Assistant Director of Finance

About the role

The City of Salem, VA seeks a detail-oriented, personable, and caring individual with strong accounting skills to lead the finance department. This role involves providing leadership and mentorship to the finance team, assisting in planning, organizing, and directing financial activities, managing the annual budget process, and preparing and maintaining financial records and reports.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing the financial activities of the City.
• Manage the annual budget process.
• Manage the annual audit process and prepare the annual comprehensive financial report.
• Prepare and maintain financial records and reports.
• Perform related work as apparent or assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or public administration, or a related field with experience in accounting, budgeting, debt issuance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in the public sector accounting field, with 3-5 years minimum experience in a management or supervisory role.
• A certified public accountant (CPA), certified public finance officer (CPFO), or master’s degree in a related field is required.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in organizations such as VLGMA, GFOA, and VGFOA.

Qualifications

• An equivalent combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

Skills

• Strong accounting skills.
• Leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Organizational and planning skills.
• Experience in public sector accounting.
• Management or supervisory experience.
• Professional development commitment.

Benefits

• Not specified.

Pay

• Not specified.

Schedule

• Not specified.

Contact Information

To be considered, qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume, with salary expectations and professional references, to Karen Edmonds with the Berkley Group, via email at karen.edmonds@bgllc.net. While this position is open until filled, a formal review of applications will begin on June 30, 2026. However, please note that highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time. Timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review.