DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR (Non-Classified*)

City of Riverside, CA

$168K — $235K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics, or closely related field.
  • 7 years' professional experience in governmental accounting, budget management, or finance.
  • 5 years in a supervisory role, demonstrating leadership capabilities.
  • Preferred: Financial audit experience and CPA certification.
  • Master's degree in relevant fields is highly desired.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise, train, and evaluate finance department personnel.
  • Oversee daily operations of accounting, purchasing, treasury, and business tax divisions.
  • Manage budget, debt, and treasury functions focusing on financial planning and reporting.
  • Develop comprehensive risk management strategies and ensure cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Prepare financial statements and ensure compliance with various financial reporting mandates.
  • Lead preparation of the City’s annual budget and capital improvement programs.
  • Evaluate strategic financial opportunities and implement process improvements in finance operations.

Benefits

  • Retirement plans with varying contributions based on hire date and CalPERS membership status.
  • Up to $1,734 monthly contribution towards health insurance for family coverage.
  • Three dental plan options with a monthly contribution of up to $85.
  • Vision coverage through VSP for employees and dependents covered under medical plans.
  • Term life insurance valued at double the annual salary, plus AD&D coverage.
  • Deferred compensation match of $150-$175 per month based on employee classification.
  • Accrual of vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holidays.
Full Job Description
Salary: $168,240.00 - $235,116.00 Annually
Location : City Hall 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-8326-01
Department: Finance
Division: Finance-Administration
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 12:00 AM Pacific

The Position
The City of Riverside is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Finance Director to fill one (1) vacancy.
Click HERE to review the Recruitment Brochure.

Apply today as the first review of candidates is scheduled to take place August 3rd.
Reporting to the Finance Director, this position plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in the collection, custody, investment, and disbursement of City funds to oversee and ensure accurate and efficient financial operations, financial reporting, and participates in the development and execution of comprehensive financial strategies. It is imperative for the success of the department to collaborate with executive leadership to drive financial sustainability and optimize long-term fiscal outcomes. The Deputy Finance Director will provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to division managers within the Finance Department.
Department goals are to:
• Ensure the safety and security of the City's assets
• Develop sound financial strategies for business decisions
• Provide the financial and accounting resources necessary to support goals and operations of City departments
• Actively support the local business economy
*This position is designated as non-classified and is exempt from the classified service. The Incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager.

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate office and field personnel; provide technical guidance and/or direction to subordinate staff; and provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to Division Managers within the Finance Department.
  • Supervise the Finance Department's day-to-day operations in the accounting, purchasing, treasury, and business tax divisions, providing financial expertise and guidance to division managers; developing and ensuring efficient and effective processes; and ensuring exemplary customer service to City staff and external parties.
  • Supervise the Finance Department's budget, debt, and treasury functions focusing on sound financial planning, analysis and decision making, timely and transparent financial reporting, and revenue optimization; provide financial expertise and guidance to division managers; and participate in the evaluation of debt financing strategies and proposals.
  • Supervise the Finance Department's risk management division; provide financial expertise and guidance to division manager; develop comprehensive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies; monitor and report on the citywide risk profile; and emphasize cross-departmental collaboration and cohesion with workers' compensation, safety, and claims functions.
  • Oversee the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with accounting pronouncements and various mandates; and providing accurate and timely financial reports, presentations, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
  • Oversee the preparation of the City's annual budget and capital improvement programs; develop, implement, and maintain dynamic and adaptable financial forecasting, modeling, analysis, and reporting tools that facilitate financial decision-making and reporting; monitor the regional economic landscape and variables influencing City finances and strategic planning; and assess and report on compliance with applicable financial planning and reserve policies.
  • Participate in strategic planning and analysis activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct cost-benefit analyses, assess return on investment, and perform financial feasibility assessments for proposed projects, initiatives, and potential revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and automation within the Finance Department, leveraging inter-departmental collaboration to optimize financial operations and enhance efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal control systems to safeguard municipal assets, prevent fraud; and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including accounting pronouncements and debt covenants, the City's municipal code, state and federal laws, and various mandates.
  • Assist in managing staffing levels, develop and oversee staff development programs and cross-training initiatives, and recommend succession planning strategies to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce in the Finance Department.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting on Finance Department operational goals, performance measures, and key performance indicators.
  • Supervise the administration and maintenance of the City's financial management computer systems and reports.
  • Prepare, present, and approve Department, City Council, Committee, and Board reports and presentations as required.
  • Serve as Finance Director in the Finance Director's absence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.


Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field.

Experience: At least seven years of professional experience in governmental accounting, budget management, debt administration, or finance, including at least five years in a supervisory capacity.

Highly Desired Qualifications:
  • Financial audit experience
  • California licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Master's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or Public Administration.

Selection Process
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

3) Resume and Letter of Interest
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
  1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
  2. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

Benefit Level II includes Senior Management, Management and Professional classifications (Exempt)

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
  • Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost. And is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
  • Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
  • Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  • Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 (up to $700k) plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  • Deferred Compensation - The City will contribute the following amounts per month, with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check:
    • Management and Professional Units: $150/month
    • Senior Management Unit: $175/month
  • Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan for specific details.
  • Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  • Long Term Disability - The City offers optional enrollment in the Long-Term Disability Plan.
  • LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Vacation Accrual - 0-9 yrs. = 144 hrs., 10+ yrs. = 184 hrs.
  • Administrative Leave -
    • Management and Professional Units: 64 hrs. per fiscal year.
    • Senior Management Unit: 80 hrs. per fiscal year.

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:

For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
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Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qua

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