Finance Director - Open Until Filled

Salary : $116,568.14 - $148,773.76 Annually
Location : Arcata, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 09/22/2026

Description
APPLY TODAY! - Open Until Filled
***First Review of Applications Scheduled for the week of October 11, 2026***

Under general direction of the City Manager, plans, manages, oversees and directs the activities and operations of the Finance Department, including financial reporting, accounting, budget preparation, treasury management, debt administration, revenue management, utility billing, business licensing, management of financial software systems, and long-range financial planning; performs other related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties

• Develops, implements and maintains departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; ensures that goals are achieved.

• Plans, directs, coordinates and participates in the department's work plan; assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues.

• Selects, trains, motivates and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.

• Establishes the City's central budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting practices; including preparing or supervising preparation of the City's annual financial report(s) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, overseeing the annual independent audit, and other State or Federal compliance audits; evaluates accounting procedures and financial controls; responds to and implements audit recommendations.

• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of the City's annual budget; directs the forecast of revenues, the monitoring of and approval of expenditures, the preparation, implementation and approval of budgetary adjustments, as necessary; and monitors and reviews the status of the City's budget.

• Manages the City's cash and investments.

• Directs the issuance of debt; ensures timely and accurate debt services payments and compliance with debt covenants.

• Serves as liaison with appropriate federal, state, regional, county, and city agencies as needed; provides staff support to the City Council, Council subcommittees, City Manager and applicable Commissions and Committees; develops recommendations for policies, laws, ordinances, resolutions and programs related to Finance Department activities.

• Provides financial advisory assistance to the City Manager, City Council and other City staff; prepare and present staff reports and correspondence; Performs high level financial analysis and conducts special financial studies involving complex financial data.

• Serves as a resource for the City Council, City Manager, department personnel, City staff, other organizations and the public; coordinates pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive and productive environment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

See for full list of duties.
Typical Qualifications and Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, finance, accounting or public administration, and at least seven (7) years progressively responsible financial management and accounting experience, including at least three (3) years related supervisory and budgetary experience. A Certified Public Accountant certification and/or Master's degree is desirable.
Additional experience may be substituted for the education qualifications. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public agency finance, including governmental accounting, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and bond financing; principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration and monitoring, and sound financial management policies and procedures; methods of analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; sound investment practices and techniques; pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the financial operations of municipal government; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment including computer hardware and software necessary for work functions; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; principles of record keeping; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work, both in person and on the telephone.

Ability to: Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Finance Department; develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures effectively and efficiently; plan and organize, direct and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical and administrative support personnel; delegate authority and responsibility; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner; interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, standards and regulations pertaining to finance programs and functions; operate computer systems and applications in relation to work functions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Additional Information

• Possess a valid California Drivers' License
• A commitment to understand and support inclusion in the workplace.
• Willing to attend meetings after normal work hours as necessary.
• Willing to work extended hours as necessary to complete assigned projects.
• Willing to travel for trainings and/or meetings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is generally performed in an office environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting and stooping; operating standard office equipment, including a computer; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 lbs.; interact with a diverse range of people.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
The City of Arcata is proud to offer the following benefits:
Retirement:
CalPERS Program:

• 2% @ 55 for "CLASSIC" members. Currently, employees pay 10% (7% member rate and 3% of employer rate).**
• 2% @ 62 for "NEW" members. Currently, employees pay 10.75% (7.75% member rate (subject to actuary change annually) and 3% of employer rate).**

**For vacancies filled by a current City of Arcata employee who is already a CalPERS member, the employee will remain at his/her current CalPERS formula. For existing employees who are 2.7% @ 55 members: currently employees pay 11% (8% member rate and 3% of employer rate).

Medical:
The City currently pays the majority of the premium for employee and family for medical, dental, and vision. The City offers a choice of five different CalPERS medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO, Blue Shield Access + HMO, Western Health HMO, PERS Gold PPO, and PERS Platinum PPO. Employee/dependent contribution is fully paid by the City for dental (Ameritas); and vision (VSP) coverage. City offers $400/mo. health insurance opt out option.

Vacation:
Accrues at 8 hours per month upon employment and increases with time in service.

Sick Leave:
Accrues at 8 hours per month with no limit. 48 hours of Family Illness Leave are also allowed per year and are deducted from employee's accrued Sick Leave. This is not accruable.

Bereavement Leave:
An employee may be granted up to 40 hours per year bereavement leave with pay. This is not accruable.

Management Leave:
10 or 14 days (dependent on position) leave per year.

Holidays:
The City provides 13 fixed holidays per year, in addition to 32 hours floating holidays.

Life Insurance:
The City pays the premium on a $50,000 term life insurance policy for eligible employees.

Longevity Pay:
Employee receives an additional 3% of base pay after 5 years of continuous service; an additional 3% after 10 years; and an additional 3% after 15 years.

Deferred Compensation:
One Deferred Compensation plan available; with City contribution upon employment and increases with time in service.

Other Benefits:
Other benefits include City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents; an education and training reimbursement program; a physical fitness reimbursement program; optional participation in supplemental health coverages through AFLAC; optional participation in pre-tax Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care Assistance programs; Tobacco Cessation and Adoption incentive plans; and free bus service on all routes operated by Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) for employee and immediate family members.

Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.
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The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. This section must be completed. Applications may be rejected if you write, "see resume", "see attached" or anythi