Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01969

Department: Finance

Division: Administration - Finance

Job classification: DIRECTOR, FINANCE (CFO)

Posting type: Internal/External

Categories: Accounting and Finance, Risk Management, Professional, Executive Management, Project Management

Summary

The City of Asheville is pleased to accept applications from qualified applicants for the position of Director of Finance and Strategic Management Services in the Finance Department. This position plans, directs, and oversees the activities of the City’s financial operations and staff, including budget and performance, accounting, financial reporting, treasury, purchasing, risk management, payroll and internal audit program. They will manage major financial and budget-related activities, media events, and Council. This position also initiates and manages research and analysis projects as well as coordinates activities with other departments and outside agencies. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

Please include a Cover Letter and Resume with your application.

Examples of duties

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Directs the operations and strategic initiatives of the Finance and Strategic Management Services Department through subordinate supervisors, managing the employee lifecycle, evaluating staff performance, and ensuring optimal resource allocation to meet municipal objectives.
• Oversees the municipality's comprehensive financial operations—including debt management, investment planning, cash flow, risk management, and procurement—ensuring strict adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Leads and oversees the formulation, presentation, adoption, publication, development and administration of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets. Leads long-range revenue and expenditure forecasting, evaluates ongoing budgetary performance, and implements strategies to resolve financial deficiencies.
• Leads the development and implementation of the City’s strategic planning and performance management program, establishing organizational goals, priorities, and performance measures aligned with Council priorities. Coordinates implementation across departments and provides leadership with information to monitor progress, assess results, and inform resource allocation and decision-making.
• Administers the preparation and distribution of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), mandated grant reports, and other technical financial documentation, while managing internal controls and coordinating all internal and external audit processes.
• Advises the City Manager and municipal administrators on complex financial matters, delivering data-driven recommendations, executive summaries, and strategic guidance to inform long-term municipal planning and policy formulation.
• Translates complex financial information into clear policy choices for the City Council.
• Develops and implements comprehensive financial policies, standard operating procedures, and long-term financial strategies to adapt to evolving organizational needs and safeguard municipal assets.
• Facilitates collaboration and communication across municipal departments, financial advisors, consultants, and external regulatory agencies, maintaining current knowledge of legislative developments and emerging trends in public finance.
• Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting

performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies

and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and, making

hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations.

• Develops and implements the Finance and Strategic Management Services Department’s strategic goals, business plan, objectives, policies and priorities for each service and/or operational area, and explains, justifies and defends department programs, policies and activities.
• Establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the

efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates

resources accordingly; and oversees and manages departmental performance

measures and benchmarks, work methods, and organizational structures.

• Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems and internal

reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and

implements changes.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience with budget development, long-range financial planning, financial forecasting, debt, capital planning, financial reporting and financial controls.
• Experience in municipal/local government finance and budget experience
• Experience performing in a management/leadership role

Supplemental information

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:

Data Utilization: Ability to obtain, interpret, evaluate, audit, and apply quantitative or qualitative data using established criteria while exercising discretion in determining implications, identifying patterns, and selecting appropriate actions or alternatives.

Human Interaction: Ability to engage effectively with individuals or groups through communication, collaboration, persuasion, facilitation, and professional relationship-building to accomplish work objectives.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Material Utilization: Ability to operate, apply, adapt, and evaluate tools, equipment, technology systems, or materials required to perform work functions safely and effectively.

Verbal Aptitude: Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex information using reference, descriptive, advisory, or policy-related materials.

Mathematical Aptitude: Ability to apply mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning appropriate to job responsibilities.

Functional Reasoning: Ability to apply principles, policies, and professional knowledge to develop solutions and approaches using independent judgment.

Situational Reasoning: Ability to exercise judgment and adaptability when responding to evolving or subjective circumstances.

Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, anticipate consequences, and develop logical solutions.

PHYSICAL & ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Ability Requirement: The level, type, and frequency of bodily capabilities required to perform the essential functions of a job. This includes strength, endurance, mobility, balance, coordination, and dexterity necessary for tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, or other movements. Levels reflect the intensity, duration, and complexity of physical activity, with a focus on the requirements of the work.

Sensory Requirement: Ability to perceive, discriminate, and respond to sensory input necessary for performing essential functions. This includes visual, auditory, and oral communication requirements. Levels reflect intensity, frequency, and complexity of sensory demands.

Environmental Factors: Ability to perform work under varying environmental conditions, including exposure to temperature extremes, noise, vibration, or other physical surroundings. Levels reflect exposure intensity, duration, and work impact.