Director of Finance

Fahrenheit Advisors is assisting the City of Virginia Beach in the search for a Director of Finance
The City of Virginia Beach is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Finance to lead its financial operations and strategy. As part of the City's executive leadership team, this position directs key functions such as accounting, payroll, purchasing, risk management, debt issuance, and financial compliance. This is an appointed position reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager.
This is a high-impact, executive-level opportunity to shape the financial health of a dynamic and diverse coastal city. You'll work alongside forward-thinking leaders in a supportive and values-driven environment, where innovation and integrity are at the core of what they do.
The City of Virginia Beach is a mission-driven organization committed to enhancing the economic, educational, social, and physical quality of life for its residents. The City's core values-customer service, teamwork, leadership, integrity, inclusion, and continuous learning-shape a high-performing culture where employees thrive and make a difference.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the City's Financial Strategy:

• Set goals and direct the City's financial operations including accounting, purchasing, payroll, risk management, debt, pension, and benefit liability oversight.

Ensure Financial Compliance:

• Establish policies aligned with GAAP, GASB, GFOA best practices, and state/federal regulations.

Drive Innovation & Efficiency:

• Champion internal controls, streamline processes, and adopt industry best practices.

Advise City Leadership:

• Provide financial guidance to the City Manager, City Council, and departments. Present strategic analyses and complex financial data in a clear and accessible manner.

Manage External Relations:

• Coordinate with rating agencies and City's external financial advisor, oversee bond issuance, and collaborate with regional boards, commissions, and public-private partners.

Oversee Procurement Programs:

• Lead the City's procurement operations, including support for SWaM vendors and the Minority Business Council.

Develop and Lead High-Performing Teams:

• Recruit, train, and mentor senior finance staff. Cultivate a collaborative and accountable work environment.

Monitor and Forecast Budgets:

• Manage the department's budget, oversee expenditures, and partner with internal teams on budget planning and projections.

Preferred Qualifications :

• A Master's degree in business, public administration, finance, or a related field
• Any combination of education and related experience equivalent to 12 years, including 5 years in program or departmental leadership
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, or CGFM (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of governmental finance, accounting standards, procurement policies and best practices, and strategic planning
• Experience working with rating agencies and overseeing complex financial systems
• Experience providing oversight of payroll for an organization of comparable size
• Experience implementing an ERP, collaborating with internal and external stakeholder partners (implementor, Human Resources, Benefits, IT, etc); additional consideration for experience implementing Workday
• Knowledge of or experience with Oracle Fusion in management of organizational financials
• A collaborative leadership style and strong communication skills
• A valid driver's license