What we do The Finance and Management Services Department is responsible for providing accurate and timely information regarding the city’s financial affairs while adhering to the principles of leadership, customer service, quality, integrity, teamwork and collaboration. We Care. We Use Best Practices. We Spend Tax Dollars Wisely. Goals Improve communication and cross-functional collaboration through partnerships and education. Clearly define performance expectations and motivators to attract, develop, and retain high quality staff. Instill confidence, inspire trust, and ensure transparency through accurate, purposeful financial and managerial processes and reporting. Financial and Strategic Services The Strategic Services Team is comprised of the Purchasing, Risk Management, and Compliance. Frank McGowan, Finance and Strategic Services Manager Office Phone: 828-259-5811 Cell Phone: 828-777-1139 Email: fmcgowan@ashevillenc.gov Compliance Tom Downing, Financial and Programmatic Compliance Specialist Phone: 828-259-5588 Email: tdowning@ashevillenc.gov Purchasing and Contracting Division Click here to access the Purchasing and Contracting Division, Current Bid Opportunities and other related information. Amy Patterson, Purchasing Manager Phone: 828-259-5953 Email: apatterson@ashevillenc.gov Risk Management Division Risk Management’s mission is to provide effective risk, safety and claims management services to each department and the citizens of Asheville in a timely, courteous, efficient and effective manner within organizational guidelines. The Risk Management Division provides comprehensive administration, budgeting, financing and loss prevention control services for the City of Asheville, including all lines of insurance and Workers’ Compensation. The Division also processes claims for damages from the public and manages them to disposition and works with all departments to mitigate unsafe conditions in City facilities or in the protocols and procedures utilized to deliver services. The City Risk Manager serves as the American with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator regarding ADA Title II concerns. Please contact the City Risk Manager regarding ADA Title II matters. Brad Stein, Risk Manager Phone: 828-259-5687 E-mail: bstein@ashevillenc.gov Financial Operations and Treasury Douglas Whitman, Treasurer Phone: (828) 259-5502 E-mail: dwhitman@ashevillenc.gov The Financial Operations and Treasury Team manages payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and delivers support and other services to City staff and outside vendors. The Division is responsible for management of the City’s cash, investment and debt portfolios in compliance to NC State Statutes, federal requirements and generally accepted accounting principles. A brief listing of the responsibilities of the fiscal services division are as follows: All payroll related functions Mange all central accounts payable activities Management of the City’s central banking account relationships Maintenance of the City’s debt portfolio Preparation of miscellaneous billing items, including annual business License renewal Accounting and Financial Reporting The Accounting and Financial Reporting Team is responsible for financial reporting, general ledger and sub-ledger accounting. The team leads the year-end audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) process. Manage the purchase card program Budget and Forecasting Division Tony McDowell, Assistant Director of Finance – Budget and Forecasting Phone: (828) 259-5635 E-mail: tmcdowell@ashevillenc.gov ConnectFinance and Management Services70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801Mailing AddressPO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Chief Financial OfficerBarbara WhitehornPhone828-259-5484Administrative & Communications ManagerBeth BechelPhone828-259-5598 Related Services Business Inclusion The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city. More Related Services Finance and Management Services News Asheville Chief Finance Officer accepts new position on West Coast Posted on January 6, 2021 by Polly McDaniel City Chief Finance Officer Barbara Whitehorn has accepted a position as Finance Director with the City of San Bernardino, Calif., and will leave the City of Asheville Jan. 15. Under her direction for the past seven years, the City of Asheville and the Finance Department have improved policies and procedures and have many noteworthy accomplishments including: [...] City of Asheville plans budget for next year while analyzing financial effects from pandemic Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Polly McDaniel During every budget season City staff work to analyze trends and develop forecasts that provide the financial context for City Council decisions during the budget process. For the fiscal year that begins July 1, those decisions will have to be made with limited information about the length and severity of the economic downturn we are [...] City of Asheville is working with businesses and community regarding fees Posted on April 13, 2020April 15, 2020 by Polly McDaniel Over the past several weeks, staff at the City of Asheville have worked to ensure that City operations continue to function to serve the community during these uneasy times. This includes the Finance Department’s accounts payable and receivable functions. Finance staff continues to process invoices in order to pay vendors and contractors in a timely manner, [...] More Finance and Management Services News
Business Inclusion The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city.
Asheville Chief Finance Officer accepts new position on West Coast Posted on January 6, 2021 by Polly McDaniel City Chief Finance Officer Barbara Whitehorn has accepted a position as Finance Director with the City of San Bernardino, Calif., and will leave the City of Asheville Jan. 15. Under her direction for the past seven years, the City of Asheville and the Finance Department have improved policies and procedures and have many noteworthy accomplishments including: [...]
City of Asheville plans budget for next year while analyzing financial effects from pandemic Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Polly McDaniel During every budget season City staff work to analyze trends and develop forecasts that provide the financial context for City Council decisions during the budget process. For the fiscal year that begins July 1, those decisions will have to be made with limited information about the length and severity of the economic downturn we are [...]
City of Asheville is working with businesses and community regarding fees Posted on April 13, 2020April 15, 2020 by Polly McDaniel Over the past several weeks, staff at the City of Asheville have worked to ensure that City operations continue to function to serve the community during these uneasy times. This includes the Finance Department’s accounts payable and receivable functions. Finance staff continues to process invoices in order to pay vendors and contractors in a timely manner, [...]