DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Director Of Finance/City Treasurer

The City of Lawndale is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking professional to join the new City Manager's Executive Team and help shape the City's next chapter. Lead the City's financial strategy, budgeting, fiscal stewardship and long-term financial planning. The ideal candidate will bring sound judgment, transparency and a collaborative approach to supporting organizational priorities and maintaining the public's trust. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a new City Manager, influence organization-wide initiatives and build strong partnerships with City employees, elected officials, residents and the business community. If you are a strategic leader committed to public service, operational excellence and meaningful community impact, we invite you to consider joining the City of Lawndale. Help lead what's next for Lawndale.

Under the direction of supervision, plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the activities of the Finance Department, long and short range financial management, operating and capital budgets, financial audit activities; plans, organizes directs and coordinates cash management and investments and the activities of the Treasurer's office; provides administrative assistance to the City Manager; coordinates department activities with other City departments and outside agencies.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develops and implements department goals, objectives, policies and procedures
• Develops financial goals and objectives
• Manages, directs and organizes long and short range financial audits, operating and capital budgets and revenue bonds
• Manages, directs and organizes fiscal activities, accounting, revenue collections, payroll, and grants
• Reviews, evaluates and implements improvements to the City's administrative and financial internal control systems and procedures
• Directs cash management, investments and maintenance of records
• Prepares investment, statistical and financial analyses and reports
• Prepares annual audits and coordinates audit functions
• Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the department's work plan,
• Assigns work activities, projects and programs
• Monitors work flow, reviews and evaluates work products and methods and procedures
• Prepares the City's operating and capital improvement budgets; assists in budget implementation
• Directs and participates in forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, administers the approved budget and implements adjustments
• Prepares and presents reports to the City Council
  • Represents the department to outside groups and organizations
  • Participates in outside community, professional groups and committees
• Appoints personnel, provides and coordinates staff training, evaluates employee performance, determines employee discipline and implements discipline procedures
• Performs a variety of duties as assigned

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of PC's and related software
• Principles and practices of City administration and City department functions
• General public assessment of the City's roles, responsibilities, and commitment to its citizens
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation
• Computer network and accounting systems
• Housing programs, policies and procedures
• Techniques of program analysis and revenue forecast
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations
• Budgeting procedures and techniques
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a PC and related software
• Analyze financial and technical reports, budget reports
• Analyze, interpret and evaluate funding sources, investment and staff reports, laws, regulations and codes
• Observe performance and evaluate staff and apply personnel rules and policies
• Organize, direct and implement a comprehensive financial management program
• Prepare and administer budgets
• Interpret and explain department policies and procedures
• Organize, direct and implement a comprehensive financial management program

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related field
• Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting or a related field, preferable
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public finance and accounting, including two years of supervisory responsibility
• Maintain a valid driver's license in the state of California and a certificate of automobile insurance for personal liability

Apply immediately, subject to close without notice. (First review of applications scheduled on September 17, 2026). Apply online for City Employment Opportunities by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password.

All application materials, to include employment application and resume will be screened and only the most qualified applicants, will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include, but not limited to application review and evaluation, interview, written and/or performance test. A passing score of at least 70% is required on each phase of the selection process to be placed on the eligibility list, which will remain active for a period of up to one year.

The starting annual salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate experience and qualifications. The City also offers an excellent benefit package, as follows, but not limited to:

• Retirement – The City contracts with the California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits for eligible employees. The City offers 2%@55 formula for "classic members" and 2%@62 formula for "new members," in compliance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act 2013 (PEPRA). The City does not participate in Social Security.
• Deferred Compensation – The City offers a 457 defined contribution supplemental retirement plans. Employees who participate are able to receive a City contribution match of up to $8,000 per fiscal year.
• Health Benefits – The City provides extensive health contributions towards medical, dental and vision premiums. The City also provides an employee assistance program, group term life insurance and long-term disability. An IRS Section 125 Flexible spending account also available; wellness reimbursement program ($200 per fiscal year.
• Life Insurance - All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy.
• Long Term Disability - Employees are covered by disability insurance which will provide income for an employee who is totally disabled from injury or accident.
• Leaves and Holidays - The City provides annual vacation and sick leave, that is accrued and based on years of service. The City also provides prorated Executive Leave benefits and varying number of Floating Holidays, as a result of the various work schedules provided by the City.
• Additional Compensation - Bilingual pay ($45 per month); Car allowance ($325 per month); and Tuition Reimbursement ($2,500 per fiscal year).
• Work Schedule – The City offers varying work schedules to include 5/40, 9/80 and 4/10 work schedules. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although many facilities operate during evenings and weekends. The Director of Community Services may be required to work various hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays, to meet operation needs.