Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

New Direction New Orleans; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government entity in New Orleans is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee its financial operations. The CFO will provide strategic financial leadership, ensure transparency in budgeting, and align financial policy with the Mayor's priorities. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and extensive experience in municipal finance. This role offers the opportunity to shape the City's fiscal strategy and enhance public financial stewardship.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of municipal finance leadership experience.
• Expertise in budgeting, treasury, debt structuring, and fiscal planning.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, public-sector accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the City.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance for accurate reporting and operations.
• Oversee preparation and execution of the annual budget.
• Monitor financial performance, revenue projections, and expenditures.
• Ensure fiscal compliance, internal controls, and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Strategy

Collaboration

Communication

Budgeting

Municipal Finance Law Knowledge

Education

MBA, MPP or MPA, CPA, CFA

Job description

Deliverable to residents

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) safeguards public funds, balances the City's budget, and ensures every tax dollar is used transparently and effectively. The CFO provides executive leadership over the City's overall financial strategy, fiscal planning, and long-term sustainability. This role works closely with the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and the Director of Finance to ensure alignment between strategic financial priorities and day-to-day operations. The CFO oversees budgeting, capital planning, debt management, revenue projections, revenue enhancement strategies and fiscal policy while ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective stewardship of public resources. The CFO also provides guidance to and management of the Director of Finance, who manages operational finance functions, treasury, accounting, and reporting.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and provides executive oversight to the Director of Finance, coordinating on financial strategy, policy, and performance management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the City, aligning fiscal policy, budgeting, revenue forecasting, revenue enhancement strategies and capital planning with the Mayor's priorities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting, treasury operations, debt management, and adherence to GAAP/GASB standards.
• Oversee preparation and execution of the annual budget, linking resource allocation to performance outcomes and long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Monitor citywide financial performance, including revenue projections, expenditures, and bond ratings, providing guidance to the Director of Finance on operational execution.
• Ensure fiscal compliance, internal controls, and risk management across all finance operations.
• Serve as a liaison between the Mayor, CAO, City Council, and executive leadership on financial policy, capital projects, and fiscal strategy.
• Provide oversight of pension, retirement, and trust fund management, coordinating with the Director of Finance on fiduciary and operational responsibilities.
• Advise the CAO on procurement, contracting, and financial implications of citywide projects in collaboration with the Chief Procurement Officer.
• Develop and mentor finance leadership, ensuring the Director of Finance and finance staff have the support, guidance, and resources to execute operational responsibilities effectively.

Requirements

• MBA, MPP or MPA, CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of municipal finance leadership experience, including experience managing both strategic and operational financial functions.
• Deep expertise in budgeting, treasury, debt structuring, and long-term fiscal planning.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, provide strategic guidance to executive leadership, and oversee operational finance management.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, municipal finance law, and public‑sector accounting standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience advising elected officials and executive leadership.
• Commitment to transparency, ethical stewardship, and accountable public financial management.

Benefits

Benefits information will be available in the future.