Deputy Finance Director

City of Riverside, CA – A full-service city with a $1.4 billion budget and over 2,700 employees serving more than 319,000 residents. The Finance Department, staffed by 77+ full-time employees, administers financial and treasury affairs, including purchasing, risk management, budget, business tax, payroll, debt and treasury, central stores, and general accounting.

About the role

Reporting to the Finance Director, this position plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in the collection, custody, investment, and disbursement of City funds to ensure accurate and efficient financial operations and reporting. The Deputy Finance Director collaborates with executive leadership to drive financial sustainability and optimize long-term fiscal outcomes, while providing leadership, guidance, and supervision to division managers within the Finance Department. This position is non-classified, exempt from classified service, and serves "at-will" at the pleasure of the City Manager.

Department Goals

• Ensure the safety and security of the City’s assets
• Develop sound financial strategies for business decisions
• Provide the financial and accounting resources necessary to support goals and operations of City departments
• Actively support the local business economy

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and evaluate office and field personnel; provide technical guidance and direction to subordinate staff; and provide leadership to Division Managers within the Finance Department.
• Supervise the Finance Department’s day-to-day operations in accounting, purchasing, treasury, and business tax divisions, ensuring efficient processes and exemplary customer service.
• Supervise budget, debt, and treasury functions, focusing on sound financial planning, analysis, transparent reporting, and revenue optimization; evaluate debt financing strategies.
• Supervise the risk management division; develop risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies; monitor and report on the citywide risk profile.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and mandates; provide accurate financial reports and recommendations.
• Oversee the City's annual budget and capital improvement programs; develop financial forecasting, modeling, and reporting tools; monitor economic variables influencing City finances.
• Participate in strategic planning and analysis, conducting cost-benefit analyses and financial feasibility assessments for proposed projects and revenue opportunities.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation within the Finance Department to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Assist in developing policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Manage staffing levels, develop staff development programs, and recommend succession planning strategies.
• Assist in developing and reporting on operational goals, performance measures, and key performance indicators for the Finance Department.
• Supervise administration and maintenance of the City's financial management computer systems and reports.
• Prepare, present, and approve reports and presentations for the Department, City Council, Committees, and Boards.
• Serve as Finance Director in the Finance Director's absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field.

At least seven years of professional experience in governmental accounting, budget management, debt administration, or finance, including at least five years in a supervisory capacity.

Qualifications

• Financial audit experience (highly desired)
• California licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (highly desired)
• Master's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or Public Administration (highly desired)

Pay

$168,240 – $235,116 annually