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Boston Planning & Development Agency

*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

GRADE: 14 STATUS: EXEMPT

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: DIRECTORS OFFICE/FINANCE

OVERVIEW:

The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) is seeking an experienced finance leader to serve as its next Director of Finance. Candidates should have significant financial and budgeting knowledge and experience along with strong leadership skills. The position provides strategic management of the agency’s finances and budget. Prior government experience is preferred.

On April 2nd, 2024, Mayor Michelle signed an ordinance (https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2024/02/BPDA%20%282%29.pdf) to create a Planning Department in the City of Boston for the first time in 70 years. The ordinance restores planning as a core function of City government, ensuring its inclusion in the City’s budget, and allows for the transfer of current staff from the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) to the new Planning Department.

The Department is included in the City of Boston FY25 proposed budget and will be operational as of July 1, 2024. Moving forward, the Planning Department budget will be reviewed through the City’s budget process, like other City departments. Staff of the Department will support the BPDA Board, which will remain the City’s Planning Board, reviewing development projects, planning and zoning initiatives, and land acquisition and disposition. The Finance Director will be responsible for overseeing the general accounting, budget, grants, procurement/purchasing, audit, cash and investments, AP/AR, and fiscal operations for the new Planning Department and will continue to lead the Finance operation of the BPDA.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the Executive Director/Secretary , the Director of Finance will lead, plan, organize, formulate, recommend, and implement the financial policies and procedures of the BPDA and affiliates, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, internal controls, financial reporting, budget development and administration, equitable procurement and purchasing, and contract administration. Additionally, the Director of Finance will oversee the budget and finances of the Planning Department.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

• Work with other leaders within the department to articulate strategic priorities in annual budget requests and represent the department throughout the City’s budget process.

• Oversee, update, and participate in the formulation of internal policies, procedures and controls to govern the fiscal activity of the Agency. Ensure compliance with all applicable city, state, federal and professional standards and regulations.

• Directly, and through subordinate manager (Controller), manage accounting operations. Ensure the timely and accurate processing of all accounting, transactions, including accounts payable, account receivable, general ledger, and grant accounting. Hold cash management responsibilities including Bank Financing and banking relationships. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly internal and external financial statements; oversee consolidation and preparation of combined statements.

• Directly, and through subordinate manager (Budget Director), manage development and administration of organizational operating and capital budgets. Ensure timely and accurate integration of department budgets into combined plan. Ensure timely and accurate preparation, distribution and analysis of budget variance reports to Division Heads.

• Directly, and through subordinate managers (Budget Director and Procurement Manager), manage organization’s purchasing and procurement function. Ensure compliance with all city, state and federal contractual requirements. Ensure that all purchases deliver optimum cost to value for organization. Ensure that all expenditures receive proper approvals. Ensure that agency-wide efforts are being coordinated to implement equitable procurement practices.

• Lead the preparation and interpretation of financial performance and planning reports reflecting results of operations compared to budget, including financial and cash flow forecasts. Manage and monitor organization cash flow and liquidity. Oversee actual revenues and expenditures against projections and plans. Identify and interpret financial trends, patterns and other items of note; assess and determine impact on organization; recommend and implement appropriate response including Board Review.

• Direct the organization’s independent, federal and state audits; maintain current awareness of all financial reporting requirements. Maintain and update current knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory changes affecting organization’s fiscal operations.

• Manage and control Finance activities. Provide management direction and guidance; intervene as necessary to resolve administrative or technical issues.

• Provide management and direction to the Lease Administration staff ensuring that the leasing database remains up to date, that tenants are appropriately billed, and that rents are collected on a timely basis

• Design and implement new financial management systems; update current system to reflect present and future needs of organization.

• Manage Budget, Purchasing and Accounting staff. Recommend selection of Finance staff; provide training, orientation, and coaching. Conduct performance reviews; recommend personnel actions for department staff. Develop performance plans with reporting staff, consistent with job description and qualifications.

• Collaborate with other division managers in cross-divisional initiatives. Lead and participate in initiatives with other City agencies or other government bodies.

• Provide management direction and guidance to the BLDC/BIDFA staff.

• Act as the Chief Procurement Officer for the agency.

• Provide fiscal advice and guidance to senior management and program managers.

• Participate in the preparation and presentation of material to the Board of Directors.

• Lead and participate in special projects.\

• Develop, recommend, and administer operating budget for the BPDA and affiliates.

• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS :

The successful applicant will have a strong background in finance, budgeting, and public management. Preference includes completion of a master’s degree in Business or Public Administration or related field. Significant and direct experience may substitute for all or part of the degree requirement. CPA certification or equivalent experience preferred, plus ten years of progressively responsible and related experience in fiscal management, including a minimum of three (3) years direct supervisory experience. Familiarity with Massachusetts procurement rules and regulations as set forth by the Massachusetts Inspector General’s Office and Attorney General desirable, Ability to use office software and automated accounting/ budget software is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Little or no exertion.

SCOPE:

Oversee the Finance Department.

*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*