Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer (Falls Church)

Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer

City of Falls Church, Virginia

$195,500 - $228,189

(Onsite)

Priority Review Date:July 11, 2025

Application Deadline:July 25, 2025

The City of Falls Church seeks a Director of Finance to lead a team of financial professionals in support of a City government that delivers a wide array of services to an exciting and growing urban community. The Director of Finance serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the City.

The City of Falls Church, Virginia, located less than seven miles from the heart of Washington D.C., is a unique and historic city. Falls Church is affectionately known as “The Little City” due to its small size and close-knit community atmosphere. Despite its small geographical area, Falls Church boasts a rich history and a vibrant community spirit, and is one of the most densely populated and fastest growing localities in Virginia. Situated between Arlington and Fairfax Counties, Falls Church takes pride in its independent spirit, walkable neighborhoods, and outstanding schools. With a population of approximately 16,000, the City confronts many of the same challenges as large cities across the country with strong community involvement and a people first approach to government service.

This executive-level position reports directly to the City Manager and plays a critical role in ensuring the City’s financial stability, transparency, and fiscal sustainability. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking finance professional who can communicate complex financial matters, work collaboratively with other Department heads to deliver key City services in an efficient and effective manner, and lead a high-performing team with integrity and purpose.

Position Overview:

The Director of Finance/CFO oversees all aspects of the City’s financial operations and serves as the principal advisor on financial matters to the City Manager, City Council, and other stakeholders. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and effective leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Organizational Financial Leadership: Collaborates with Department Heads in executing current year budgets and planning for out-year budgets and expenditures. Provides guidance and education to support effective budget management across all departments through structured reporting, processes, and oversight.
• Audit & Financial Reporting: Directs the City’s annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with state and federal law and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Financial Monitoring & Forecasting: Prepares and delivers monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports detailing budget performance, fund balances, pension conditions, and emerging trends. Alerts management to any variances from budget assumptions.
• Budget Development: Leads revenue forecasting, advises on tax and utility rates, and plays a key role in developing the General Fund, Capital Fund, and Utility Enterprise Fund budgets. Provides financial analysis and multi-year projections to support strategic decision-making.
• Procurement: Oversees purchasing policies and practices to ensure compliance with state and local procurement regulations. Promotes efficiency, transparency, and fairness in the City’s procurement activities.
• Real Estate Assessment Provides oversight of the real estate assessment function, ensuring fair and equitable property valuations that support accurate revenue forecasting and public trust.
• Capital Budgeting & Debt Management: Evaluates the fiscal impact of the Capital Improvements Program and advises City leadership on key indicators such as debt service, fund balance, and long-term sustainability.
• Financial System Management: Collaborates with IT and other City departments to effectively leverage capabilities of the City’s Enterprise Resource Management system and other applications to effectively manage the City’s financial information and transactions in a way that fosters transparency and accountability both internally and with the public.
• Financial Policy & Strategic Advising: Recommends financial policies that align with best practices and bond market expectations. Offers guidance on fund balance use, debt capacity, and implementation of accounting standards.
• Communication & Reporting: Writes detailed financial reports and delivers presentations to the City Council, School Board, Planning Commission, and community organizations, making complex information clear and actionable.
• Departmental Management: Oversees a department of 13 full-time employees responsible for accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable/receivable, and real estate assessment. Manages consultants and contractors and ensures staff development and performance management. Sets clear expectations for staff, provide the guidance and support necessary for success, and hold team members accountable in a fair and constructive manner.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or public administration (master’s degree preferred)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred
• Significant experience in municipal finance, accounting, budgeting, debt management, and financial reporting
• Proficiency in financial management systems (Tyler EERP preferred), Microsoft Excel, and presentation tools such as PowerPoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey financial concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

Leadership & Management Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team with integrity, vision, and accountability
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and advising senior leadership on financial planning
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to public service
• Proven ability to cultivate a collaborative and leadership-driven workplace culture

Hours:This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week with flexibility during core business hours with occasional night meetings and events.

Salary & Benefits:$195,500 - $228,189 In addition, the City also offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, pension plan, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending account, life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, free parking, credit union membership, and more.See the following link for additional information.

Deadline and How to Apply:

Priority Review Date:July 11, 2025

Application Deadline:July 25, 2025

Candidates who apply by the priority review date will be considered first. The position will close on July 25, 2025. To apply, please complete the online application at the following link upload your cover letter and resume.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace:The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations may be requested for applicants with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department 703-248-5127.Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

All City facilities are smoke free.