CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - CITY OF CLEVELAND, OHIO

$150,000 - $190,000/Yr

City Of Cleveland - Cleveland, OH

Full-time - Executive

Cleveland, OH

11-50 employees

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The City of Cleveland, Ohio, is seeking an experienced professional to lead the finance function for the city as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Finance Director. This position is appointed by and reports directly to the Mayor, making it an integral part of the senior team responsible for delivering a modern and responsive city government. The CFO will oversee approximately 600 full-time equivalent budgeted positions and will engage regularly with the City Council and the press, necessitating outstanding communication skills. The role requires exceptional leadership qualities, keen financial acumen, informed risk-taking, and experience as a strategic advisor on financial risks and opportunities. Cleveland, located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, is the most populous city on the lake and the second-most populous city in Ohio. The city has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as higher education, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and biomedicals. The city has a total budget of over $1.6 billion for FY2024, with a General Fund expense budget nearing $800 million. Annually, the city issues between $50 to $70 million in general obligation bonds. The CFO will manage 13 Finance divisions, including Administration, Accounts, Assessments & Licenses, Financial Reporting & Control, Purchase & Supplies, Taxation, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Offices of Budget and Management, among others. The responsibilities of the CFO are broad and require a high degree of financial and administrative experience and discretion. The city is undergoing a transformation focused on implementing new behaviors and expectations within the organization, with several initiatives tied to a new 10-year operational strategic plan. A key responsibility will be the development and presentation of the budget for Council approval, which has been completely overhauled. The CFO must effectively implement and drive forward innovation and the change agenda within the finance department.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function for the City of Cleveland as Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director.
• Oversee approximately 600 full-time equivalent budgeted positions.
• Engage regularly with the City Council and the press, presenting financial information and updates.
• Manage 13 Finance divisions, including Administration, Accounts, Assessments & Licenses, Financial Reporting & Control, Purchase & Supplies, Taxation, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Offices of Budget and Management.
• Develop and present the city budget for Council approval, ensuring compliance and transparency.
• Implement and drive forward innovation and change initiatives within the finance department.
• Provide strategic advice on financial risks and opportunities to the Mayor and senior team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive finance experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Master's Degree is preferred.
• Ability to set goals and develop strategies and schedules for meeting those goals.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public sector finance management.
• Familiarity with municipal budgeting processes.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Generous benefits and retirement package offered by the city.