Job Details

Salary: $103,501.00 - $115,981.00 Annually
Location : Fargo, ND
Job Type: Full Time Regular (40)
Job Number: 2025-00214
Department: Finance
Division: Finance - SELECT THIS OPTION
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: 4/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

Position Description

Under the direction of the Assistant Finance Director provides professional financial management services for the City of Fargo across abroad array of business functions. Includes all City of Fargo departments in addition to other outside organizations using our services. Finance Manager performs core accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, financial analysis, compliance and other special projects as assigned. Supervises subordinate staff members including Senior Accountants and Accountants.
Primary Responsibilities

Manages a team of professionals that provide accounting and financial management support for City-wide operations including all Departments of the City and related entities. Finance Manager will be responsible for leading the delivery of financial and operational services across multiple programs deployed by the City's Finance Department. Support services to assist the Director of Finance and the Assistant Finance Director and Departmental personnel. Manage financial projects assigned by Senior Management.
City of Fargo employs two Finance Managers. Both contribute duties and responsibilities as identified below. The department is generally structured with management oversight of 1) Operations, Budget, and Internal Reporting" and 2) External Reporting and Grant Management," with a Finance manager leading each area and demonstrating specific tasks as identified below:

Specific Tasks:

1. Finance Manager - Operations, Budget, and Internal Reporting
   1. Coordinates the preparation of the annual budget.

1. Manages administrative tasks required during the budget development process, including scheduling, delegation, communication, and review.
2. Prepares payroll projections including all employee benefit programs.
3. Summarizes budget data for the Budget Team for budget decision making.
4. Prepares an annual budget document in accordance with GFOA's best budget award format.
5. Develops efficient and effect budget documentation practices.
6. Tracks and posts subsequent budget adjustments.
7. Supervises Accounting Manager and subordinate functions including AP, AR, and Payroll.

1. Finance Director - External Reporting and Grant Management
   1. Coordinates the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

1. Manages administrative tasks required during the annual audit and ACFR preparation, including scheduling, delegation, communication, and review.
2. Leads the efforts in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, collecting required information, updating report models, implementing changes indicated to meet or maintain conformance with GAAP and GFOA, apply and practice GASB pronouncements.
3. Provides information required for annual audit, which includes information necessary to complete the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards.
4. Creates and maintains audit work papers that support the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report acceptable to independent CPA.
5. Identifies and notifies management of any discrepancies or inconsistencies in reporting systems and internal controls including any financial abuse.
6. Develops and recommends system/procedure improvements and/or modifications.
7. Recommend changes when deficiencies are observed.

1. Responsible for carrying out duties and responsibilities as assigned in the fiscal service agreements with the FM Diversion Authority.
   1. Provide fiscal agent services for the FM Diversion Authority pursuant to the Master Indenture of Trust and Federal program financial requirements.

Overall Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Supervises staff assigned to respective financial management teams that provide operating and financial services within the Finance Department including, but not limited to the following accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, grants management, operating and capital budgeting, fixed and capital assets, financial forecasting, statistical analysis, cash management and pension administration.

1. Observe current financial, business, and operational practices: listen to the departments for financial and support outlining best business practices to improve City services. Collaborate with the Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director establishing and implementing management's initiatives.

1. Provide and manage resources to complete financial management projects effectively.

1. Works as a member of a team to assist in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report collecting required information, updating report models, implementing changes indicated to meet or maintain conformance with GAAP and GFOA, apply and practice GASB pronouncements.

1. Prepare budget data for the Budget Team for decision making.

1. Provides system support for financial management software program upgrades, new deployments and custom programming projects.

1. Serves on a support team who implements new software initiatives including software selection, implementation and testing.
2. Reviews and evaluates current business practices and recommends more efficient work flows and revised software solutions including alternative configurations, integrations.
3. Develop training materials and train key staff members on new software platforms.

1. Research, interpretation, and application of complex federal regulations across a multitude of Federal, State and local grant and loan programs.

1. In the event of a natural disaster, perform cost recovery duties.

1. Prepare internal and external financial status reports.
2. Prepare project worksheets to be submitted for reimbursement.
3. Compile cost recovery documentation and complete reconciliation to the accounting system for submitted cost reimbursements.

1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information; communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.

1. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.

1. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work.

1. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
2. Perform other duties and activities as assigned by the Assistant Finance Director and the Director of Finance.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration and a minimum of five-six years of progressively responsible municipal accounting or financial experience; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority. CPA certification highly desirable but not required. Must be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards (GASB) and fund accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of budget development practices and financial modeling including financial forecasting techniques.
• Knowledge of principles, procedures and practices of grant administration, particularly record keeping, reporting and Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance.
• Knowledge of and skill in using technology to provide financial and business services.
• Knowledge of mainframe accounting systems and personal computer business software applications.
• Ability to lead teams of professionals through collaboration and influence using strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and oversee multiple activities and projects concurrently.
• Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements and reports according to prescribed standards.
• Ability to think strategically, adapt to changing circumstances, and organize priorities.
• Ability to listen, research, analyze, and effectively present results.
• Ability to manage and coordinate both people and projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and lead members of the Finance team in providing exceptional financial and business services.
• Skill in analyzing and resolving complex accounting, financial, or budgetary problems.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally, interpersonally, and in writing, to a variety of audiences, including other City employees, managers, and officials.
Physical Demands

Most work is performed in a normal office environment. Work requires use of a computer, telephone and other office equipment. There is high attention to detail and deadlines. Work is generally light with considerable variety. Daily work may involve moving between buildings and rooms. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.

Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Light Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. For more information on our benefits click

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Fargo.