What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial Officer position at City of Livonia?
The City of Livonia offers a competitive salary range of $119,621 - $139,922, based on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the City of Livonia’s senior financial executive, reporting directly to the Mayor. The CFO provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, investment management, and fiscal policy, ensuring the city’s long-term financial stability and sustainability.
Key responsibilities include overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal finance. The CFO advises the Mayor, City Council, and department heads, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and strategic guidance to support informed decision-making.
In addition to the Finance Department, the CFO also oversees the Information Systems Department, and strategic capital planning functions. The CFO drives efficiencies across interdepartmental financial functions and ensures effective resource allocation. With a focus on collaboration and results, the CFO fosters a high-performance culture, represents the city in public engagements, and works within a political environment to support the city’s financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Mayor and City Council, providing insights on fiscal policies, budgeting, and long-term financial strategy.
- Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the City’s goals and economic development initiatives.
- Identify and assess financial risks and opportunities, offering data-driven recommendations to enhance financial sustainability.
- Monitor the impact of state and federal financial legislation on municipal operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Ensure effective internal controls, risk management, and financial stewardship to safeguard City assets.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Lead the development and administration of the City’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Oversee multi-year budget forecasting, capital planning, and expenditure monitoring to ensure financial sustainability.
- Manage debt issuance, investment strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
- Direct the City’s financial audits and coordinate with external auditors to ensure transparency and accuracy.
- Develop financial policies and internal controls and provide forecasting and guidance to support informed decision-making.
- Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies on financial reporting and ensure compliance with tax laws, grants, and regulations.
Department Leadership & Operations
- Provide executive oversight for the Finance Department, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and best practices in municipal finance.
- Provide executive oversight for the Information Systems Department, ensuring strategic technology advancement and strong internal control practices.
- Lead a team of finance professionals across Accounts Payable, Payroll, Retirement System Accounting, Purchasing, Water Billing, and Revenue Administration.
- Implement modern financial technology solutions and process improvements to optimize financial operations.
- Supervise recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and professional development of finance and information systems staff.
Public Engagement & Collaboration
- Present financial reports, budget updates, and policy recommendations to City Council, the Mayor, and the public in a clear and accessible manner.
- Act as the City’s financial representative in contract negotiations, labor discussions, and external partnerships.
- Build coalitions with government agencies, private entities, and community stakeholders to support fiscal initiatives.
- Ensure the City's financial decisions align with best practices, fiscal responsibility, and public service excellence.
By the closing date of this announcement, an applicant must:
- U.S. citizen or resident alien with the legal right to work in the United States.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related discipline is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or governmental accounting, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably as a Finance Director, CFO, or in a related capacity.
- Extensive knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting standards, including governmental accounting principles (GASB, GAAP).
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or other relevant certifications preferred.
- Strategic Leadership – Ability to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the City's long-term goals.
- Financial Expertise – Deep understanding of governmental budgeting, accounting principles, and municipal finance laws.
- Analytical Thinking – Ability to interpret complex financial data and use it to drive decision-making.
- Team Management – Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing finance teams.
- Public Communication – Skilled in presenting financial information to elected officials, staff, and the public.
- Problem-solving – Strong ability to anticipate financial risks and implement proactive solutions.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration – Experience working with local, state, and federal financial programs and funding sources.
Salary : $119,621 - $139,922
