City of Riverside

THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE
As the 12th largest city in California, the City of Riverside continues to invest in the people, places, and services that shape its community. Through the nearly $1.3 billion Riverside Renaissance initiative, the City delivered 30 years of public improvements in just five years, including transportation projects, parks, libraries, public safety facilities, utilities, and other infrastructure that continues to benefit the community today. Those investments, combined with a focus on public service and innovation, have earned Riverside national recognition.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Riverside is an award-winning city! The City was ranked #68 Happiest City in America (2024), received a perfect Municipal Equality Index score of 100, ranked #14 among America’s Safest Metro Cities, #103 in the World for Economic Performance by the Brookings Institution, and was recognized as a Top 25 City for Business by Executive Outlook magazine. With four nationally recognized colleges and universities, historic landmarks, The Cheech, an extensive park system, and a growing arts and culture scene, Riverside offers a welcoming place to live, work, and call home. To learn more about the City’s accomplishments, including the Finance Department’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability, visit RiversideCA.gov/Awards.

The City is governed by a seven-member City Council / City Manager form of government and is a full-service city providing public safety, utility (electric, water, wastewater and refuse), community services, and much more. With a budget of $1.4 billion and over 2,700 employees, the City provides services to more than 319,000 residents and is an ideal location for those looking to receive a quality education, start a career, become an innovator or entrepreneur, volunteer in the community, build and expand a business, raise a family, or retire.
The Finance Department, composed of 77+ full-time employees, administers the financial and treasury affairs of the City of Riverside and oversees other centralized services such as purchasing, risk management, budget, business tax, payroll, debt and treasury, central stores, and general accounting. The department manages the City’s revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, accounting, budgeting, and debt portfolio. As such, the department provides the City’s departments and residents with dependable and efficient quality services in billing and collection of City services, cash management, and other fiscal functions in accordance with legal and professional standards.

Department goals are to:

  • Ensure the safety and security of the City’s assets
  • Develop sound financial strategies for business decisions
  • Provide the financial and accounting resources necessary to support goals and operations of City departments
  • Actively support the local business economy

Productivity and life-work balance are key priorities for City leadership.

The Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Finance Department is to provide fiduciary control of the City’s assets, perform fiscally related services, and provide accurate, timely and useful financial information to support the delivery of municipal services to the City organization and the public. The Finance Department consists of the Administration, Accounting, Financial Resources, and Purchasing & Risk Management Divisions.

THE POSITION

SALARY: $168,240 – $235,116 ANNUALLY

The City of Riverside is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Finance Director (Non-Classified) to fill one (1) vacancy in the Finance Department.
Reporting to the Finance Director, this position plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in the collection, custody, investment, and disbursement of City funds to oversee and ensure accurate and efficient financial operations, financial reporting, and participates in the development and execution of comprehensive financial strategies. It is imperative for the success of the department to collaborate with executive leadership to drive financial sustainability and optimize long-term fiscal outcomes. The Deputy Finance Director will provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to division managers within the Finance Department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field.

Experience: At least seven years of professional experience in governmental accounting, budget management, debt administration, or finance, including at least five years in a supervisory capacity.

Highly Desired Qualifications: Financial audit experience and California licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or a Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or Public Administration.

CLOSING DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Supervise, train, and evaluate office and field personnel; provide technical guidance and/or direction to subordinate staff; and provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to Division Managers within the Finance Department.
  • Supervise the Finance Department’s day-to-day operations in the accounting, purchasing, treasury, and business tax divisions, providing financial expertise and guidance to division managers; developing and ensuring efficient and effective processes; and ensuring exemplary customer service to City staff and external parties.
  • Supervise the Finance Department’s budget, debt, and treasury functions focusing on sound financial planning, analysis and decision making, timely and transparent financial reporting, and revenue optimization; provide financial expertise and guidance to division managers; and participate in the evaluation of debt financing strategies and proposals.
  • Supervise the Finance Department’s risk management division; develop comprehensive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies; monitor and report on the citywide risk profile; and emphasize cross-departmental collaboration and cohesion with workers’ compensation, safety, and claims functions.
  • Oversee the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with accounting pronouncements and various mandates; and providing accurate and timely financial reports, presentations, and recommendations to support strategic decision
    making.
  • Oversee the preparation of the City’s annual budget and capital improvement programs; develop, implement, and maintain dynamic and adaptable financial forecasting, modeling, analysis, and reporting tools that facilitate financial decision-making and reporting; monitor the regional economic landscape and variables influencing City finances and strategic planning; and assess and report on compliance with applicable financial planning and reserve policies.
  • Participate in strategic planning and analysis activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct cost-benefit analyses, assess return on investment, and perform financial feasibility assessments for proposed projects, initiatives, and potential revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and automation within the Finance Department, leveraging inter departmental collaboration to optimize financial operations and enhance efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal control systems to safeguard municipal assets, prevent fraud; and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including accounting pronouncements and debt covenants, the City’s municipal code, state and federal laws, and various mandates.
  • Assist in managing staffing levels, develop and oversee staff development programs and cross-training initiatives, and recommend succession planning strategies to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce in the Finance Department.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting on Finance Department operational goals, performance measures, and key performance indicators.
  • Prepare, present, and approve Department, City Council, Committee, and Board reports and presentations as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an experienced, innovative, and collaborative finance professional who enjoys challenges and creative solutions and has a mentorship approach to managing employees. The Deputy Finance Director will be expected to provide strength and oversight in various areas of Finance, such as accounting, purchasing, treasury, budget, business tax, risk, technology projects, and day to day operations, as well as supporting a transparent organizational culture. Effective communication and interpersonal are skills necessary to build and foster positive staff and interdepartmental relationships, as well as provide clear presentations and reports to leadership, various committees, and community groups. This position requires a strategic leader with a solid track record in process improvements and enhancing operational efficiencies, financial analysis, facilitating projects across departments, staff development and mentorship, and effectively managing resources and workloads, while maintaining a hands-on and team-oriented collegial work style. The successful candidate will have the ability to create a workplace of mutual trust and respect in a close-knit working environment.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  1. A self-motivated and assertive leader that takes initiative and models positive behaviors for a high- performing, team-oriented working environment. The Deputy Finance Director is expected to be a visionary and strategic leader who fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Their ability to lead by example and inspire high performance is essential in managing a large, complex finance organization.
  2. Works with group managers and supervisors, respecting their ability to run divisions while still being available to offer guidance and process improvements with a collaborative style. The Deputy Finance Director must be a supportive and empowering leader, who trusts division managers while providing strategic direction and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. This aligns with the expectation to mentor staff and promote succession planning.
  3. The ability to creatively communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences verbally and in writing, using graphics, and simple, practical terms. A core responsibility of the Deputy Finance Director is to present complex financial data clearly and persuasively to the City Manager, City Council, and community stakeholders. This includes translating technical information into accessible insights that support informed decision-making.
  4. A management style that looks for continuous ways to improve processes, utilizes technology to create efficiencies to ensure continued fiscal responsibility. The Deputy Finance Director is expected to lead innovation and process improvement, leveraging technology to modernize financial systems and enhance operational efficiency. This aligns with the role’s emphasis on fiscal stewardship and continuous improvement.
  5. A charismatic and humble leader who demonstrates confidence and high integrity, while providing excellent customer service. Integrity, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset are foundational to the Deputy Finance Director’s role. The ideal candidate is both confident and approachable, capable of building trust across the organization and with the public.
  6. An active listener, calm under pressure, possessing a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. The Deputy Finance Director must be resilient and composed, especially when navigating complex challenges or high-stakes decisions. A positive, grounded demeanor helps foster a healthy workplace culture and strengthens relationships with internal and external partners.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol test.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/ locations after the closing date of this announcement.

BENEFITS

  • Health & Vision Max City Contribution (family coverage): $2,157.93 per month
  • Dental Max City Contribution (family coverage): $85 per month
  • Medical Opt-Out: $2,000 annual stipend Life Insurance: 2x annual + AD&D
  • Medicare: 1.45% Additional Life Insurance: Optional Enrollment
  • LTD (Long Term Disability): Cost = $.48 for every $1,000 of salary, up to maximum of $88.00/per month
  • 457 Deferred Compensation: $175 / per month City Contribution with a $25.00 / per month Employee Contribution
  • 125 FSA Plan: Optional Enrollment Workers Comp.: 80% / year
  • Holidays: 13 per Calendar Year Vacation Accrual: 0-9 yrs. = 144 hrs. 10+ yrs. = 184 hrs.
  • Administrative Leave: 80 hours / Fiscal Year Sick Leave: 12 days per Calendar Year
  • Auto Allowance: $350 per month Retirement: CalPERS (Benefit varies based on individual CalPERS membership status.)

CalPERS Retirement

1st Tier – 2.7% at 55 contract. Based on bargaining unit, some employees may pay portion of the Employee Share

2nd Tier – 2.7% at 55 contract and pay the Employee Share (8%) as follows:

  • SEIU & SEIU Refuse employees hired on or after 6/7/11
  • IBEW, IBEW Supv, Executive, Elected Officials, Mgmt & Confidential employees hired on or after 10/19/11

3rd Tier – Eligible employees hired on or after 1/1/13 are covered under the 2% at 62 contract and pay the Employee Share of 50% of the normal cost (% established by CalPERS)

To apply, visit RiversideCA.gov/Jobs

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