Finance Director - City of Greensboro, NC
City of Greensboro - Durham, NC
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Salary: See Position Description Location : Greensboro, NC Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-09 Employer: City of Greensboro Opening Date: 02/08/2026 Closing Date: 3/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern About Us RECRUITMENT BROCHURE Position Closes: March 8, 2026 Are you a financial leader who understands that public trust is earned through sound judgment and steady leadership? Are you known for integrity, precision in financial oversight, and the ability to guide complex decisions with clarity and confidence? Are you ready to lead a finance organization that safeguards a city's financial strength while supporting thoughtful planning and long-term fiscal stability? If so, the City of Greensboro is seeking a proven public sector finance executive to serve as Director of Finance (Chief Financial Officer), a cornerstone role within the City's senior leadership team and chief steward of the City's financial health. This position reflects Greensboro's commitment to disciplined leadership and proven stewardship, calling for an experienced professional who can oversee financial operations, support informed decision-making, and maintain a strong, conservative approach to fiscal management in partnership with City leadership and staff. Quiet Strength. Proven Stewardship. Purpose-Driven Finance. Greensboro's financial stability has been built over decades through responsible leadership, disciplined investment, and a deep commitment to public trust. The Finance Department continues that tradition by strengthening systems, supporting organizational priorities, and sustaining practices that reinforce long-term stability. The next Director of Finance will step into a collaborative leadership environment grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility, helping safeguard the City's financial integrity while carrying forward a legacy defined by steady, principled stewardship. About the Organization: The City of Greensboro is governed under a Council-Manager form of government with the council serving as the legislative body of City government. City council is composed of a mayor and eight council members who serve four-year terms. The council is responsible for setting and directing policy regarding operations of City government, as well as approving the City's of $830.6M, which supports 2,800 full-time, 200 part-time, and up to 1,000 temporary and seasonal employees across . The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the City and is responsible for the execution of council policy and for the management of day-to-day City government operations. Learn more about the City of Greensboro by About the Community: Greensboro, NC, is the third largest city in the state (ranking just behind Charlotte and Raleigh in population) and is located in the Piedmont Triad region of the state. Covering approximately 140 square miles, the City is home to just over 307,000 residents and has grown steadily into a diverse, mid-sized metropolitan center. Greensboro was founded in 1808 as the new Guilford County seat, chosen for its central location, which made it easier for residents-many traveling by horseback-to reach the courthouse. Its position in central North Carolina helped it become an important transportation crossroads, especially today as Interstates 40, 85, and 73 converge there. Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, Greensboro became a major textile manufacturing center, and remnants of this legacy continue to shape the city's character. The city also played an essential role in the civil rights movement, most notably with the 1960 Woolworth's lunch-counter sit-ins led by North Carolina A&T students, which became a national catalyst for peaceful protest. Today, Greensboro has a diverse and steadily growing population, with a median household income around $62,000 and a broad mix of homeowners and renters. The city is known for its pleasant blend of suburban neighborhoods, historic districts, college communities, and pockets of urban development centered around downtown. Greensboro's housing market is considered relatively affordable compared to many similar-sized cities, with home values continuing to rise but still accessible for many families and first-time buyers. Its cultural makeup is similarly varied, shaped by its universities, its history, and a broad demographic mix that contributes to the city's community character. Greensboro offers a wide and diverse range of opportunities for enjoying nature, exploring culture, discovering history, and taking part in recreational activities. One of its signature attractions is the , a combined museum, zoo, and aquarium that appeals to visitors of all ages. The downtown preserves the original Woolworth's lunch counter and offers detailed exhibitions on the civil rights movement. The city is also well known for its parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, including wetland preserves, the , lakes, and numerous greenways used for walking, running, and biking. offers a lively collection of restaurants, cafés, galleries, shops, breweries, and nightlife along the Elm Street corridor, giving the city a small-city energy with cultural depth. The hosts major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment throughout the year, making it one of the largest and busiest venues of its kind in the region. The city has a vibrant arts and community scene, with the serving as a hub for galleries, theaters, studios, and local arts groups. Historic neighborhoods like highlight early 20th-century architecture and a strong sense of heritage. Festivals, concerts, public art, and year-round community events add energy to daily life, while plentiful parks and green spaces give residents easy and quick access to nature. Greensboro is home to several major colleges and universities, including UNC Greensboro, a large public research school with an active campus near downtown, and North Carolina A&T State University, a nationally recognized HBCU known for its engineering and STEM programs. Greensboro also includes smaller institutions like Guilford College, Bennett College, Greensboro College, and GTCC, the area's main community college for technical and workforce training. Altogether, these schools serve more than 47,000 students and give the city a strong academic presence. Known for its welcoming and diverse character, the city combines strong schools, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, accessible parks and greenways, and a solid healthcare network that supports both quality of life and long-term stability. Residents value a community that offers the amenities and opportunities of a larger city while still preserving a strong sense of connection and belonging - making Greensboro an inviting place to live, work, and become part of something meaningful. The city's moderate cost of living and strong public and private school systems add to its appeal, while ongoing strategic initiatives continue to shape Greensboro's future. Efforts such as the are expanding housing availability and influencing capital planning, infrastructure investment, and long-range financial strategy. Learn more about Greensboro by visiting the . Duties/Responsibilities About the Department and Position: The City of Greensboro has earned the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 50 consecutive years-a distinction that reflects exceptional technical rigor, transparency, and institutional discipline. As the City's Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Finance leads the planning and direction of all financial affairs in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The Director is responsible for preserving this legacy while advancing modern financial practices, maintaining strong regulatory compliance, and reinforcing trust with elected officials, employees, residents, and the financial community. The Director provides oversight across six divisions: Accounting, Collections, Treasury Management, Financial Reporting, Purchasing Service, Centralized Contracting, and Equipment Services (Equipment Services manages, maintains, and repairs the 1,8000-piece automotive and rolling stock fleet used by City Departments). Working in close collaboration with the City Manager's Office and reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director provides enterprise-wide financial leadership for a growing, AAA-rated city. The position also provides oversight of the Financial and Administrative Services Department, including General Activities with an annual budget of $5,640,000 and 46 full-time employees, and the Equipment Services Fund with an annual budget of $32,500,000 and 52 full-time employees. The Director develops debt strategies, manages capital financing and investment portfolios exceeding $500 million, and serves as the City's financial representative with external advisors, auditors, and state agencies. A defining feature of the position is leadership over Greensboro's adopted Ten-Year Capital Improvements Plan, which projects $2.8 billion in capital needs over the next decade, including approximately $460 million in general obligation bond funding and $1 billion in revenue bond financing. The Director plays a pivotal role in securing this capital, guiding long-term borrowing strategies, and sustaining the City's AAA general obligation bond ratings from both Moody's and Standard & Poor's. The position also drives long-term financial planning to support Greensboro's strategic initiatives, including the Road to 10,000 housing goal, infrastructure investments, and economic development efforts that foster equity and growth. The Finance Director serves as a cornerstone of Greensboro's executive leadership structure and provides opportunities for broader public sector leadership, including potential pathways to Assistant City Manager or City Manager roles with influence over the City's strategic and operational direction. Key Position Priorities:Lead development and execution of the annual budget and capital improvement program while advancing major initiatives, including the upcoming fleet facility garage construction project. Deliver clear, data-driven financial insight to City Council and executive leadership, translating complex analysis into actionable policy and operational decisions. Safeguard the City's financial strength through active management of the AAA bond rating, oversight of the debt program, and stewardship of more than $1 billion in outstanding bonded debt. Modernize and strengthen financial operations through investment portfolio oversight, implementation of electronic payment systems, and leadership within a GASB-compliant reporting environment, including asset management and preparation of the annual financial report. Build organizational capacity by leading and mentoring a high-performing team and fostering trusted relationships with internal partners, external advisors, rating agencies, and regulatory stakeholders. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: 10 or more years of progressively responsible financial management experience Extensive experience with public sector finance, budgeting, and debt management Demonstrated success in leading professional teams and managing complex financial systems Preferred Qualifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or NC Certified Local Government Finance Officer (NCCLGFO) Experience advising City Council or similar governing bodies. Proven record of implementing innovative financial strategies that enhance equity and community impact. The Successful Candidate:Demonstrates unquestioned integrity and earns trust through consistent, principled decision-making - especially in complex or high-visibility situations; Brings deep financial expertise and professional credibility, serving as a confident and knowledgeable resource to City Council and executive leadership; Communicates with clarity and sound judgment, translating complex financial issues into practical guidance and informed decision-making; Maintains precision and discipline in financial oversight while balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day operational realities; Builds respectful partnerships across departments, supporting collaboration and strengthening organizational alignment; Leads inclusively by directing, mentoring, and empowering a diverse, high-performing workforce while fostering collaboration, equity, and innovation; Upholds Greensboro's values of being purpose-driven, people-centered, data-informed, resilient, and equitable in both leadership style and financial decision-making; and Demonstrates a deep commitment to public service and stewardship of public resources, prioritizing community impact over personal preference. Additional Information Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the position is $130,643.00 - $233,783.00 with eligibility for additional executive compensation of $4,320 annually. A signing bonus of up to $8,595 may be available for the selected candidate. As a City employee, the Director of Finance participates in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (NCLGERS), which includes a 6% pre-tax employee contribution and a City-funded employer contribution, with vesting after five years. Supplemental retirement savings opportunities include participation in a 401(a) plan with a 3.25% City contribution based on base salary, as well as 457 / Roth 457 and 401(k) / Roth 401(k) plans. For highly experienced executives, the City may recognize prior public sector service through adjusted leave accrual rates and initial leave balances, consistent with established policies. Learn more about the City's generous benefits package As with all individuals appointed as City Department Directors, the Finance Director must live within a 30-mile radius of the Greensboro city limits within 12 months of their appointment. To apply, please visit click on the Finance Director -City of Greensboro, NC title. Allapplications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (linkabove)-NOT the city's employment application portal or any other external website. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applicants should apply by March 8, 2026, to be considered during the firs tround of reviews. The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on April 14-15, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate, as these dates are fixed. Direct all inquiries to . The City of Greensboro 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 select"Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants." Benefits are specific to the employing organization. Please refer to the benefits information that is in the ad as well as in the recruitment brochure. If you need further information, please contact the employer associated with the position 01 CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLOSURE AND APPLICATION COMPLETION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Developmental Associates works on behalf of this client to recruit and collect information on candidates for this position. All applicant materials will be shared with the employer and their employees who are involved in the hiring process for this position. This application process uses a combination of automated and hand scoring of all application materials against screening criteria that have been established by the employer. 1) By submitting this application, I am consenting to have my application materials shared with this employer. 2) I understand that if I have not completely and fully answered all application questions and/ or supplemental questions with details, my application may not be able accurately evaluated. 3) Further, I understand that merely referring to my resume (e.g. "see resume" in lieu of providing detailed responses) is not sufficient for purposes of ensuring accurate application evaluation. Yes No 02 The minimum degree for this position is a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or related field. What is your highest degree? High School or GED Some College, No Degree Bachelor's Degree Some Graduate School, No Degree MPA, MBA or other related graduate degree Other Degree 03 If you listed "other degree", please list what degree and in what field if not clear. 04 What professional Finance/Accounting certifications do you hold? (Select all that apply) CPA CLGFO CGFM CMA CFM CFE CFP CIA Other - Please specify I hold no Finance or Accounting certifications 05 If you stated "other" above, please specify what certifications you have: 06 This position prefers local government (County or City/Town) experience in finance. Do you have experience working directly in local government finance or accounting? Yes No 07 If you answered yes in the previous question, with which local or municipal governments have you served in a finance/accounting management role? 08 What was your highest level in a finance/accounting leadership role? I've never served in a finance/ accounting leadership role in local or municipal governement. I've served in a supervisory role in a finance/accounting department. I've served in a division management role in a finance / accounting department. I've served in an assistant director/director in a finance or accounting department. I've served in a finance/accounting management role within a Town/City/County Manager's Office. I've managed budgets in another local government or municipal department. 09 This position requires 10 years of progressively responsible and broad-based professional experience managing financial and accounting functions for a local government or private industrial organization. How many years of Finance and Accounting experience in local government or private industrial organizations do you have? Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-7 years 7-10 More than 10 years 10 What is the largest budget amount you have directly managed? No direct budget management experience Less than $50M $50M - $100M $100.1M - $150M $150.1M - $200M $250.1M - $500M $500.1M - $801M Greater than $800M 11 What level of budget management experience do you have? No budget management experience Followed a budget developed by others Managed a unit budget Responsible for and developed an entire department budget Responsible for coordinating and final development of an organizational budget 12 What is the total number of employees in the largest organization in which you have been serving at management level or higher? I have not served as a manager. Less than 400 401 - 700 701 - 1,000 1,001 - 1,300 1,301 - 1,600 1,601 - 1,900 1,901 - 2,100 Greater than 2,100 13 What is the largest number of employees for whom you have had supervisory responsibility (direct reports or down line supervision)? (Note: Down line supervision refers to employees who are supervised by your direct reports or by subordinates of your direct reports). I've never supervised any employees. 10-30 31-50 50 or more 14 In which of the following areas would your references say you are proficient (NOTE: proficient means that you have personally implemented or have great depth of knowledge in the identified area): Bond Referendums Capital Improvement Programs Forecasting Financial Modeling Performance Management Metrics Financial Reporting Budgeting Strategies Non-tax revenue development Other 15 Please identify with which financial technology solutions you are proficient: 16 I understand that the hiring range for this position is $130,643 to $233,783, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yes No 17 The City is using a multi-step screening and evaluation process including an assessment center process for selecting its next Chief Financial Officer. The dates for this virtual assessment center process are on April 14-15, 2026. Participation as a candidate involves engaging in 3-4 activities to assess key competencies. This is a time investment of about 3-4 hours of engagement during the 2 day process not including preparation time. These are not public meetings but there will be substantial interaction with other professionals in the field who will serve as assessors. Further, we have all participants sign letters of confidentiality. NC Law does not require the announcement of applicants until a finalist is selected. Indicating "yes" below represents your understanding of these elements of the process. Yes No Required Question
Created: 2026-03-10