Finance Director / Chief Financial Officer - City of Ellsworth

Start Date: May 09, 2024 | End Date: October 01, 2024
County: Hancock County
Job Type: Finance

Job Title: Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer

Location: City of Ellsworth, Maine

Department: Finance

Reports To: City Manager

Job Summary:

The City of Ellsworth seeks a skilled, strategic, and team-oriented Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer to lead its Finance Department. The successful candidate will oversee the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, reporting, and auditing. This role is critical in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency, managing City funds effectively, and supporting the City’s economic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget process in collaboration with the City Manager and other department heads.
• Oversee the preparation of all financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for the City Council.
• Manage the City’s assets and liabilities, including monitoring cash flow and investments.
• Supervise and lead the finance department staff, ensuring professional development and efficiency.
• Coordinate with external auditors for the annual audit and implement recommendations to improve financial systems and controls.
• Provide strategic financial analysis and guidance on fiscal planning and economic development to the City Manager and Council.
• Ensure transparency and public access to financial information through the City’s website and public presentations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; Master’s degree or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of five years of financial management experience, preferably in government or public sector.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, and financial systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, forecast financial outcomes, and implement financial controls.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.

Skills:

• Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills.
• Effective leadership and team management capabilities.
• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Salary:

$85,000-$120,000. The City of Ellsworth offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees in both their professional and personal lives.

• Work-Life Balance:
  • Generous paid time off. Employees can earn up to 280 hours of paid time off per year! Carry over option up to 480 hours.
  • 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement Options:
  • Retirement savings plan with City matching contributions, to help employees plan for a secure future. Additional option to be part of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS).
• Career Development:
  • Opportunities for professional growth through training programs and workshops.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education, empowering employees to further develop their skills and knowledge.
• Financial Security:
  • Short Term Disability to cover non-work related injuries or illnesses for up to 52 weeks per year.
  • Life Insurance options for employees and dependents.
• Health and Wellness:
  • Competitive and affordable health insurance plans including medical and dental coverage to ensure employees and their families stay healthy.
  • Wellness program to support our employee’s physical and mental well-being.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Preference will be given to those who apply within the first 21 days of opening the application.

The City of Ellsworth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the City of Ellsworth

Nestled in the heart if Downeast Maine, the city of Ellsworth is a professional, recreational, cultural, and retail services hub for nearly 60,000 people in the Hancock and Washington County areas. With its historically preserved downtown, scenic landscapes, including the Union River, three lakes, and marina along its striking Maine coastline, Ellsworth is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Ellsworth is not just a gateway to the stunning Acadia National Park, but a destination in its own right, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of past and present. Incorporated in 1800 and named after Oliver Ellsworth, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, this early American city boasts a quality of life and place in community that is unmatched in Maine. The city is rich with recreational and cultural opportunities, offering a high standard of living, an affordable cost of living, and a workforce that is both skilled and productive. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Maine, provides competitive tax incentives and pre-permitted “shovel-ready” land with established public infrastructure. Our dedicated staff offers comprehensive support for the personal and business needs of our community.  Find out more about our great city at

About the Ellsworth Finance Department
The Ellsworth Finance Department is currently in a building phase looking to enhance capabilities to meet the growing demands of one of Maine’s fastest growing cities. The Finance Director will oversee a department which currently includes a Deputy Finance Director and two Assistant Deputy Treasurers. It may expand further with additional procurement and grant management staff. This expansion aims to establish a best-in-class finance department within the state of Maine. The Director position will play a pivotal role not only in maintaining day-to-day best budgeting practices but also as a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership team, significantly influencing policy decisions that shape the future of Ellsworth. An important focus for the near future is the development of a comprehensive 5 and 10-year capital plan, along with overseeing the financing of significant infrastructure investments that will continue to position Ellsworth as a central service hub for the entire Downeast region. Both the Ellsworth City Manager and the City Council are committed to ensuring that the Finance Director and the entire Finance team are equipped with the necessary resources and support to develop a premier finance unit for the City.