What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Financial Analyst position at City of Mountain View (CA)?
The Position
Help shape the financial decisions that will build the Mountain View of Tomorrow as our next Principal Financial Analyst. Behind every City service residents rely on is a thoughtful financial strategy. In this influential role, you will help transform community priorities into responsible, sustainable investments that serve Mountain View today and prepare it for the future.
The Principal Financial Analyst is the highest-level classification in the City’s Financial Analyst series. This position works with a high degree of independence and is entrusted with some of the City’s most complex and consequential financial work. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Administrative Services, this position performs complex financial, operational, and organizational analyses while providing high-level support to every division within the department.
In this role you will lead and assist with a wide variety of initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Financial analysis and forecasting
- General accounting and financial reporting
- Budget development and long-range financial planning
- Treasury management, investments, and cash management
- Debt administration and capital financing
- Purchasing and procurement initiatives
- Revenue analysis and cost recovery studies
- Payroll and administrative process improvements
- Risk management and insurance-related projects
- Development of City Council reports, presentations, and policy recommendations
- Department-wide strategic initiatives and special projects
This position offers significant variety and visibility, working closely with department managers, executive leadership, and City departments on projects that have organization-wide impact.
The detailed job description can be reviewed on the City's website here.
The Essentials:
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of relevant experience, education and training that will satisfy the required minimum qualifications, knowledge, and abilities.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, economics, or a closely related field.
- Four years of increasingly responsible financial administrative and analytical experience related to Citywide budgeting, revenue forecasting, or special analytical projects.
The Ideal Candidate
The strongest candidate will pair advanced financial expertise with curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. You understand that the most useful analysis does more than identify a problem, it helps people understand their options and move toward a thoughtful solution.
You may be a great candidate for this role if you:
- See the story behind the numbers and can explain it clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Are comfortable navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and decisions with significant Citywide impact.
- Bring deep knowledge of municipal budgeting, revenue forecasting, financial modeling, and public administration.
- Can move confidently between detailed analytical work and high-level strategic discussions.
- Anticipate needs, identify risks, and offer practical solutions before issues become urgent.
- Build trust and productive working relationships across departments and organizational levels.
- Manage multiple complex assignments while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
- Exercise discretion and good judgment when working with confidential or sensitive information.
- Look for opportunities to improve processes, strengthen systems, and make complex work more efficient.
- Write concise, well-organized reports and deliver clear, credible presentations.
Make Your Expertise Matter - Apply Now:
If you are ready to bring financial clarity to complex questions, help leaders make responsible decisions, and shape investments that will serve the Mountain View community for years to come, we invite you to apply. Applications must be received by August 7, 2026.
Come help us build a financially strong, resilient, and forward-looking Mountain View.
Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Division upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Selection Process
Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to the following process:
Oral Boards August 17, 2026 (date subject to change)
Department Interview August 20, 2026 (date subject to change)
Salary : $139,119 - $208,678