Finance Director

CFS; Stoughton (WI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Pension

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

CFS, based in Dane County, seeks a Finance Director to lead budgeting, long-range financial planning, capital planning, debt management, and financial reporting that shapes the community’s future. The role oversees accounting operations, treasury, payroll, and financial controls, coordinating audits and ensuring compliance.

You will advise elected officials and leadership on financial strategy, tax levy planning, and policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; CPA/CPFO or equivalent certification a plus.
• Progressive accounting and finance leadership experience in municipal government preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, governmental accounting, financial reporting, capital planning, debt management, and audit coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budget process and long-term financial forecasting.
• Oversee accounting operations, treasury management, payroll, accounts payable, and utility billing.
• Coordinate annual external audits and ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
• Advise executive leadership on financial strategy, debt management, and policy decisions.

Skills

Budgeting

Government accounting

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Education

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

Job description

Salary: $125,000–$135,000 + Wisconsin Pension

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Our client is a thriving and financially stable community in Dane County known for its thoughtful leadership, strong fiscal stewardship, and commitment to serving residents.
• Lead all aspects of finance, including budgeting, long-range financial planning, capital improvement planning, debt management, and financial reporting that directly impacts the future of the community.
• Enjoy exceptional work/life balance, outstanding health benefits, generous paid time off, and participation in the highly regarded Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).
• Become part of a collaborative leadership team where your expertise is valued and your recommendations influence strategic decisions across the entire organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budget process, long-term financial forecasting, capital improvement planning, and preparation of monthly and annual financial reports as the Finance Director.
• Oversee accounting operations, treasury management, payroll, accounts payable, utility billing, cash management, investments, and compliance with municipal accounting standards.
• Prepare for and coordinate the annual external audit while ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
• Advise executive leadership and elected officials on financial strategy, debt management, tax levy planning, and policy decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field; CPA, CPFO, or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, preferably within municipal government or another governmental organization.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, governmental accounting, financial reporting, capital planning, debt management, and audit coordination.