Director of Finance

Job Description

Leading Financial Excellence in a Community of Distinction

The City of Leawood, Kansas, seeks a strategic and visionary Director of Finance to lead our Finance Department and guide the City’s fiscal future. Join a forward-thinking local government known for its Aaa bond rating, modern financial stewardship, and commitment to service, innovation, and community impact.

As a key member of the City leadership team, the Director of Finance will shape long-term financial strategy, ensure fiscal sustainability, and advance transparent, accountable resource management. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic planning, support high-performing teams, and drive initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Leawood’s residents.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in governmental finance, budgeting, accounting, and strategic resource allocation, paired with exceptional analytical, leadership, and communication skills. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to collaborate across all departments, build trusted relationships with elected officials and community stakeholders, and uphold Leawood’s tradition of financial excellence and integrity.

If you are a forward-thinking financial leader committed to innovation, service, and measurable community results, we invite you to apply and help shape Leawood’s next chapter of fiscal success.

Expected starting salary of $130,000 to $160,000 / year, DOQ.

General Responsibilities

Oversees all finance services and day-to-day activities of the Finance department, including accounts payable, fixed assets, budget management, investments, and cash management.

Manages the City’s annual financial report, including preparing materials and documentation for the external auditors and preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Oversees the development and implementation of the finance department's goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.

Develops and prepares standard and customized reports, including summaries of balances, cost information and other reports; assists with processing fiscal period opening / closing transactions; prepares complex documents including but not limited to financial statements, annual department budget.

Reviews and evaluates accounting records and fiscal activities to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting / legal requirements; identifies issues, trends and patterns; analyzes and explains variances and reports on irregularities; and prepares documentation for revenue estimating.

Responsible for the oversight and coordination of the strategic City’s Capital Improvement Plan, long-range forecasting and investment opportunities.

With support from direct reports and other City staff, responsible for the development, management, and coordination of the City’s annual budget process.

Responsible for all accounting transactions, including but not limited to general ledger and accounts payable, to ensure conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and formulates policies and procedures to provide improved operational controls.

Responds to inquiries and complaints from employees and the public about the finance department, and completes a follow-up in each situation as appropriate. Deals directly with employees and the public on non-routine issues not easily resolved by subordinates.

Reviews existing revenue sources, performance agreements, and contracts to ensure compliance with specified agreements.

Responsible for coordinating the General Long Term Debt Account Group (GLTDAG), ensuring all entries, adjustments and records comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Responsible for developing, modifying, implementing, and maintaining an automated financial tracking and recordkeeping system to improve the efficiency of the Finance department.

Responsible for developing and implementing department goals, objectives, policy, and procedures, and formulation of short-term and long-term development and improvement programs.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends appropriate changes within department policy.

Responsible for reviewing and overseeing the annual audit conducted by the City’s independent outside auditors.

Attends Governing Body Committees and Councils and represents the City at various public functions and meetings.

Education / Training / Certification Requirements

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited higher education institute.

Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of combined experience in accounting management, general ledger, and accounts payable.

Must have experience working in a municipality's financial role.

Must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or lead role.

Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) certification / designation preferred. Must be able to obtain within five (5) years of hire.

Excited to learn more? Submit your application, resume, and cover letter for consideration TODAY!

Application Review Begins November 24, 2025.

Compensation details : 130000-196000 Yearly Salary

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