Director of Finance

City of La Crosse, WI, located on Wisconsin’s western shore offers a rich culture and quality of life 
experiences from miles of bluff-land trail systems to extraordinary kayak, canoe and boating trails of 
the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries, and three major performing arts venues. The City has 
progressive leadership with an eye on preserving our beautiful environment, rich history and 
development of beautiful new architectural landmarks. To discover more about the City of La Crosse, 
please visit: https://chooselacrosse.com/

The City of La Crosse is seeking to hire a full-time Director of Finance. The purpose of this position is 
to plan, organize, direct and control all aspects of City financial accounting, debt management, 
treasury functions, purchasing, budget preparation and administration, payroll and supervision of staff 
according to applicable practices, standards, ordinances and statutes. This position is considered a City 
Executive by Common Council resolution and performs administrative level responsibilities that 
ensure fiscally responsible departmental operations for the City. The Director of Finance is appointed 
by Council and is responsible to the Mayor and Finance and Personnel Committee, works under the 
general supervision of the Mayor and is required to make complex judgments and decisions. Hiring 
wage for this exempt position is $125,507.20 - $143,748.80 depending on qualifications, with 
potential to earn up to $164,632.00. 

Requirements: The Director shall have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, with 
a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience (5 years at management/supervisory 
level) in the areas of accounting, budget preparations and review, cost and fund accounting, financial 
reporting and treasury experience. Current license as a Certified Public Accountant is required. A 
Master’s degree in a related field is strongly desired. Previous governmental accounting/finance 
experience strongly preferred, however candidates with comparable private sector technical and 
management experience will also be considered. Ability to effectively communicate with management, 
council members and the public is critical. Must have a valid driver’s license. Experience required using 
integrated accounting systems, payroll systems, tax collection system, County tax roll system.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plan, 
Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation 
insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit 
perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the 
Wisconsin Retirement System with a 7.20% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up 
to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to an extensive background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug 
screen. Applications accepted until position is filled. To be considered, submit an employment 
application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking 
Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to plan, organize, direct and control all aspects of City financial accounting, debt management, treasury functions, purchasing, budget preparation and administration, payroll and supervision of staff according to applicable practices, standards, ordinances and statutes. This position is considered a City Executive by Common Council resolution and performs administrative level responsibilities that ensure fiscally responsible departmental operations for the City as defined in Section 2.13 of the City Code of Ordinances.   The employee in this job classification is appointed by Council and is responsible to the Mayor and Finance and Personnel Committee.  The employee works under the general supervision of the Mayor and is required to make complex judgments and decisions.  


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Finance Responsibilities:

Manages the financial aspects of tax incremental districts including compliance with State Statutes and required compliance audits.  Performs financial analysis for any new proposed districts.

Responsible for the hiring, placement and evaluation of employees.

Plans, assigns and supervises the work of office operations for finance, purchasing, treasury, supply and office machine functions.  

Oversees administration of external independent audit and publishing of the comprehensive financial report.

Oversees the central accounting system for all City departments.

Oversees and is responsible for payroll administration.

Performs financial analysis and advisory functions for Mayor, department heads, and Common Council on various proposals presented to and/or developed by the city.

Prepares and establishes annual tax levy, tax bills and rolls.  Oversees the distribution of tax payments to other jurisdictions and school districts according to state statutes.  

Monitors legislative and accounting requirements affecting city fiscal operations including wage requirements, IRS rules, capital borrowing, real estate and personal property tax notification and tax collection.

Oversees the special assessment billing and collection program.

Provides and administers debt service policy and debt management plan, including annual capital improvement borrowing, repayment term/conditions, bond ratings, bond fund monitoring, disclosure, reporting and budgeting.

Provide accurate information regarding city fiscal functions to the public, news media representatives, Common Council, Mayor, state agencies and City departments.   Prepares, oversees and manages the City’s annual operating budget and capital improvement budget.    

Oversees and responsible for the investment and disbursement of all City funds pursuant to WI Statutes and City policy.

Oversees and directs all bidding for City purchases.


General Responsibilities:

Maintain and serve as custodian of all records associated with administration of the department, including maintaining confidentiality of all proprietary information, HIPAA and employee personal information.

Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance, works additional hours as required.

Attends all City Council meetings and other meetings as required.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

Provides oversight and internal controls concerning transfers of cash internally and for external payments.

Oversees mail processing and distribution for all city departments.

Oversees grant administration in support of audit requirements.

Pays and monitors outstanding debt.

Monitors industrial development revenue bonds.

Oversees special trust, agency, expendable and non-expendable funds.

Oversees special assessments, liability and worker’s compensation insurance, animal licensing and in-house printing.


Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

The Director shall have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, with a minimum of ten  years of progressively responsible experience (5 years at management/supervisory level) in the areas of accounting, budget preparations and review, cost and fund accounting, financial reporting and treasury experience.  Current license as a Certified Public Accountant is required.  A Master’s degree in a related field is strongly desired.  Previous governmental accounting/finance experience strongly preferred, however candidates with comparable private sector technical and management experience will also be considered.  Ability to effectively communicate with management, council members and the public is critical.  Must have a valid Drivers License.  Experience with all Microsoft products.  Experience required using integrated accounting systems, payroll systems  tax collection system, County tax roll system.


Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, and to oversee their execution.  Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, to determine consequences and identify and select alternatives.

Ability to manage and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation. Ability to persuade, convince and train others.  Ability to advise and interpret regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to utilize a variety of data and information such as financial statements, invoices, vouchers, purchase orders, requests for proposals, bid documents, budgets, contracts, spreadsheets, journal entries, non-routine correspondence, ordinances, resolutions, state statutes, computer documentation, debt manuals, city policies, IRS publications, audit report and accounting methods/principles.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with Common Council, department heads, the general public, news media representatives, various elected officials, vendor representatives, attorneys, auditors, financial institutions personnel and investment consultants.


Mathematical Ability

Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, interest, discount and ratios.  Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.


Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning in performing functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching, direction and coaching.
Ability to establish priorities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs.


Physical Requirements

Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including personal computers, telephone,  calculator/adding machine, and related office machinery.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring moderate skill, such as typing.

Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.  

Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.


Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use and irate individuals is minimal and poses a very limited risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.