Commissioner of Administration, Finance, Policy, and Urban Affairs

The Commissioner of Administration, Finance, Policy, and Urban Affairs shall be the head of the Department of Administration, Finance, Policy, and Urban Affairs. The Commissioner shall serve as the Budget Director and shall carry out all functions, duties, and responsibilities associated with that role, as well as those of a member of the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency.

Qualifications

The Commissioner shall possess a degree from an accredited college or university and have at least five (5) years of experience in the management of fiscal operations, supervision, or administration, or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to indicate the ability to perform the work.

Duties and Powers

The Commissioner shall have all powers and responsibilities conferred upon the Department’s divisions, as well as such other duties or powers as may be assigned by law or ordinance. The Commissioner shall countersign all checks drawn on the City Treasury and shall have custody of all pension and trust funds.

Where any moneys payable to the City are required by law to be paid directly to another City officer or agency, or where it is determined by the Commissioner and the Comptroller that such payments may be more conveniently made directly to such other officer or agency, the Commissioner (or designee) and the Comptroller shall prescribe the time, manner, and form in which such moneys shall be accounted for and paid.

The Commissioner shall assist the Mayor in the formulation of the annual budget and four-year financial plan submitted to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority (BFSA), as required. The Commissioner shall assemble, review, and revise departmental estimates and appropriation requests, and participate in the supervision and coordination of expenditures and other fiscal operations across all City departments, boards, and agencies.

The Commissioner shall direct, coordinate, and administer the fiscal management of all federally and state-funded programs and related agencies, including:

• Financial planning and management

• Budget preparation and control

• Accounting, auditing, and financial reporting

• Oversight of grant receipts and disbursements

• Contract administration, monitoring, and auditing of third-party contracts

The Commissioner shall have the authority to conduct special studies on departmental operations, functions, or methodologies, and make recommendations to the Mayor to improve efficiency at all levels.

The Commissioner shall serve as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor, assisting in major policy decisions and overseeing Federal and State government relations. Responsibilities include direct contact with State and Federal agencies and elected officials, developing legislative agendas, advocating on behalf of the City, overseeing the activities of the City’s lobbyists, and initiating legislative recommendations at all levels of government.

The Commissioner shall act as liaison to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority (BFSA), attend BFSA meetings, and work with City departments and agencies on all relevant BFSA matters. As a senior policy advisor, the Commissioner shall assist the Mayor in implementing management efficiency and accountability measures and shall serve as a member of the CitiStat Buffalo review panel. 

SALARY:

$ 146,096