Finance Director

Ralph Andersen; Oakdale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oakdale is seeking a Finance Director to lead the Finance Department and drive financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. The role requires expert knowledge of public sector finance, strong leadership, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to elected officials and staff.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a Master’s preferred, and at least five years of progressively responsible financial experience in public administration, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, monitor, and review the activities of the Finance Department.
• Provide fiscal guidance and recommendations to City decision makers.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (desirable)

Job description

Client:City of Oakdale, California
Position:Finance Director
Closing Date:September 21, 2026

The city of Oakdale is seeking a strong and focused leader to serve as the next Finance Director. The Finance Director is a vital member of the City’s executive leadership team and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring, and reviewing the activities and operations of the Finance Department. This position calls for a forward-thinking and results-driven leader with demonstrated expertise in public sector financial management and public administration.

The Finance Director must have a strong understanding of public sector regulations, funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements. They must be capable of exercising independent judgment in establishing efficient and effective financial processes, while also providing sound policy guidance and fiscal recommendations to City decision makers.

In addition to technical proficiency and operating at a strategic level in a municipal organization, the ideal candidate will possess superior leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Personal attributes should also demonstrate a commitment to employee development, ethical financial practices, and continuous improvement. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style is key, someone who can foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and service excellence across the Department and throughout the organization. The ability to clearly communicate complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including elected officials, community stakeholders, and City staff, is crucial. Public presentation skills are key component of this role, and the Finance Director will serve as a public representative of the City.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is highly desirable.

Experience: Five years progressively responsible related experience in financial management and administration, including four years of high-level responsibility in public finance is required. Specific and broad-based financial management and budgeting experience working directly in a municipal organization is strongly desired

Compensation and Benefits: The City will offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The current salary range for the Finance Director position is $150,301 to $206,357. Placement within this range is negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. The City of Oakdale also offers an attractive benefits package which includes but is not limited to California Public Employees’ Retirement Systems, medical/dental/vision, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and management leave.