Chief Financial Officer

City of Burlington NC; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Burlington, NC is seeking a Finance Director to serve as steward of public funds, promoting ethical conduct, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability across the organization. This role directs preparation and administration of operating and capital budgets, oversees accounting, reporting, treasury, debt management, purchasing, and risk management.

The Finance Director supervises staff, coordinates with external auditors, and partners with City departments to support

Qualifications

• CPA certification required.
• Experience with governmental accounting.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all Finance Department functions and resources.
• Direct preparation and administration of operating and capital budgets.
• Coordinate debt issuances and ensure compliance with covenants.
• Liaise with external auditors.
• Provide financial guidance to other City departments.

Skills

Ethical leadership

GAAP & GASB proficiency

Financial analysis

Budgeting & reporting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Accounting

CPA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial management software

Job description

Open to Internal City of Burlington Candidates Only!

About Us

The City of Burlington Finance Department is responsible for managing the City's financial resources and ensuring sound financial practices, accountability, and regulatory compliance. The department oversees accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, debt administration, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, employee insurance benefits, and risk management. It also coordinates the City's annual operating and capital budgets, long-range financial planning, and capital improvement initiatives while providing financial guidance and support to City departments and responsive customer service to Burlington citizens.

What You Will Do

The Finance Director serves as a key steward of public funds and is responsible for promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability throughout the organization. This position ensures that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and that public funds are used appropriately, efficiently, and only for purposes authorized and intended. The Finance Director provides oversight and guidance to ensure financial transactions, expenditures, and resource allocations comply with applicable laws, approved budgets, funding restrictions, and City policies while fostering a culture of integrity and public trust.

The position directs the preparation and administration of the City's operating and capital budgets, oversees financial records and reporting systems, coordinates debt issuances, and ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws, regulations, and bond covenants. The Finance Director supervises department personnel, serves as the primary liaison with external auditors, and works collaboratively with other City departments to support purchasing, budget management, and expenditure monitoring. This role requires sound independent judgment, strong leadership, financial expertise, and a commitment to providing excellent service to City employees and the Burlington community.

Financial Leadership and Operations

• Serves as a leader and advocate for ethical financial practices, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the management of public resources.
• Directs and oversees all Finance Department functions, personnel, and resources, including accounting, payroll, treasury management, purchasing, accounts payable, debt management, employee benefits, and risk management.
• Establishes and administers departmental policies, procedures, and operational priorities.
• Coordinates and manages City debt issuances, including bonds and capital lease financing, and ensures compliance with debt covenants.
• Oversees employee insurance benefit administration and education, as well as the City's risk management and liability insurance programs.

Budgeting and Financial Reporting

• Directs the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the City's annual operating and capital budgets and Capital Improvement Plan.
• Oversees departmental budget preparation, budget transfers, amendments, and expenditure monitoring.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records, general ledger, financial systems, and financial statements.
• Coordinates annual financial audits and serves as the primary liaison with external auditing firms.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Departmental and Organizational Support

• Supervises, develops, and evaluates Finance Department personnel, promoting accountability, efficiency, and professional growth.
• Provides financial guidance and support to other City departments regarding purchasing, budgeting, and expenditure management.
• Maintains effective working relationships with City employees, external agencies, vendors, and the general public.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards, municipal finance, budgeting, treasury management, debt administration, and risk management.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and municipal personnel practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, financial accounting software, and computerized financial management systems.
• Ability to lead, supervise, delegate, and develop employees while managing multiple departmental functions.
• Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements, budgets, and reports.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish effective working relationships with employees, management, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or related area.
• Seven to nine years of progressively responsible experience in related field.
• Supervisory experience
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work in this class is described as being sedentary and seldom requires much physical exertion to complete tasks.
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Employee regularly operates a variety of machinery and equipment, including telephones, computers, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading.
• Working conditions include inside environmental conditions.

FLSA Status:Exempt
Inclement Weather Classification: Essential