Head of Finance (Remote)

Finance Director Position

The City of Carlsbad is seeking a Finance Director who subscribes to the philosophy of continuous improvement, who will continue leading the Department in reimagining how work is accomplished, integrating best practices to strengthen operations, and demonstrating the highest-level of character and ethical standards. In Carlsbad, you will find the many benefits of working for a city large enough to make a difference and small enough to get things done. Specifically, you will:

Support a full-service city, with over 1,200 employees who serve 115,000 residents, as well as a thriving business community that includes corporate headquarters for leading technology, life sciences, and action sports companies.

Serve in a leadership role. Answer questions, offer advice, moderate discussions, provide training to staff, assist in policy setting at the department and city level, and serve as an advocate for the city's mission, vision, and values.

Be part of a winning team that is considered a leader in municipal finance. We've received the GFOA award for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting for the past 28 years straight. But who's counting?

What's more, in Carlsbad you will enjoy a culture focused on excellence that rewards managers with:

Flexibility: You want to come in late to watch your kid get an award for being awesome? Flex time can make that possible. Enjoy three-day weekends? Optional 9/80 schedules provide every other Friday off and we offer the ability to telecommute. We understand the importance of flexibility and will work with you to balance life and a career in a way that benefits us both.

Development Support: Thinking of getting that MBA? Done. Looking to develop your leadership abilities and work on stretch assignments? Done and done. We give you the opportunity to grow and develop because engaged successful employees make the city better too.

Feedback: Want to know how you're doing? We'll tell you. Curious about your career options? Let's talk. The City of Carlsbad invests in our employees and places a high priority on ongoing feedback and coaching, so you can do your best work.

This job is for you if...

You are a creative, collaborative leader able to build a culture of innovation and continual process improvement

You enjoy being a hands-on strategic leader, who builds and maintains high performing, team-oriented working environments

You are a creative critical thinker and problem solver who is not constrained by tradition or structure. You are open to discovering new ways to solve old problems

You hold staff accountable while cultivating mutual respect and demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

You love public service and exemplify personal integrity, political savvy, and excellent customer service

You are personable, approachable, and are effective at guiding and motivating others

You provide highly responsible and complex support and can think on your feet

You enjoy giving presentations and have an ability to make the complex simple

When things change, chances are, you were a key contributor

You are highly motivated and take initiative

You want to make a difference

You will make your time with us matter

What does a typical day as Finance Director Look like? Trick question. There is no typical day, but here are some of the things likely to fill yours:

Reviewing staff reports and recommending ways to improve the fiscal analysis

Overseeing the year-end audit process and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Collaborating with other departments to consolidate the city's annual budget

Working on the 10-year financial forecast or other budget report. Networking with other directors throughout the city

Chatting about a stretch assignment with your staff to help them advance their career

Brainstorming ideas with the Deputy City Manager of Administrative Services on how to address new financial policies

Reviewing a cost of services study on water and wastewater rates, and providing critical fiscal analysis input

Watching webinars, attending conferences and participating in training on new accounting standards

Preparing and presenting a staff presentation to the City Council

Listening to a department's budget request and collaborating ways to strengthen the business case

Participating in a quarterly Investment Review Board meeting

Overseeing the Implementation of new software systems and major upgrades

Overseeing required city debt payments are made, required disclosure documents and arbitrage calculations are being prepared in accordance with requirements and law

Meeting with developers in the city to provide input on infrastructure financing

Participating in meetings with the operators of the city's golf course and providing financial guidance

Leading a team that is upgrading an existing or implementing a new system

Partnering and collaborating to develop a top-notch team

Putting on the Deputy City Manager of Administrative Services' hat once in a while (hey, everyone needs a vacation) to serve on the city leadership team and direct branch operations

What you'll need:

To be considered for this position, you need to have experience with building and leading successful teams, budgeting and financial forecasting, and robust communication skills. The full list of job requirements is included in this link to the job classification. Please review it carefully before applying.

You belong in Carlsbad:

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

SAVE THE DATE: If selected to move forward, there will be an oral board interview panel the week of August 17. (Date subject to change)

City of Carlsbad