Chief Financial Officer (Princeton)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the statutory financial officer of the Municipality and is responsible for the management and integrity of all financial operations. The CFO ensures compliance with New Jersey statutory accounting requirements, supports strategic financial planning, and provides clear, accurate financial information to leadership, governing bodies, and the public. Under direction of the Administrator, the CFO plans, directs, and administers all activities related to municipal financial operations, including budget preparation, accounting, analysis, auditing, financial policy development, and supervision of Finance Department staff.

The CFO oversees a Current Fund budget of approximately $85 million , along with a separate Parking Utility ($6.4 million) and Affordable Housing Utility ($674,000), requiring advanced financial management, forecasting, and compliance with New Jersey statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates expertise in NJ statutory basis accounting, including fund accounting, budget preparation, and annual audit coordination
• Prepares the State Budget Document, Annual Financial Statements (AFS), Annual Debt Statement (ADS), and other reports required by law
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of financial controls, systems, and processes to evaluate effectiveness, inform decision-making, and develop or refine municipal financial policies and procedures
• Oversees cash management, including collections and disbursements; bank relationships and reconciliations; certifies availability of funds; and maintains encumbrance and accounting systems in accordance with NJ statutory requirements
• Oversees municipal debt issuance and debt service, and coordinates the preparation of all required financial, statistical, and disclosure materials, including the Official Statement
• Ensures the proper maintenance, organization, and retention of all financial records in accordance with applicable retention schedules, statutory requirements, and audit standards
• Directs and oversees the operations of the Department of Finance, including supervision, evaluation, and personnel management of staff within Finance, Tax Collection, Tax Assessment, and Purchasing
• Directs payroll operations administered within Human Resources, ensuring accurate and timely processing, compliance with applicable laws and policies
• Leads the development and ongoing management of short- and long-term financial planning related to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Oversees grant administration, including financial tracking, compliance, and coordination with Departments to ensure proper use of funds and alignment with municipal priorities
• Provides financial oversight of procurement activities and works in coordination with the Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) to ensure compliance with NJ procurement laws, municipal policies, and budgetary controls
• Assists the Administrator in other functions, as needed
• Attendance and participation in Public Meetings, as requested
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Knowledge & Abilities

• Graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree with at least 21 semester hour credits in Accounting or Finance
• Must demonstrate good moral character and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service
• Demonstrates proficiency with municipal financial software systems (e.g., Edmunds, MSI, CentralSquare Finance Enterprise, OpenGov, or similar platforms)
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, elected officials, and the public
• Demonstrates strong organizational, project management, and time management skills, with a collaborative approach

Licenses

Applicants must possess a valid certification as Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) issued by the State of NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services. Candidates with significant NJ municipal finance or governmental audit experience who are eligible to obtain CMFO certification will be considered.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in municipal finance or fiscal management
• One (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity
• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check
• NJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)
• Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 – $215,000

Employee benefits include:

• Medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access
• Fourteen (14) paid holidays
• Vacation, sick, and personal leave
• Training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $2,750 annually
• Non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and municipal recreation programs

The Municipality of Princeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.