Salary Range: $146,698-$168,256 annually, depending on experience
Position Description: The City of South Portland is seeking an accomplished and collaborative municipal finance professional to serve as its next Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer.
This is a 37.5 hour full time position with a 4-day workweek schedule.
This is an opportunity to join a financially strong, professionally managed community with a robust local economy, top bond rating, an experienced leadership team, and a talented Finance Department staff. The next Finance Director will inherit a strong financial foundation while playing a central role in shaping the City’s budgeting, capital planning, financial policies, debt management, and long-term fiscal strategy.
The Finance Director is a key member of the City’s senior leadership team and works closely with the City Manager, department directors, City Council, auditors, Finance staff, and other partners. The position leads the City’s financial operations, including accounting and financial reporting, treasury and cash management, investments, taxation and collections, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, debt management, and financial systems.
Who We’re Looking For: We are looking for more than a technically skilled accountant. The successful candidate will be a financial leader, strategic thinker, effective communicator, and strong manager who can translate complex financial information into understandable recommendations and help the organization make sound long-term decisions.
Just as importantly, the Finance Director must understand that sound municipal finance is fundamentally about maintaining the public’s trust in how taxpayer dollars are managed. The successful candidate will promote accountability and transparency throughout the organization, work with departments to ensure consistent adherence to sound financial policies and best practices, and help maintain strong internal controls designed to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse. This position must be willing to ask difficult questions when necessary, while also serving as a constructive partner to employees and departments in helping them manage public resources responsibly and effectively.
Candidates should have substantial knowledge of governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, GASB and GAAP requirements, municipal finance administration, investments, debt management, and financial reporting. Strong leadership skills, sound judgment, an ability to work collaboratively across departments, to supervise and provide support to department staff, and the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials and the public are equally important.
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
Candidates should have five to seven years of experience managing and supervising a medium- to large-scale public agency finance department, including three years as the head of a Finance Department. Other combinations of education and experience that meet the minimum requirements may be considered. CPA or Certified Government Finance Officer credentials are preferred.
Benefits: The City of South Portland offers competitive pay and a robust selection of employee benefits, including an excellent health plan with affordable family coverage, matched retirement options, dental, vision, life, income protection, long term disability, flexible spending accounts and more. The City also offers health insurance “payment-in-lieu” and professional development opportunities. We offer up to thirteen (13) paid holidays, fifteen (15) sick days annually, two (2) personal days, and vacation commensurate with relevant experience. The City of South Portland is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce and provides employees job stability; a positive, family friendly workplace where work/life needs are valued and supported; and the support, encouragement and tools for successful careers. The City of South Portland values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and embraces sustainable operations. Come join our team dedicated to service excellence!
Salary Range: $146,698-$168,256 annually depending on experience. This position is eligible for annual step increases, and possible annual cost of living increases as approved by the City Council.
Application materials will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.
Job description and fillable application are available on our website at www.southportland.gov.
To apply please send a cover letter, resume, application and three professional references to apply@southportland.gov, or mail them to us at:
City of South Portland
Genny Stilphen, Human Resources Compliance Specialist
25 Cottage Road
South Portland, Maine 04106
EOE
