Director of Finance

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

About The Position

The City of La Crosse seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic finance leader to serve as its next Director of Finance. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, debt management, and long‑range financial planning, along with the leadership skills to guide a high‑performing Finance Department. This individual will exercise sound judgment, uphold the highest ethical standards, and promote transparent, accountable financial management.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and trusted advisor who communicates complex financial information clearly and builds strong relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, and community partners. They will embrace innovation, leverage technology and data to improve financial operations, and support the City’s long‑term fiscal health and strategic priorities.

Welcome to La Crosse

Nestled along the Mississippi River and framed by dramatic limestone bluffs, the City of La Crosse is one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive and vibrant communities. Home to approximately 53,000 residents, La Crosse serves as the economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural center of western Wisconsin. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historic character, and urban amenities creates an exceptional quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The City provides a comprehensive range of municipal services, including public safety, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, engineering, and utility services. Residents enjoy 47 city parks, miles of scenic trails, an active riverfront, vibrant arts and entertainment, nationally recognized festivals, and abundant year‑round recreational opportunities. The community is also home to three higher education institutions, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, and the La Crosse Center—the region’s premier convention, entertainment, and event venue, which hosts concerts, sporting events, conventions, and community celebrations throughout the year.

La Crosse’s historic downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and strong commercial and industrial sectors continue to drive investment and growth. Ongoing priorities include infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, housing, economic development, environmental stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Major employers, a growing entrepreneurial community, and a collaborative business climate position La Crosse for continued long‑term success.

Guided by engaged residents, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional public service, La Crosse continues to build on its rich history while embracing opportunities for the future. It is a community where people come to live, work, learn, and enjoy one of Wisconsin’s premier riverfront destinations.

Learn more at lacrossewi.gov.

The Ideal Candidate

The Director of Finance serves as the City of La Crosse’s chief financial officer and provides strategic leadership for the City’s financial operations. The Director oversees budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, debt administration, payroll, purchasing, investments, tax collection, and long‑term financial planning. This position serves as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, Common Council, and executive leadership, ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and responsible management of public resources. The Director of Finance supervises Finance Department staff and works collaboratively with elected officials, employees, residents, businesses, auditors, financial institutions, and community partners to support the City’s financial stability and strategic priorities.

Expected Hiring Range

$130,000-$145,000 (DOQ)

Excellent benefits package and enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

Applications are being accepted until filled, with first review no later than August 28, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including five years of management or supervisory responsibility.
• Government finance experience is strongly preferred; candidates with significant private‑sector financial leadership experience possessing transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budgeting, debt management, investments, treasury operations, financial reporting, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Experience leading professional staff, developing organizational budgets, and presenting complex financial information to elected officials and executive leadership.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial management systems, payroll software, Microsoft Office applications, and financial reporting tools.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.