Director of Accounting and Finance

Description

We are looking for an accomplished finance and accounting leader to support municipal operations in California. This Long-term Contract position will guide budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance activities while helping city leadership maintain a clear view of fiscal performance. The role is ideal for someone with deep public-sector accounting expertise who can strengthen controls, oversee core finance functions, and provide strategic direction across the department.

Responsibilities:

- Direct daily operations across general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and contract administration to ensure accurate and timely financial processing.

- Lead the development of the city's annual budget by projecting revenue, expenditures, fund balance activity, and capital funding needs, while monitoring spending controls throughout the fiscal year.

- Provide leadership on accounting matters involving governmental reporting standards and fund-based financial management within a municipal environment.

- Review monthly financial results and operating activity to evaluate the city's financial condition and provide ongoing insight to leadership.

- Oversee fiscal year-end close activities, including reconciliation processes, preparation of financial statements, and completion of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

- Set departmental objectives, assign priorities, establish timelines, and measure team performance against defined goals and service expectations.

- Assess financial policies, accounting workflows, and internal control practices, then recommend and implement improvements that support efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

- Examine financial documentation and authorize payments related to invoices, payroll, and other approved expenditures in accordance with established procedures.

Requirements

- 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility in municipal or other public-sector organizations.

- Demonstrated knowledge of GASB standards and governmental accounting principles.

- Expertise in fund accounting and financial oversight for government agencies, municipalities, or similar entities.

- Experience with budgeting, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and long-range financial planning.

- Proven ability to manage accounting operations such as payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing.

- Track record of strengthening internal controls, improving accounting procedures, and supporting audit readiness and compliance.

- Strong background in month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, and regulatory reporting.

- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field; advanced credentials such as a CPA are highly valued.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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