Finance Director

ICMA; Fountain Valley, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 209,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Health insurance

Dental & Vision plans

Pension and 457/401(k) options

Paid holidays & wellness

Job summary

City of Fountain Valley seeks a Finance Director to lead financial strategy, long-term planning, and capital project financing. You will oversee a twelve-person finance team and drive accounting, budgeting, procurement, revenue collection, audits, and policy development.

The ideal candidate will have municipal debt financing experience, ability to work with advisors, and strong communication to diverse stakeholders. CPA is desirable and a master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in finance, accounting, public administration, or related field.
• Master's degree in a related field highly desirable.
• 7+ years of governmental finance experience; 4+ years in management/supervision.
• CPA licensure is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Financial planning and financial strategy oversight.
• Budget development and administration for the city.
• Accounting and financial reporting duties.
• Payroll administration and processing.
• Purchasing and procurement oversight.
• Revenue collection and utility billing management.
• Annual audits and internal controls.
• Business licensing administration.
• Investment and cash management oversight.
• Financial policy development and implementation.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Collaborative leadership

Effective communication

Mentorship

Integrity

Ethical public service

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance/related field

Master's degree desirable

CPA licensure desirable

Job description

As Finance Director, you will serve as one of the City's key executive leaders, providing strategic financial leadership across the organization and helping position Fountain Valley for continued fiscal strength and long-term sustainability. This is an especially exciting time to join the City. Fountain Valley is investing in its future through significant capital improvement projects, including the development of a new fire station. The Finance Director will play a critical leadership role in evaluating financing strategies, developing long-term financial plans, and helping the City successfully navigate the complexities of funding major capital investments.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience with municipal debt financing and the issuance of bonds to support capital improvement projects. The ability to evaluate financing alternatives, work effectively with financial advisors and bond professionals, communicate complex financial concepts to decision-makers, and ensure that debt strategies align with the City's long-term financial objectives will be highly valued.

You’ll oversee a talented department of twelve professionals, including an Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, while guiding every aspect of the City's financial operations, including:

• Financial planning and financial strategy
• Budget development and administration
• Accounting and financial reporting
• Payroll administration
• Purchasing and procurement
• Revenue collection and utility billing
• Annual audits and internal controls
• Business licensing
• Investment and cash management
• Financial policy development and implementation

Beyond technical expertise, the Finance Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, executive leadership team, finance committees, advisory bodies, and community stakeholders. Success in this role will depend not only on financial acumen, but on the ability to build trust, foster transparency, and develop strong working relationships with people who have diverse perspectives and interests.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a leader who combines financial expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate is:

• A strategic thinker who sees the big picture while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• An approachable and collaborative leader who builds trust throughout the organization.
• An innovative problem solver who embraces continuous improvement and modern business practices.
• A confident communicator who can translate complex financial information into meaningful guidance for diverse audiences.
• A mentor who develops employees, builds high-performing teams, and promotes accountability through positive leadership.
• A professional with unquestioned integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical public service

The successful candidate understands that finance is more than balancing budgets - it's about enabling great government. If you're an experienced municipal finance professional who enjoys strategic leadership, values collaboration, and is excited by the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we encourage you to apply.

Excellent Salary & Benefits Include

• Annual Salary: $208,916.45 - $253,939.50
• 4/10 schedule (off Fridays)
• CalPERS retirement (2%@60 for Classic or 2%@62 for PEPRA)
• Choice of CalPERS medical HMO and PPO plans. Choice of DHMO or DPPO dental plans. Medical and dental premiums for employee and eligible dependents are paid by the City.
• Other benefits include $100,000 life insurance policy (mandatory), vision and optional AFLAC insurance.
• Matching deferred compensation 457(b) or 401(a) contribution up to $500 per month.
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Generous leave accruals, including 108 hours for administrative leave (prorated upon hire)
• Annual wellness/fitness reimbursement of $500 per fiscal year
• Retiree Health Savings Account: Mandatory 2% employee contribution
• 11 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Tuition reimbursement

Qualification Guidelines

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, business, public administration, or a related field. A master's degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Experience

At least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in governmental finance including at least four (4) years in a management / supervisory capacity. Previous experience developing and administering a City-wide budget is highly desirable.

Certification

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure is highly desirable.

10200 Slater Ave
Fountain Valley , CA 92708-4736
United States