (Mayor and six Council members).  The governing council is responsible, among other things, for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing committees, and hiring both the City Manager and City Attorney.  The City Manager is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances of the governing council, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government, and for appointing the heads of all City departments.  The council is elected on a non-partisan basis.  All seven members serve four-year terms. Four of the council members are elected by district. The mayor and the two remaining council members are elected at large.

CITY STAFF

Widely regarded as one of the best run municipal governments in the State of Maryland, the City of Bowie staff consists of over 450 hardworking employees in a variety of skilled, non-skilled, administrative, public safety, and professional disciplines. The City boasts a pleasant working environment and a strong, goal-oriented culture. This culture is reflected in the City’s consistently high employee retention rate,  and record of success in achieving organizational objectives. Joining the City of Bowie means becoming part of a highly diverse, dynamic, motivated, and aligned team.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, or budgeting including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Substantial leadership and supervisory experience, with at least four years’ experience managing professional finance teams, and high-level administrative professionals.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental accounting and municipal finance.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital planning.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations governing municipal financial operations.
• Knowledge of public investment and debt management practices.
• Skill in analyzing complex financial data and preparing financial reports.
• Ability to supervise professional and technical staff.
• Ability to communicate financial information to City leadership and elected officials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Highly Desired Credentials:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM)
• Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)

BENEFITS

Along with a competitive salary, this opportunity offers a robust array of employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; short- and long-term disability programs; and a 401(K) with employer match, and optional 457 retirement savings plan. To optimize employee work/life balance, many positions include telework/hybrid and flexible scheduling options.

SALARY:  $150,000 – $165,000 Depending on Qualifications

 How to Apply:  please visit the city’s website at:  www.cityofbowie.org and click on the employment link.   All applicants MUST submit a completed City of Bowie employment application in order to be considered for this opportunity.

Application deadline:    Open until filled

About City of Bowie

Founded in 1870, and incorporated as a town in 1916, Bowie has grown from a small railroad stop to the largest municipality in Prince George’s County, and the fifth largest city in the State of Maryland, with an estimated population of 58,682. The town was first called Huntington City, though its train station was named in honor of local resident, Governor Oden Bowie, president of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad. The town was subsequently re-chartered as Bowie. Today the City of Bowie Government consists of a staff of over 400 hardworking employees in a variety of skilled, non-skilled, administrative, public safety, and professional disciplines. The City boasts of a pleasant working environment and goal-oriented culture. This is reflected in the City's high employee retention rate, and consistency in achieving organizational objectives. The City offers competitive salaries and a robust menu of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401(K) with employer match, and a 457 savings plan. To optimize employee work/life balance, many positions include telework and flexible scheduling options.

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