Director of Accounting and Finance

We are looking for an accomplished finance and accounting leader to support municipal operations in California. This Long-term Contract position will guide budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance activities while helping city leadership maintain a clear view of fiscal performance. The role is ideal for someone with deep public-sector accounting expertise who can strengthen controls, oversee core finance functions, and provide strategic direction across the department.

Responsibilities:

• Direct daily operations across general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and contract administration to ensure accurate and timely financial processing.

• Lead the development of the city’s annual budget by projecting revenue, expenditures, fund balance activity, and capital funding needs, while monitoring spending controls throughout the fiscal year.

• Provide leadership on accounting matters involving governmental reporting standards and fund-based financial management within a municipal environment.• Review monthly financial results and operating activity to evaluate the city’s financial condition and provide ongoing insight to leadership.

• Oversee fiscal year-end close activities, including reconciliation processes, preparation of financial statements, and completion of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

• Set departmental objectives, assign priorities, establish timelines, and measure team performance against defined goals and service expectations.

• Assess financial policies, accounting workflows, and internal control practices, then recommend and implement improvements that support efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

• Examine financial documentation and authorize payments related to invoices, payroll, and other approved expenditures in accordance with established procedures.

• 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility in municipal or other public-sector organizations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of GASB standards and governmental accounting principles.

• Expertise in fund accounting and financial oversight for government agencies, municipalities, or similar entities.

• Experience with budgeting, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and long-range financial planning.

• Proven ability to manage accounting operations such as payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing.

• Track record of strengthening internal controls, improving accounting procedures, and supporting audit readiness and compliance.

• Strong background in month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, and regulatory reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field; advanced credentials such as a CPA are highly valued.