Chief Financial Officer

Mississippi Department of Employment Security; Oxford (MS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Oxford, Mississippi is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee municipal finance and ensure fiscal integrity and transparency. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and have over 8 years of relevant experience, alongside strong leadership capabilities. This full-time role offers a salary and benefits with key responsibilities in budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including leadership of a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of municipal accounting standards, public budgeting, procurement laws.
• Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage large budgets and provide strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the City’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Provide regular financial reports, projections, and recommendations to city officials.
• Lead financial planning efforts including forecasting and debt management.
• Oversee billing, collection and reconciliation of all municipal taxes.
• Administer the City’s retirement programs and coordinate compliance.
• Supervise procurement and purchasing processes for efficiency and compliance.
• Manage public records requests and maintain accurate financial documentation.
• Provide strategic leadership to direct reports and foster a professional culture.
• Represent the City in financial dealings with banks and investment consultants.

Skills

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Visionary mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

Strong leadership and team development skills

Detail-oriented with integrity and accountability

Proficient in financial systems, Tyler software and Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

Tyler software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key executive leader for the City of Oxford, Mississippi, responsible for the financial integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability of the City. This forward-thinking and visionary role leads a multifaceted team and oversees all aspects of municipal finance, including budgeting, tax collection, investments, procurement, employee benefits, records management and inventory. The CFO plays a critical role in strategic planning, policy development, and high-level decision-making, ensuring that Oxford remains fiscally strong while preparing for future growth. This position also serves as a primary liaison with the Mississippi Municipal League and other governmental and financial partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the City\'s annual operating and capital improvement budgets in alignment with long-term strategic goals.
• Provide regular financial reports, projections, and recommendations to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and department heads.
• Lead the City\'s financial planning efforts, including forecasting, investment strategy and debt management.
• Monitor economic trends and emerging financial risks to advise on proactive policy development.
• Oversee the billing, collection, and reconciliation of all municipal taxes, including sales, tourism and franchise taxes, and ensure accurate reporting and remittance of revenues to state and local agencies.
• Administer the City\'s retirement programs, evaluate and potentially transition to a self-insured health plan, and coordinate with providers, auditors and legal advisors for compliance.
• Supervise procurement and purchasing processes, ensure legal compliance, cost-effectiveness and accountability; oversee inventory tracking and asset management citywide; ensure efficient processing and reconciliation of accounts payable.
• Manage the processing of public records requests in compliance with Mississippi public records law and maintain accurate financial documentation in coordination with the City Clerk\'s office.
• Provide strategic leadership to direct reports, including the City Clerk, Comptroller, and four Deputy Clerks; foster a culture of professionalism, accuracy, innovation and service; ensure proper training and internal controls.
• Represent the City in financial dealings with banks, auditors, bond counsel and investment consultants; serve as the City\'s financial liaison to the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) and stay informed on legislation and municipal finance trends.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including leadership of a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of municipal accounting standards (GAAP), public budgeting, procurement laws, and governmental reporting requirements.
• Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage large budgets and provide strategic recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or Master\'s degree in related field.
• Experience working within a municipal or county government.
• Demonstrated leadership in evaluating or managing self-insured health plans.
• Engagement with the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) through leadership, committee work, or policy involvement.
• Familiarity with PERS and other public retirement systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Visionary mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of integrity and accountability.
• Proficient in financial systems, Tyler software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, salaried position with benefits.
• Office-based, with occasional evening meetings required.
• Attendance at Board of Aldermen meetings and city functions will be required.