Job Description

Posting number: 113

Department: Finance

Job classification: Finance Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Accounting and Finance

Summary

The City of Jersey City is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a Cabinet-level position to lead the city's comprehensive financial management and planning functions and the Department of Finance. This critical executive position reports directly to the Business Administrator and is responsible for the oversight of all financial operations across every City department. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive executive experience with ten (10) in financial management and five (5) in government or a closely related field.

Examples of duties

The Finance Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Financial Leadership and Strategy: Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all City financial activities, ensuring the financial integrity, stability, and transparency of the City's fiscal operations.
• Budgetary Oversight: Direct the preparation, administration, monitoring, and analysis of the City’s multi-million dollar annual operating and capital budgets. Ensure budget alignment with the City’s strategic goals and compliance with all statutory requirements.
• Supervision of Finance Operations: Directly oversee and manage all functions within the Department of Finance, including accounting, treasury management, debt management, risk management, purchasing, auditing, and revenue collection.
• Departmental Fiscal Review: Oversee the financial performance of all City departments, working closely with Department Directors to review expenditures, optimize resource allocation, and ensure compliance with established financial policies and procedures.
• Debt and Treasury Management: Direct the issuance of bonds and notes, manage the City's investment portfolio, and ensure the optimal utilization of cash reserves and the maintenance of strong credit ratings.
• Reporting and Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate preparation of all financial reports, including the Annual Financial Statement, Budget, Annual Debt Statement, and Supplemental Debt Statements. Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external audits.

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of all duties*

Qualifications

• Experience: A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible executive experience in governmental financial management, public finance, or accounting, with significant experience overseeing budget preparation and execution in a large organization.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree (MPA, MBA, or equivalent) is highly preferred. The CFO will be required to obtain a New Jersey Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) license.
• Knowledge & Skills:
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly as they apply to governmental entities (GASB standards).
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, municipal debt management, and treasury operations.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial information to executive leadership, City Council, and the public.
• Residency:
• The Finance Director is required to reside in Jersey City.

Supplemental information

Application Requirements

• Resume and a compelling Cover Letter detailing relevant experience.
• A list of three (2) professional references (name, title, organization, phone number, and email). References will not be contacted without prior notification

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Jersey City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the varied experiences and perspectives of our employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.