Finance Director

Finance Director

The City of Davis is seeking a highly experienced, tech-savvy candidate for this position who has the strength of character and depth of knowledge to inspire and lead the City's Finance Department. The Finance Director must have the technical and analytical skills to ensure the City's continuing financial stability and the management ability to ensure the continued effectiveness of Finance staff. The chosen candidate will need to exhibit the ability to diplomatically address issues and challenges; provide citywide leadership in financial matters; tackle difficult or controversial matters head-on; and encourage open discussion. The City is in the beginning phases of transitioning to a new enterprise resource planning system beginning with Finance and Human Resources. Candidates ideally should possess an innovative mindset and ability to critically evaluate existing systems for potential improvements.

The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a commitment to developing strong, positive working relationships not only with the City Manager but with Finance staff, and the entirety of the management team. Candidates must exhibit excellent communication and presentation skills, as well as political acumen.

Candidates for this position will be expected to have knowledge of the principles and methods of public finance administration, particularly in the areas of financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, auditing, payroll, accounting, and investing; modern accounting principles, practices and methods including program budgeting and auditing, and their application to municipal operations; laws regulating the financial administration of government; general principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations; ordinances, resolutions and laws affecting municipal financial operations; principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, personnel and administrative practices; principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution, and principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Experience with California governmental finance is highly desirable.

The City offers an excellent total compensation package. Leave Time along with Health and Welfare Benefits for this At-Will, Executive Management position follow that of the Individual General Management Employees, highlights include :

• 15 to 28 days of vacation per year (increases with years of service, and up to 5 years public agency reciprocity)
• Cash out options available!
• 10 days of management leave, 2 floating holidays, and 13 paid holidays per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year
• The City contribution toward Medical & Dental insurance for 2026 is $2,601.71 per month
• Up to $500 cash-in-lieu per month if declining benefits
• Opportunity to purchase vision insurance.
• 100k Employer Paid, Voluntary / Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase with 200k guarantee amount.
• 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members and 2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1 / 1 / 2013 or later)
• The City does not participate in Social Security
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans available, including Roth options
• Cellphone Stipend available (up to $65 / month)

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Finance Department including financial planning, cash and asset management, debt management, revenue administration and collection, purchasing, payroll and accounting; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; serves as the Treasurer responsible for working with the City's executive management, and investment management organizations to manage the City's investment portfolio; oversees budget preparation and monitors budget; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager or designee in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required. This is an FLSA-exempt, at-will, executive management position.

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager or designee. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Finance Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the City Manager or designee in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals.

Education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be :

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.