Director of Finance

About the Role

The City of La Crosse seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic finance leader to serve as its next Director of Finance. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, debt management, and long-range financial planning, along with the leadership skills to guide a high-performing Finance Department. This individual will exercise sound judgment, uphold the highest ethical standards, and promote transparent, accountable financial management.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and trusted advisor who communicates complex financial information clearly and builds strong relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, and community partners. They will embrace innovation, leverage technology and data to improve financial operations, and support the City’s long-term fiscal health and strategic priorities.

About La Crosse

Nestled along the Mississippi River and framed by dramatic limestone bluffs, the City of La Crosse is one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive and vibrant communities. Home to approximately 53,000 residents, La Crosse serves as the economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural center of western Wisconsin. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historic character, and urban amenities creates an exceptional quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The City provides a comprehensive range of municipal services, including public safety, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, engineering, and utility services. Residents enjoy 47 city parks, miles of scenic trails, an active riverfront, vibrant arts and entertainment, nationally recognized festivals, and abundant year-round recreational opportunities. The community is also home to three higher education institutions, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, and the La Crosse Center—the region’s premier convention, entertainment, and event venue.

La Crosse’s historic downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and strong commercial and industrial sectors continue to drive investment and growth. Ongoing priorities include infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, housing, economic development, environmental stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Major employers, a growing entrepreneurial community, and a collaborative business climate position La Crosse for continued long-term success.

Responsibilities

The Director of Finance serves as the City of La Crosse’s chief financial officer and provides strategic leadership for the City’s financial operations. The Director oversees:

• Budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting
• Treasury management and debt administration
• Payroll, purchasing, and investments
• Tax collection and long-term financial planning

This position serves as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, Common Council, and executive leadership, ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and responsible management of public resources. The Director of Finance supervises Finance Department staff and works collaboratively with elected officials, employees, residents, businesses, auditors, financial institutions, and community partners to support the City’s financial stability and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including five years of management or supervisory responsibility.
• Government finance experience is strongly preferred; candidates with significant private-sector financial leadership experience possessing transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budgeting, debt management, investments, treasury operations, financial reporting, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Experience leading professional staff, developing organizational budgets, and presenting complex financial information to elected officials and executive leadership.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial management systems, payroll software, Microsoft Office applications, and financial reporting tools.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $130,000–$145,000 (DOQ).

Benefits

Excellent benefits package and enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).