Finance Director - Open Until Filled

APPLY TODAY! - Open Until Filled
***First Review of Applications Scheduled for the week of October 11, 2026***
The City of Arcata is seeking an experienced professional who is a team-oriented and collaborative leader committed to innovative problem solving, customer service, and performance management. A leader who imparts a service orientation to staff, inspires teamwork, maintains a positive and productive work environment, utilizes a participating management style, and can be decisive and take effective action when appropriate. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Finance Director with a breadth of financial service experience and skill in public sector accounting. 

Enjoy GREAT BENEFITS, including: the City currently pays a $350/month car allowance, the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental, vision and EAP coverage, along with a $50,000 life insurance policy. If applicable, the City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option. Additionally, the City offers this position 14 days of Management Leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab.

Under general direction of the City Manager, plans, manages, oversees and directs the activities and operations of the Finance Department, including financial reporting, accounting, budget preparation, treasury management, debt administration, revenue management, utility billing, business licensing, management of financial software systems, and long-range financial planning; performs other related duties as assigned.

• Develops, implements and maintains departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; ensures that goals are achieved.

• Plans, directs, coordinates and participates in the department’s work plan; assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues.

• Selects, trains, motivates and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns. 

• Establishes the City's central budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting practices; including preparing or supervising preparation of the City’s annual financial report(s) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, overseeing the annual independent audit, and other State or Federal compliance audits; evaluates accounting procedures and financial controls; responds to and implements audit recommendations. 

• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of the City’s annual budget; directs the forecast of revenues, the monitoring of and approval of expenditures, the preparation, implementation and approval of budgetary adjustments, as necessary; and monitors and reviews the status of the City’s budget. 

• Manages the City’s cash and investments.

• Directs the issuance of debt; ensures timely and accurate debt services payments and compliance with debt covenants.

• Serves as liaison with appropriate federal, state, regional, county, and city agencies as needed; provides staff support to the City Council, Council subcommittees, City Manager and applicable Commissions and Committees; develops recommendations for policies, laws, ordinances, resolutions and programs related to Finance Department activities. 

• Provides financial advisory assistance to the City Manager, City Council and other City staff; prepare and present staff reports and correspondence; Performs high level financial analysis and conducts special financial studies involving complex financial data.

• Serves as a resource for the City Council, City Manager, department personnel, City staff, other organizations and the public; coordinates pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive and productive environment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

See job description for full list of duties. 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, finance, accounting or public administration, and at least seven (7) years progressively responsible financial management and accounting experience, including at least three (3) years related supervisory and budgetary experience. A Certified Public Accountant certification and/or Master’s degree is desirable.

Additional experience may be substituted for the education qualifications. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public agency finance, including governmental accounting, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and bond financing; principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration and monitoring, and sound financial management policies and procedures; methods of analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; sound investment practices and techniques; pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the financial operations of municipal government; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment including computer hardware and software necessary for work functions; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; principles of record keeping; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work, both in person and on the telephone. 

Ability to:  Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Finance Department; develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures effectively and efficiently; plan and organize, direct and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical and administrative support personnel; delegate authority and responsibility; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner; interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, standards and regulations pertaining to finance programs and functions; operate computer systems and applications in relation to work functions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Possess a valid California Drivers’ License
• A commitment to understand and support inclusion in the workplace.
• Willing to attend meetings after normal work hours as necessary.
• Willing to work extended hours as necessary to complete assigned projects.
• Willing to travel for trainings and/or meetings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is generally performed in an office environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting and stooping; operating standard office equipment, including a computer; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 lbs.; interact with a diverse range of people.