DescriptionPosition Title: Chief Financial OfficerDepartment: Financial Administration
Reports To: Mayor and Board of Aldermen
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: City Clerk, Comptroller, Deputy Clerks, Accounts Payable Clerks
Position OverviewThe Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key executive leader for the City of Oxford, Mississippi, responsible for the financial integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability of the City. This forward-thinking and visionary role leads a multifaceted team and oversees all aspects of municipal finance; including budgeting, tax collection, investments, procurement, employee benefits, records management and Inventory.
The CFO plays a critical role in strategic planning, policy development, and high-level decision-making, ensuring that Oxford remains fiscally strong while preparing for future growth. This position also serves as a primary liaison with the Mississippi Municipal League and other governmental and financial partners.
RequirementsKey Responsibilities:Strategic Financial Leadership- Develop and execute the City's annual operating and capital improvement budgets in alignment with long-term strategic goals.
- Provide regular financial reports, projections, and recommendations to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and department heads.
- Lead the City's financial planning efforts, including forecasting, investment strategy and debt management.
- Monitor economic trends and emerging financial risks to advise on proactive policy development.
Tax Collection & Revenue Management- Oversee the billing, collection, and reconciliation of all municipal taxes, including sales, tourism and franchise taxes.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting and remittance of revenues to appropriate state and local agencies.
Employee Benefits & Insurance- Administer the City's retirement programs, including PERS and supplemental retirement options.
- Lead the evaluation and potential transition to a self-insured health plan and manage its administration if implemented.
- Coordinate with benefits providers, auditors, and legal advisors to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.
Procurement, Inventory & Accounts Payable- Supervise procurement and purchasing processes, ensuring legal compliance, cost-effectiveness and accountability.
- Oversee inventory tracking and asset management citywide.
- Ensure efficient processing and reconciliation of accounts payable.
Records & Transparency- Manage the processing of public records requests in compliance with Mississippi public records law.
- Maintain accurate and secure financial documentation in coordination with the City Clerk's office.
Leadership & Supervision- Provide strategic leadership to direct reports, including the City Clerk, Comptroller, four Deputy Clerks.
- Foster a culture of professionalism, accuracy, innovation and service within the Finance Department.
- Ensure proper training, internal controls and staff development.
External Collaboration- Represent the City in all financial dealings with banks, auditors, bond counsel and investment consultants.
- Serve as the City's financial liaison to the Mississippi Municipal League (MML), staying informed on legislation, training and municipal finance trends.
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including leadership of a finance team.
- Strong knowledge of municipal accounting standards (GAAP), public budgeting, procurement laws, and governmental reporting requirements.
- Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage large budgets and provide strategic recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications:- CPA or Master's degree in related field.
- Experience working within a municipal or county government.
- Demonstrated leadership in evaluating or managing self-insured health plans.
- Engagement with the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) through leadership, committee work, or policy involvement.
- Familiarity with PERS and other public retirement systems.
