Finance Director

The City of Claremont, New Hampshire, is seeking a strategic and experienced Finance Director to join our leadership team and help shape the city’s financial future. Nestled in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley with a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Claremont is a vibrant community experiencing steady revitalization and growth. With a walkable downtown, historic architecture, and a commitment to community development, Claremont offers the charm of a small town with the vision of a city on the rise. This role is a critical part of our leadership team, responsible for stewarding the City’s financial health and ensuring that public resources are used effectively to support our residents, businesses, and long-term goals. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in a city that values progress, community, and sustainability, we invite you to apply.

Job Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is responsible for directing and overseeing Payroll Compliance, Finance, Budget, Central Collections, and Treasury functions for the City. At the discretion of the City Manager, the Finance Director may act as City Manager in his/her absence and serves as financial advisor and consultant to the City Manager and other Department Directors. This position is designated as management for labor relations purposes and is considered exempt under FLSA.

This single-position class serves as the administrator of the City Finance operations. The incumbent is expected to act with a high degree of independence and sound judgment.

Essential Job Functions

(Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class.)

• Operates under the general supervision of the City Manager, collaborating on long-term goals, policies, and strategic initiatives. Works independently on day‑to‑day operations, providing updates and seeking guidance as needed.
• Directs the overall operations of the Finance Department, including budget, treasury, payroll compliance, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, central collections, and financial reporting. Ensures departmental goals and strategies align with the City’s mission.
• Supervises department staff by assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, recommending hires, administering discipline, and overseeing training and professional development. Plans workload to ensure timely completion of projects and conducts regular staff meetings to assess progress and priorities.
• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of financial policies and procedures. Advises the City Manager on financial matters and provides data‑driven recommendations to support effective decision‑making.
• Oversees the preparation of the City’s financial reports and annual audit. Ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, purchasing ordinances, internal controls, and fiscal policies.
• Prepares and presents finance‑related reports and agenda items to City Council.
• Serves as a primary resource for City staff regarding purchasing processes and financial procedures.
• Collaborates with the City Manager and Human Resources Director on labor relations, merit pay, benefit administration, payroll compliance, and risk management. Assists with related special programs and supports interdepartmental financial planning.

Peripheral Duties

• Attends council meetings as requested.
• Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
• Participates in various committees.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field, plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the public sector, with a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory responsibility, or any combination thereof that demonstrates the skills and ability needed for the position.

Core Competencies

All Directors for the City of Claremont are expected to demonstrate the following professional competencies:

Strategic Leadership & Accountability

• Provides clear direction, manages resources effectively, and aligns departmental operations with the City’s mission. Leads with integrity, exercises sound judgment, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices. Develops and monitors budgets, oversees special projects, and continuously evaluates program performance.

Operational Oversight & Problem Solving

• Plans and evaluates departmental work activities, supervises and develops staff, and maintains organized records and reports. Applies logical reasoning and practical judgment to solve problems, prioritize tasks, and operate under multiple deadlines. Proficient in using technology and administrative tools to manage operations.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Communicates effectively in writing and speech with staff, elected officials, and the public. Maintains respectful, productive working relationships across departments and with community stakeholders. Prepares and delivers presentations to groups, facilitates discussions, and ensures professional representation of the City.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Working knowledge of GAAP and GASB.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of budget development and administration.
• Thorough knowledge of research methods and sources of information related to a broad range of municipal programs, services, and administration.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Effectively and fairly negotiate appropriate solutions and contracts.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, develop appropriate recommendations, and prepare presentations.
• Maintain electronic and written records, prepare reports, and document information pertaining to the activities and responsibilities of the position.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.

Skill in

• Skill in all Microsoft Office Suite products (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and Teams).
• Experience with large financial systems/ERP systems.

Grade 12 – $72,015.81 - $114,520.06 annually

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity, typically within the minimum to midpoint range ($72,015.81 – $93,267.94).

Rich benefit package to include:

• Participation in the New Hampshire Retirement System
• Competitive health insurance plan, with a cost sharing of 20%
• Dental at no cost to the employee
• Vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Additional benefits

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer