City CFO & Strategic Finance Leader

KLC Utilities Partnership; Covington (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Covington seeks an Executive Director of Finance to serve as CFO, leading all financial operations, budgeting, accounting, reporting, treasury, debt management, and procurement. The role advises the city manager and board, shaping financial strategy and safeguarding public resources.

Ideal candidates bring deep governmental finance expertise, strong judgment, and a proven leadership presence to align resources with community goals and ensure compliance with state law and GAAP/GASB

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or public-sector financial management, including at least five years in a senior management role.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated experience preparing or overseeing a governmental annual budget and annual financial report.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Advise the city manager, board of commissioners, and department directors on the fiscal impact of policy, operational, economic development, and labor decisions.
• Develops and maintains multi-year financial forecasts, fiscal sustainability plans, and reserve and fund-balance policies.
• Participates in city-wide strategic planning, labor negotiations, and major development and partnership agreements, providing financial analysis and modeling.
• Directs preparation of the annual operating budget and multi-year capital improvement program for adoption by the board of commissioners, consistent with Kentucky law governing municipal budgets (KRS Chapter 91A).
• Oversees expenditure controls, budget amendments, and quarterly budget-to-actual reporting to the city manager and board of commissioners.
• Leads cost studies, fee and rate analyses, and evaluation of service delivery options.
• Oversees general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, and preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Manages the annual independent audit and federal single audit; ensures timely resolution of findings and management-letter comments.
• Establishes and enforces internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures that protect city assets and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Pursues and maintains GFOA certificates of achievement for financial reporting and distinguished budget presentation awards.
• Oversees collection and forecasting of property taxes, occupational license (payroll) fees, net profit fees, insurance premium taxes, and waste and stormwater fees.
• Analyzes revenue structure and recommends policy changes; ensures fair, consistent, and customer-focused tax administration.
• Directs cash management, banking relationships, and investment of city funds in accordance with the city's investment policy and state law.
• Manages debt issuance and administration consistent with the city's debt management policy; works with municipal advisors, bond counsel, and rating agencies to protect and improve the city's credit rating; oversees continuing disclosure.
• Structures financing for capital projects, including bonds, leases, tax increment financing, and other development finance tools.
• Oversees purchasing, bidding, contracting, and surplus property processes to ensure competitive, transparent, and compliant procurement.
• Ensures financial compliance and reporting for federal and state grants, including uniform guidance requirements.
• Coordinates with human resources and legal on insurance, risk financing, and claims-related financial exposure.
• Leads, develops, and evaluates the finance department leadership team and staff; builds succession depth and cross-training.
• Directs the use and improvement of the city's ERP and financial systems; partners with the data analytics division on financial dashboards, transparency, and performance reporting.
• Presents complex financial information clearly to elected officials, the public, the media, auditors, and rating agencies.

Skills

Financial strategy

Executive leadership

Budget development

Revenue management

Treasury management

Internal controls

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/public administration

Master's degree in public administration or related field

CPA/CPFO/CGFM (preferred)

Tools

ERP system

Job description

The City of Covington seeks an Executive Director of Finance to serve as CFO, leading all financial operations, budgeting, accounting, reporting, treasury, debt management, and procurement. The role advises the city manager and board, shaping financial strategy and safeguarding public resources.

Ideal candidates bring deep governmental finance expertise, strong judgment, and a proven leadership presence to align resources with community goals and ensure compliance with state law and GAAP/GASB