Hickory Finance Officer Melissa Miller to retire after 30 years of service

After nearly 30 years of service with the City of Hickory, former Finance Officer Melissa Miller is set to retire on August 1.

“I appreciate the opportunities I have been given over the past 30 years at the City of Hickory. They have allowed me to achieve personal and professional goals while creating relationships with coworkers who are not only colleagues but lifelong friends,” said Miller. “I am thankful to my entire Finance Department staff who have worked alongside me all these years and helped create a successful and enjoyable working environment.”

Miller started working for the City of Hickory in April 1995 as a Customer Service Representative in the Collections Division of the Finance Department. She was promoted to Senior Customer Service Representative in July 1999, to Accounting Technician Payroll in October 1999, and to Accounting Technician Accounts Payable in April 2000. She became the Billing & Collections Manager in September 2005. 

With a strong knowledge of accounting and the financial processes within the City of Hickory, Miller was promoted to the leadership role of Finance Officer in March 2012. She held that position until earlier this year when she transferred to work full time on the City’s conversion to Tyler Technology Enterprise ERP software up to her retirement date.

During her 12-year tenure as Finance Officer for the City of Hickory, Miller managed the Finance Department and maintained accurate financial records in compliance with governmental accounting standards. Notable achievements during this period include managing the financial responsibilities associated with the City’s $40 million bond referendum passed in 2014, publishing the City’s first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) in 2022, and earning multiple awards for accounting excellence. 

The City of Hickory received its first Triple Crown Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for Fiscal Year 2022. GFOA's Triple Crown is a prestigious award which recognizes governments that have received GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. With the last completed audit, the City of Hickory received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program for its 28th consecutive year.  

“We greatly appreciate Melissa’s hard work throughout her time with the City of Hickory. As Finance Officer, she worked with City leadership to maintain accurate records, prepare financial documents, and complete the City’s annual audits,” said City Manager Warren Wood. “She led the Finance team with excellence, and the department’s awards and accolades reflect that commitment to ensuring the integrity of the City’s financials.”

Miller holds a bachelor of arts degree in Accounting with a minor in Computer Information Systems from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She is a Certified North Carolina Local Government Finance Officer and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (NCGFOA), and North Carolina Local Government Investment Association (NCLGIA).

Mayor Hank Guess added, “The Hickory City Council thanks Melissa for her years of public service in local government accounting. Her knowledge and strong work ethic have helped us to excel, and she has built a great team to carry on the City’s legacy of financial accuracy and superior customer service.”

Miller is a native of Catawba County and lives in Bethlehem with her cat, Mickey. In retirement, she looks forward to traveling and spending time with friends and family.