Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. announced his disappointment regarding the hiring process for a new finance director for the City of Natchitoches during the City Council meeting Monday night, Jan. 10. The previous finance director retired in late September.
The City knew it needed to find the right person due to the nature of the job. It received services from a hiring expert, pro-bono. A committee composed of Pat Jones, Edd Lee, Jill Raines and Mayor Williams interviewed candidates without successfully choosing someone. After two searches, the City is now looking at four months without a finance director in the most crucial part of the year. The concern is that the City is approaching its next budget, which is a massive undertaking, and there’s no finance director.
Councilman at Large Betty Smith said she feels they need someone who’s more qualified than the one candidate mentioned by the mayor, who lacked the desired hands on experience with governmental finances.
Eddie Harrington said he’d be willing to give the candidate a chance and see what happens. This person’s resume wasn’t perfect for that position by any means, but the hiring process was open twice and that was the best candidate. Harrington said he’s worried they’ll just get the same people applying over and over again and the City needed a finance director yesterday.
A motion was made and approved to remove the appointment from the agenda.
POSITION: Finance Director – Finance Department
DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of complex supervisory, professional, administrative and technical accounting and finance functions in maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the City. Will serve as chief financial advisor to the Mayor and prepare and maintain financial reports and records. Oversees payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, Utility Service Center, Information Technologies and Programming and Promotions Department.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting. A working knowledge in Governmental Financial Accounting and GASB rules and regulations are required. An MBA or Certified Public Accountant is preferred.
CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine Street, or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
