City Finance Leader | CPA | Budget & Strategy

Innovative Public Advisors; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of La Crosse seeks an experienced Director of Finance to lead the Finance Department, overseeing budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury, debt management, payroll, purchasing, investments, tax collection, and long‑range planning.

The Director serves as the CFO for the city, advising theMayor and Common Council, ensuring regulatory compliance, transparent financial management, and strong partnerships with staff, residents, and community partners to sustain the city's fiscal

Qualifications

• CPA designation is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including five years in management.
• Government finance experience preferred; private-sector leadership with transferable skills considered.
• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, debt management, investments, treasury operations, and reporting.
• Experience leading staff and presenting complex financial information to officials.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems, payroll software, MS Office, and reporting tools.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City’s financial operations with fiscal stewardship.
• Oversee budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, debt administration, payroll, purchasing, investments, and tax collection.
• Develop long‑range financial plans and support the City’s strategic priorities.
• Present financial information to elected officials and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with staff, residents, businesses, auditors, and partners to ensure compliant and transparent operations.

Skills

Governance & budgeting

Financial leadership

Communication to officials

Staff leadership

Wisconsin driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Enterprise financial systems

Payroll software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of La Crosse seeks an experienced Director of Finance to lead the Finance Department, overseeing budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury, debt management, payroll, purchasing, investments, tax collection, and long‑range planning.

The Director serves as the CFO for the city, advising theMayor and Common Council, ensuring regulatory compliance, transparent financial management, and strong partnerships with staff, residents, and community partners to sustain the city's fiscal