Finance Director

Salary: $202,755.00 - $246,683.00 Annually
Location : Carlsbad, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CA-FD 07-2026
Department: City of Carlsbad
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


About the Position

Shape the Financial Future of an Award-Winning City
What if your next career move allowed you to influence the future of an entire community?
The City of Carlsbad is looking for a visionary Finance Director who combines strategic leadership with technical expertise and a passion for public service. You'll join an organization known for innovation, collaboration, and fiscal excellence while leading a nationally recognized finance department that has earned the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 28 consecutive years.

As Finance Director, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, City Council, and departments across the organization, overseeing budgeting, financial planning, accounting, investments, debt management, technology modernization, and long-range fiscal strategy.
Why Carlsbad?
At Carlsbad, we believe great people do their best work when they're supported.

• Flexible work schedules, including optional 9/80 schedules
• Hybrid/telework opportunities
• A collaborative, high-performing executive leadership team
• Extensive professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• A culture built on innovation, inclusion, coaching, and continuous improvement
• The opportunity to lead meaningful projects that directly improve the lives of more than 115,000 residents

Ideal Candidate

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Inspires and develops high-performing teams
• Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on when needed
• Brings fresh ideas and embraces continuous improvement
• Builds strong partnerships across departments and with the community
• Communicates complex financial information in a clear, engaging manner
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and political acumen
• Thrives in a collaborative, service-oriented environment

In This Role You Will:

• Lead all aspects of the City's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, payroll, financial reporting, and long-range forecasting.
• Guide the City's annual budget and multi-year financial planning efforts.
• Oversee audits, investments, debt administration, and major financial initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop innovative financial strategies.
• Lead technology improvements and modernize financial systems and processes.
• Mentor and develop an exceptional finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Supplemental Information
Make Your Next Career Move Count
If you're an innovative finance leader who enjoys solving complex challenges, developing people, and making a lasting impact on your community, we'd love to hear from you. CPS HR Consulting is assisting the City with recruiting for this position. All applications must be submitted through the City's career site. The City's HR Department will coordinate all application review and hiring activities.


For more information and to apply, use the link below to be taken to the City of Carlsbad's Government Jobs site.

Join Carlsbad and help shape the financial future of one of California's premier coastal cities.
Please see job announcement for details.