Michael Lark

About Michael Lark

I thrive at the intersection of strategy, service, and systems—where big-picture thinking meets hands-on execution to drive public-sector impact.As the Financial Administrator for a $91 million Fire Department budget, I lead with precision—overseeing payroll, procurement, grant management (SAFER, TIFMAS), and long-range financial planning. I bring clarity to complexity, whether it’s navigating Workday, ensuring compliance, or delivering clean data insights that drive smart decisions.My background includes reimagining procurement and payroll structures, leading IT system transitions, and serving as a key liaison between leadership, field operations, and City departments.

Experience

1. Financial Administrator

   City of Arlington

   Jul 2024 — Present · Arlington, TX, US

   I lead the financial strategy and management of a $91 million fire and dispatch services budget, aligning people, processes, and policies to sustain public safety operations at scale. My role bridges financial planning, analytics, HR leadership, and compliance across all Fire divisions.I oversee the department’s operating budget, FEMA SAFER Grant, TIFMAS reimbursements, and Liquidated Damages accounts, ensuring fiscal sustainability and full compliance with City, State, and Federal requirements. I direct all finance and budget operations—including payroll administration, procurement oversight, cash management, and performance tracking—while providing strategic financial guidance to City and Fire leadership.I supervise a multidisciplinary financial and administrative team, including the Payroll & Fiscal Coordinator, Administrative Analyst, and Operations Analyst, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across financial and administrative functions.I also lead major initiatives such as Records Management System transitions, capital budgeting, and process automation projects—championing technology-driven solutions to improve financial reporting, streamline workflows, and strengthen transparency throughout the organization.

Education

• The University of Texas at Arlington

  Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies of Management and Information Systems

  2003 — 2008

• The University of Texas at Arlington

  Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

  2009 — 2011

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Databases
• Software
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Government
• Social Media
• Research
• Budgets
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Survey Research
• Finance
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• Personal Finance
• Budget Process
• Department Budgeting
• Analytics
• Customer Service
• Social Networking
• Project Management
• Policy
• Data Analysis
• Sql
• Qualitative Data
• Policy Research
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Services
• Microsoft Excel
• Governance
• Microsoft Word
• Networking
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Test Planning
• Adobe
• Access
• Mac Os
• Strategic Planning
• Training