Ozarks Profile: Fred A. Fantauzzi

What is your job?

As director of Finance I lead the department which is composed of the accounting division, purchasing division, business license division, budget and evaluation division and the print shop. There are 36 people in the department and we provide services to all city departments, as well as the business community through business licenses.

Tell us about the city's new computer system?

To run a large business operation you need up to date integrated computer systems. The city's current system is more than 21 years old and has no integration. The city is now implementing the Oracle Financial Management System, the Oracle Human Resource System and the Oracle Payroll System. These systems are integrated and will share information as needed. These systems will be online, real-time systems where information can be viewed easily online or may be printed out by the various users. The systems will make employees more efficient and effective in their work. The same work will be done, just in a different way.

What are some of the challenges you deal with?

Working with the consultants and departments to set up the initial system properly is a challenge. Providing proper training to all city employees who will use the systems is a challenge. Working with employees who will be dealing with the idea of changing how they work will be a large challenge.

How did you arrive at a career in city government?

I graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is 1967 with a degree in accounting and was immediately drafted into the Army due to the Vietnam war. After two years as a medical corpsman, I was discharged and worked for two years at the Nevada Test Site where underground nuclear testing was taking place. Between 1970 and 1975, I worked for a certified public accounting firm in Las Vegas and passed the CPA examination. I then worked for the city of North Las Vegas for three years as assistant finance director until accepting the job as director of Finance for Springfield in 1978.

Tell us about your family?

I am married to Kathleen, the love of my life, and between us we have six living children and one deceased child, 11 grandchildren and one miniature schnauzer named Dusty. The grandchildren are a great joy to us.

Did you ever consider another career?

First baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers or a professional golfer would have been good careers, but the career in municipal government has been very rewarding.