Finance Director

Department of Finance

City of Sonoma, California

Annual Salary: $149,652 to $181,908 DOE/DOQ

The City of Sonoma, California, is seeking a Finance Director with experience in both accounting and budget preparation to oversee the Department of Finance. This is a hands-on and public-facing leadership position with substantial economic influence on the community. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record of public sector fiscal management and leadership. The Director will prepare and manage the City of Sonoma’s budget of approximately $43 million and oversee three accounting staff members while closely collaborating with the City Manager, City Council, department heads, and consultants. The primary responsibility of the Director is the preparation, presentation, and oversight of the City’s annual budget and Capital Improvement Projects fund. The ideal candidate for this exciting role will be a working leader, who is eager to use their public sector experience and financial expertise to serve as a key member of the City’s Executive Team. If you are seeking longevity in a creative finance role, apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/8ef4e8e5-29ca-4f52-9bf0-c6aca4469945

THE JOB
The Finance Director’s principal responsibility is the big-picture financial trajectory of the City. They will produce and manage the annual budget process in collaboration with the City Council, Finance Committee, and City management. They will also work to lead the publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in a manner that maintains GFOA standards for Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Director will manage and supervise the daily operations of a municipal finance department – including the oversight of various functions such as utility billing, accounts payable and receivable, revenue collections, and payroll. Effective leadership skills are essential in supervising, evaluating, and mentoring Department staff. Beyond day-to-day management of the Department, the Director will have the opportunity to collaborate on special projects with the City Manager, working to provide strong financial stewardship for the City.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will balance the oversight of a small team and lead the financial future of the City. Effective communication is a must, as they will convey complex financial information and ideas, both verbally and in writing, to individuals or groups with varying levels of financial expertise. As a custodian of public trust, the Director must be unwavering in their commitment to accountability, integrity, customer service, and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will have experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring financial plans that align with the organization's goals. Knowledge of municipal governmental accounting principles is essential to maintain financial transparency and compliance. Flexibility is vital, as there are evolving expectations and challenges during the budget preparation process. The Director must navigate these dynamics while maintaining stability, focus, and positivity. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic leader who can foster a highly motivated and cohesive team. The City is seeking a visionary Director who recognizes the value of teamwork and can inspire others to excel collectively, contributing to the overall success of the Finance Department and the organization as a whole.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• EDUCATION: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, finance, public administration, or a related field.
• EXPERIENCE: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in government accounting, including three years of administrative and management responsibility.
• LICENSE: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.

Desired:

• EDUCATION: Master’s degree in public finance or related field or CPA.
• EXPERIENCE: Extensive experience in public or non-profit accounting.

Salary and Benefits: Annual salary of $149,652 to $181,908 DOE/DOQ and an attractive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply ASAP at https://wbcpinc.com/job-board

SECURE THE DATES: Interviews will take place as qualified candidates are identified.

Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson, with any questions:

• lauren@wbcpinc.com
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $149,652.00 - $181,908.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Sonoma, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person