Finance Director

The City of Claremont, New Hampshire, is seeking a strategic and experienced Finance Director to join our leadership team and help shape the city’s financial future. Nestled in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley with a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Claremont is a vibrant community experiencing steady revitalization and growth. With a walkable downtown, historic architecture, and a commitment to community development, Claremont offers the charm of a small town with the vision of a city on the rise.

This role is a critical part of our leadership team, responsible for stewarding the City’s financial health and ensuring that public resources are used effectively to support our residents, businesses, and long-term goals. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in a city that values progress, community, and sustainability, we invite you to apply.

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is responsible for directing and overseeing Payroll Compliance, Finance, Budget, Central Collections, and Treasury functions for the City. At the discretion of the City Manager, the Finance Director may act as City Manager in his/her absence and serves as financial advisor and consultant to the City Manager and other Department Directors.

This position is designated as management for labor relations purposes and is considered exempt under FLSA.

This single-position class serves as the administrator of the City Finance operations. The incumbent is expected to act with a high degree of independence and sound judgment.

(Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class.)

• Operates under the general supervision of the City Manager, collaborating on long-term goals, policies, and strategic initiatives. Works independently on day-to-day operations, providing updates and seeking guidance as needed.
• Directs the overall operations of the Finance Department, including budget, treasury, payroll compliance, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, central collections, and financial reporting. Ensures departmental goals and strategies align with the City’s mission.
• Supervises department staff by assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, recommending hires, administering discipline, and overseeing training and professional development. Plans workload to ensure timely completion of projects and conducts regular staff meetings to assess progress and priorities.
• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of financial policies and procedures. Advises the City Manager on financial matters and provides data-driven recommendations to support effective decision‑making.
• Oversees the preparation of the City’s financial reports and annual audit. Ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, purchasing ordinances, internal controls, and fiscal policies.
• Prepares and presents finance‑related reports and agenda items to City Council.
• Serves as a primary resource for City staff regarding purchasing processes and financial procedures.
• Collaborates with the City Manager and Human Resources Director on labor relations, merit pay, benefit administration, payroll compliance, and risk management. Assists with related special programs and supports interdepartmental financial planning.

• Attends council meetings as requested.
• Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
• Participates in various committees.

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field, plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the public sector, with a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory responsibility, or any combination thereof that demonstrates the skills and ability needed for the position.

All Directors for the City of Claremont are expected to demonstrate the following professional competencies: