Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance

Job Description:

Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance

Description

The desirable Town of Blacksburg, VA, seeks a fiscally responsible finance professional with high ethical standards and integrity to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance (CFO/DOF). Blacksburg’s CFO/DOF is responsible for technical accounting, auditing, financial operations, budget management, utility billing, and debt and treasury management. This fantastic opportunity in an iconic University community is for the professional who is:

• well-rounded and skilled in their financial experience, demonstrating a background in local government finance, budgeting, personnel, payroll, utility billing, investments, OPEB, financial reporting, audits, and use of an ERP system.
• a motivating, honorable leader who is equally passionate about relationship development and numbers and has demonstrable experience nurturing a positive, proactive working environment where cross-training and collaboration are the norm;
• a public servant who has an innate moral compass to make ethical decisions that best serve the community;
• able to assess and analyze complex problems with conflicting priorities and recognize agendas, both internal and external, navigating complaints and conflict with ease;
• an impeccable communicator with proven interpersonal skills who can effectively and proactively communicate, with respect and empathy, complex financial issues to various stakeholders, including the town council, town management, staff, peer directors, and other stakeholders;
• skilled in building the capacity of staff, enhancing, and growing the technical knowledge among staff within a department;
• knowledgeable and has experience navigating federal and state grant contracts and reporting and adhering to strict deadlines to ensure compliance with grant funds; and,
• successful in leading teams through seasons of change – someone who proactively manages change and effectively navigates the impact of change/transitions on staff while building cohesion and uniting staff around shared values, goals, and strategic priorities.

About the Organization: 

Since 1952, the Town of Blacksburg has been organized under the Council-Manager form of government. The Blacksburg Town Council, comprised of seven members, serves as the legislative body of the local government and is responsible for adopting all ordinances and resolutions, approving the annual operating and capital budgets, setting all tax rates, approving the five-year Capital Improvement Program, setting all user fees, making land use, and zoning decisions, and establishing long-range plans and policies. The town develops programs and proactively serves community members, anticipating issues and working toward carefully crafted community-based solutions.

The town’s FY 2024 budget totals $97.2 million for all funds and supports a team of 346 full-time employees and 98.31 FTE part-time employees across eight departments, who deliver a wide range of services to the town’s citizens. Blacksburg’s budget is supported by a property tax rate of $.26 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation. Blacksburg maintains AA and AA2 bond ratings from S&P and Moody's, respectively.

Blacksburg’s leaders are committed to maintaining the quality of life that Blacksburg is known for while adapting to support its growth and sustainability.

About the Department and Position:

The Town of Blacksburg’s Financial Services department maintains a high standard of financial excellence by providing community members, vendors, and employees with exceptional ethical and professional customer service through collecting and disbursement of funds, financial reporting, management of assets, risks, and administrative and procurement services.

Reporting to the Deputy Town Manager, the next Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance will manage the town’s $97.2M budget (GF budget of $45.9M) and oversee 18 employees, with 6 direct reports. The town’s budget includes enterprise funds for solid waste, water/sewer, stormwater, and transit. The town's five-year capital improvement program of $172.5M supports various capital improvement projects to further enhance the town’s offerings. The department comprises five divisions: General Administrative Support, Accounting, Management Information Systems, Purchasing, and Utility Services.

The Financial Services Department also manages financial responsibilities related to the Town’s transit services. In addition, the Town serves as a fiscal agent for the New River Valley Alcohol Safety Agency and the regional airport.

The Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance is responsible for grant management of funds for the town’s transit, airport services, and ARPA funding. Experience with Federal transit funding is highly desirable. The CFO/DOF also facilitates the sale of debt on a 2-3 year cycle. Blacksburg’s CFO/DOF maintains a trusting, collaborative relationship with its Council, presenting quarterly financial reports to the Council. The CFO/DOFensures consistent and transparent communication across the organization and within the community regarding financial matters and capital projects that align with the expectations and functions of the town's administration.

Qualifications:  

The following are required:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or related field.
• 5 - 7 years of progressively responsible and broad-based professional experience managing financial and accounting functions for a local government or private industrial organization. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• The ability to be bonded and possess a valid driver’s license in the State of Virginia
• Preferred qualifications: A master’s degree and/or Certified Virginia Government Finance Officer designation; Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Salary and Benefits: The new starting salary range for the position is $148,219 to $160,437, depending on qualifications and experience. Significant relevant experience is required to obtain the higher end of the hiring range. The Town provides an excellent benefits package. Residency within the Town of Blacksburg or the surrounding community is preferred.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance – Town of Blacksburg, VA title. Please note the following:

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the town’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by November 18, 2024.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on December 17-18, Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

 The Town of Blacksburg, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants.”