Finance Director - Village of Estero, FL

Cities, Inc.; Estero (FL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Estero, Florida seeks a Finance Director to oversee municipal finances, guide long-term financial planning, and support a lean, “government-light” organization.

The role leads budgeting, debt management, procurement, grants, and financial reporting; communicates complex information to the Village Manager, elected officials, staff, and the public; reports to the Village Manager and collaborates with the Finance Department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Eight+ years of progressively responsible management in governmental financial administration in the United States.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and accounting principles governing municipal finance operations.
• Professional credentials: CPA, CPFO, and/or CGFO.

Responsibilities

• Oversee municipal finances and guide long-term financial planning.
• Lead budgeting, debt management, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Communicate complex financial information to elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Coordinate with related agencies and manage capital financing and grant activities.
• Prepare and present financial statements and reports to leadership and the public.

Skills

Public finance leadership

Budgeting

Debt management

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Grant administration

Procurement

Capital financing

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

CAFR reporting tools

Job description

Are you a collaborative and strategic finance leader who can oversee municipal finances, guide long-term financial planning, and support a high-performing “government-light” organization? If so, apply to be Estero’s next Finance Director.

The Village is seeking an exceptional public finance executive who is:

• Skilled in municipal budgeting, debt management, and financial reporting
• Experienced with internal controls, grants, procurement, and capital financing
• Adept at communicating complex financial information to elected officials, staff, and the public

Estero, Florida, is a vibrant and growing community of more than 37,000 residents located in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples. The Village encompasses approximately 30 square miles and includes about 26,000 households and 1,467 businesses.Estero celebrated its 10th anniversary of incorporation in 2024 and continues to build a reputation for transparent government, sound financial management, environmental stewardship, and a high quality of life.The Village operates under a “government-light” model and maintains a lean staff and leverages vendor partnerships to deliver services efficiently and cost-effectively.

The Finance Department is the custodian of all Village funds and is responsible for the organization’s fiscal management, including procurement and assistance with information technology systems. Reporting to the Village Manager, the Finance Director serves as the Village’s Chief Financial Officer. The position is responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting Village finances.

The Village of Estero seeks an experienced municipal finance executive who brings strategic insight, integrity, sound business judgment, and a collaborative, team-building leadership style. This individual will be committed to innovation, professional best practices, accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Experience with a Community Redevelopment Agency and knowledge of Florida’s highly transparent “Government in the Sunshine” environment are also desirable

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• At least eight years of progressively responsible management experience in financial administration with governmental organizations in the United States
• Demonstrated knowledge of laws, policies, and accounting principles governing municipal finance operations
• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Finance Officer, and/or Certified Government Finance Officer

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Experience working with rating agencies and managing municipal debt and bond issuances
• Experience with contracts and legally available investment opportunities
• Experience preparing complex financial statements, annual budgets, and Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports
• Experience with public-private partnerships and a “government-light” municipal structure
• Experience working in high-growth communities or organizations

Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $185,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact:

Doug Thomas

Executive Vice President — Recruitment & Leadership Development

Strategic Government Resources

[e-mail]

863-860-9314