Tvardzik Promoted to Director of Finance
Tvardzik has been the city controller since 2002. During his tenure, University Park has earned a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 11 consecutive years.
The full news release about his promotion is after the jump.
City Appoints Director of Finance
Interim Director chosen to lead Department
The City of University Park is pleased to announce that Tom Tvardzik has been appointed Director of Finance. Since September, when Kent Austin left to become finance director in Prosper, Texas, Tvardzik has been interim director.
Hired in 2002 as City Controller, Tvardzik has been responsible for general ledger operations, internal control, implementation of best practices, and annual public reporting. During the past 11 years he has streamlined the City’s audit preparation, improved many internal controls and reduced year-end audit time and expense. These efforts have helped the City of University Park earn a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 11 consecutive years. Tvardzik has also been instrumental in the design and implementation of the over-65 tax exemption process and an employee sick leave donation program.
The City of University Park is a $46 million a year entity with multiple sources of revenue, supporting a variety of government services. The Director of Finance is responsible for various financial functions including accounting and financial reporting, accounts payable processing, budget preparation and administration, investment management, payroll and purchasing. The Director also oversees purchasing, utility billing, municipal court, fleet maintenance and warehouse operations.
Tvardzik earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. He also has a law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. A Certified Public Finance Officer, Tvardzik is also a CPA. His private sector experience includes working for Price Waterhouse as a senior auditor and for Brinks Home Security as director of corporate financial services.
Commenting on Tvardzik’s appointment, City Manager Bob Livingston said, “I am pleased that we had someone with Tom’s education and experience already in the organization. He has improved all the functions he oversees during his time here. This is proven by the fact that we have not received a significant concern or comment from our external auditors during his tenure. We have always been in good financial condition and Tom will continue that, while improving our operations where he sees the opportunity.”
Commenting on the announcement, Tvardzik said, “I want to thank the City Council for their confidence. During the past 10 years, I have been the beneficiary of outstanding guidance and support. I look forward to working with City staff, and I welcome this opportunity to serve the residents of University Park.”
