Finance Manager

The Position

The Finance Manager recruitment will remain open until October 12, 2026, at 5 p.m.,

or until 100 applications are received, whichever comes first.

The Position: The Finance Manager plans, organizes and manages the citywide budget process under direction of the Finance Director. This position coordinates the technical development of the city's annual operating budget, strategic digital transformation investment program, and capital improvement program, and produces a variety of materials, including fee-related documents, the mid-year budget report, and the annual budget carry forward report.

The Department: The Finance Department's mission is to ensure that the City of Carlsbad makes sound financial decisions by setting and implementing a strategic financial management plan. The department takes pride in accomplishing this mission by maintaining individual and departmental credibility; working as a team; and consistently striving to go above and beyond expectations.

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 the budget management of 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 management role. Answer questions, offer advice, moderate discussions, provide training to staff, and assist in policy setting at the division and city level.
• Be part of a winning team that is considered a leader in municipal finance. We've repeatedly received the GFOA distinguished budget presentation and CSMFO operating budget excellence award.

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 graduate degree? 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.

Here are some of the things likely to fill your days:

• Drafting staff reports that communicate complex budget information in reader-friendly ways and making staff recommendations
• Overseeing the annual budget process and the preparation of the city's annual operating budget, strategic digital transformation investment program and capital improvement program
• Collaborating with other departments to review budget proposals in the city's annual budget
• Assisting with updating the 10-year financial forecast and generating other revenue estimates, expenditure budgets, and fund projections
• Networking with other managers and budget analysts throughout the city
• Chatting about development opportunities with your staff to help them advance their career
• Brainstorming ideas with the Finance Director on how to address changing budget and accessibility requirements
• Reviewing a cost of services study on water and wastewater rates, to determine its impact on the annual operating and capital improvement program budgets, mandatory fund reserve levels, and providing critical fiscal analysis input
• Watching webinars, attending conferences and participating in training on budget best practices
• Preparing and presenting a staff presentation to the City Council or other public budget workshop
• Listening to a department's budget request and collaborating ways to strengthen the business case
• Participating in union labor negotiations and costing various proposals, including impact on the city's 10-year financial forecast
• Overseeing the Implementation of new software systems and major upgrades as it pertains to budget development

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital…