City Manager / Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Ascendo Resources; Florida; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Diversity-friendly employer

Job summary

Ascendo Resources is seeking a City Manager / CFO for a Miami-Dade municipality. The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on financial stewardship, overseeing a ~$100M budget, multi-department operations, and public governance initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive municipal finance and public administration experience, strong communication skills, and a track record of driving financial integrity, transparency, and service excellence for residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressively responsible municipal government or public-sector finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of GASB, GAAP, budgeting, and government auditing.
• Experience leading large multi-department organizations and senior teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, capital planning, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the $100 million operating budget, forecasting, reporting, and financial planning.
• Lead accounting, treasury, purchasing, payroll, and accounts payable/receivable.
• Ensure GASB/GAAP compliance and prepare ACFR and annual financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, investments, debt, reserves, and long‑term financial strategy.
• Develop financial policies, internal controls, and capital improvement programs.
• Present analyses and budget recommendations to elected officials and senior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Public finance

Budgeting

Government accounting

Communication

Executive decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Public Administration

Master's degree preferred

CPA/CGFO designation preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

City Manager / Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Out of state candidates will be offered relocation assistance.

Ideal start date is Early Q1 of 2027

Annual Operating Budget: Approximately $100 Million

Workforce: Approximately 650 Employees

Position Overview

A municipality in Miami-Dade County is seeking an experienced City Manager / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide executive leadership, financial oversight, and strategic direction for municipal operations.

The municipality operates with an annual budget of approximately $100 million. This position requires a hands-on executive with a strong background in municipal finance, government accounting, budgeting, and public administration.

The ideal candidate will combine the financial expertise of a CFO with the operational and administrative leadership capabilities of a City Manager. This individual will work closely with elected officials, department heads, and community stakeholders to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and effective delivery of municipal services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the municipality's approximately $100 million annual operating budget, including budget development, administration, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Direct municipal financial operations, including accounting, treasury, purchasing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, financial audits, and the Municipalities Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), as applicable.
• Manage cash flow, investments, debt obligations, reserves, and long-term financial planning.
• Develop and implement financial policies, internal controls, and procedures to safeguard municipal assets.
• Oversee capital improvement budgets, infrastructure funding, and long-term capital planning.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, revenue enhancement, and improved financial performance.
• Present financial reports, budget recommendations, and strategic financial analyses to elected officials and senior leadership.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and other financial stakeholders.

City Management & Municipal Operations

• Provide executive oversight of municipal departments, operations, and administrative functions.
• Execute strategic initiatives, policies, and objectives established by elected leadership.
• Ensure municipal services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with established standards.
• Evaluate organizational performance and implement operational improvements.
• Oversee municipal infrastructure, capital projects, public works, and community development initiatives.
• Collaborate with department leadership to establish operational goals, performance measures, and accountability standards.
• Support employee development, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with municipal ordinances, policies, and applicable government regulations.

Strategic Leadership & Government Relations

• Serve as a key advisor to elected officials on financial, operational, and administrative matters.
• Develop and implement long-term financial and organizational strategies supporting the City's growth and sustainability.
• Maintain strong relationships with Miami-Dade County, neighboring municipalities, state agencies, and community organizations.
• Participate in public meetings, budget hearings, and strategic planning sessions.
• Communicate complex financial and operational information clearly to elected officials, employees, and residents.
• Identify and address emerging financial, operational, and regulatory challenges.
• Promote transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, public-sector finance, accounting, or administration.
• Significant leadership experience in municipal financial management, budgeting, and government accounting.
• Experience overseeing large operating budgets and complex, multi-department organizations.
• Strong understanding of GASB standards, governmental fund accounting, financial reporting, and public-sector auditing.
• Demonstrated experience managing senior leadership teams and large employee populations.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, capital improvement planning, procurement, and financial controls.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and executive decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, department heads, and community stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation.
• Previous experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Municipal CFO, Finance Director, or comparable public-sector executive.
• Experience managing municipal budgets of $75 million or more.
• Strong knowledge of Florida municipal finance, government regulations, and public administration.
• Experience with municipal bond financing, debt management, capital improvement programs, and long-term financial planning.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and financial management technology used in government organizations.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a financially driven executive with the leadership skills necessary to oversee both the fiscal and operational responsibilities of a municipality.

This individual should demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in government accounting and municipal financial management.
• Strong financial oversight, budgeting, and strategic planning capabilities.
• The ability to lead large teams and manage complex municipal operations.
• A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to advise elected officials on significant financial and operational decisions.
• A track record of improving financial processes, internal controls, and operational efficiencies.
• Strong ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.
• The ability to balance long-term strategic objectives with day-to-day municipal responsibilities.

The City offers a competitive executive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits program that may include health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity.

Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.