Finance Director
_JPEG.jpeg)
Apply Today!
Thank You for Applying!
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Downey, California provides a talented finance professional with the opportunity to lead a critical Department of a City with a strong history of stability and municipal success. Downey’s rich cultural significance is sourced from its healthy commercial districts and vibrant neighborhoods. Citizens and staff are proud to call Downey home.
ABOUT DOWNEY
The City of Downey is a dynamic and diverse community located in the heart of Los Angeles County. Situated only ten miles from the stunning Pacific Coast and 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Downey is home to 33,433 households accommodating a population of 113,000. Downey residents enjoy nationally recognized schools, numerous well-kept parks, and various amenities, including a regional mall, excellent medical centers, major shopping and business centers, Downey Theater, Downey City Library, and the Columbia Memorial Space Center.
Downey strives to continuously improve the quality of life for its residents and that is made easier through a steady stream of healthy retail sales and solid municipal workforce of over 700 employees (449 FTE), who take pride in keeping Downey safe, beautiful, and efficient.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Incorporated in 1956, Downey operates under a City Council-City Manager form of government and has a long history of providing excellent municipal services with the support of the Finance Department. Downey has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement Award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. It also received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Operation Budget Meritus Award for eleven years in a row. The awards demonstrate the City Council’s commitment to transparent fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and accountability, while ensuring the budget is accessible to all residents. This is highlighted proudly in the City’s annual Accomplishments Report. The City Council highlights priorities of Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Vibrance, Efficiency & Adaptability, Quality of Life, Safety, Infrastructure, and Public Engagement. The Council is actualizing its goals through the adopted $285 million budget. In addition, the Council successfully implemented bonds for over $30 million for street repairs while maintaining the City’s AA bond rating.
THE POSITION
The position will oversee a staff of 16. The Finance Department provides management of Downey’s financial operations in accordance with established fiscal policies, ranging from payroll, accounting, budgeting, purchasing, business license and utility billing, and various contracts. The position develops and implements financial strategies for the City, including budgeting and capital planning, preparation of the City’s annual financial report(s), long-range financial forecasting, debt and revenue management, asset liability management, and cash and investment management. The staff in Downey have a history of clean audits and maintaining strong reserves at 35%.
The City is looking for an approachable, communicative, and collaborative leader willing to engage and innovate with department directors throughout the agency. The Finance Director is a strategic partner to the City Manager, City Council, and staff. Downey is excited to have a self-starter join the team with a fresh perspective and proactive style. If you are a take-charge, own the books, type of person, who enjoys leading and working with a dedicated team, Downey is a place for you to thrive.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Five (5) years of experience of a progressively responsible nature in public accounting and financial work including significant supervisory experience.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary up to $241,454 annually that considers the candidate’s qualifications and track record of career success. In addition, the City provides an excellent executive benefits package that includes retirement provided by CalPERS – Classic Second Tier is 2% at 60, and 2% at 62 for new members. This position also works a 9/80 schedule Monday through alternating Fridays.
Additional detailed benefit information can be found in the recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Apply immediately as this recruitment will close once a suitably strong pool of candidates has been established. Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to: