Chief Financial Officer
Apply NowCompany: City of Livonia, MI
Location: Livonia, MI 48154
Description:
Salary: $119,621.00 - $139,922.00 Annually
Location : City of Livonia, MI
Job Type: Appointees (At-WIll)
Job Number: 1230 o.c.
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/27/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
The City of Livonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY INFORMATION
The City of Livonia offers a competitive salary range of $119,621 - $139,922, based on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the City of Livonia's senior financial executive, reporting directly to the Mayor. The CFO provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, investment management, and fiscal policy, ensuring the city's long-term financial stability and sustainability.
Key responsibilities include overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal finance. The CFO advises the Mayor, City Council, and department heads, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and strategic guidance to support informed decision-making.
In addition to the Finance Department, the CFO also oversees the Information Systems Department, and strategic capital planning functions. The CFO drives efficiencies across interdepartmental financial functions and ensures effective resource allocation. With a focus on collaboration and results, the CFO fosters a high-performance culture, represents the city in public engagements, and works within a political environment to support the city's financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Department Leadership & Operations
Public Engagement & Collaboration
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
By the closing date of this announcement, an applicant must:
U.S. citizen or resident alien with the legal right to work in the United States. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree in a related discipline is highly preferred. A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or governmental accounting, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably as a Finance Director, CFO, or in a related capacity. Extensive knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting standards, including governmental accounting principles (GASB, GAAP). Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or other relevant certifications preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The following is a brief overview of the benefits offered for this position. A new employee orientation will occur for each new, regular employee and will include detailed information about the benefit offerings. The benefits listed below are for full-time employees. Part-time employees are eligible for benefits but the amount of benefit will differ from what is listed below.
PAID TIME OFF
Employees receive vacation and sick time based on their years of service. New employees accrue vacation and sick time at a rate of eight hours per month. Upon completion of the six-month probationary period, employees are also entitled to three personal business days each year.
There are thirteen paid holidays each calendar year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Medical and prescription drug coverage is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. An employee has the choice between three Community Blue PPO plans and pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for medical coverage the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
The City also allows full-time employees who have health insurance through another provider to opt out of the City's medical coverage and receive $1,000 per year (paid monthly) in lieu of coverage.
DENTAL & VISION
Dental and vision insurance are also available for regular employees through Delta Dental and EyeMed, respectively. The employee pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for these insurances the first of the month following employment.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City covers the premium of a Life Insurance policy in the amount of one times the annual base salary plus $2,000.00 for full-time employees. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The City offers a Defined Contribution (401a) plan which is currently administered by Empower Retirement. Employees contribute 4.5% with a contribution rate of 12% from the City. Contributions for new employees begin six months from the date of hire. The City's contributions and earnings on those contributions are vested after four years of service.
Employees who wish to contribute more than 4.5% can open a Deferred Compensation (457) plan which is also administered by Empower Retirement.
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
The City has established a Retirement Health Savings Plan for employees to assist with healthcare related costs in retirement. The Employee contributes 2% of their pay and the City contributes $90 per paycheck to this Plan. The City's contributions and earnings on those contributions are vested after four years of service.
CLOTHING VOUCHER
Each regular, general employee who does not otherwise receive a clothing allowance and has completed the six-month probationary period is eligible for a $100 clothing voucher each fiscal year to purchase departmental-approved clothing.
VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS
Employees are eligible to enroll in the City's voluntary supplemental benefit program which offers accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability coverage along with, identity theft protection and legal assistance.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field?
02
Do you have a minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or governmental accounting, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably as a Finance Director, CFO, or in a related capacity?
03
Do you have extensive knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting standards, including governmental accounting principles (GASB, GAAP)?
04
Do you have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or other relevant certifications? Please select all that apply.
Required Question
Location : City of Livonia, MI
Job Type: Appointees (At-WIll)
Job Number: 1230 o.c.
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/27/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
The City of Livonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY INFORMATION
The City of Livonia offers a competitive salary range of $119,621 - $139,922, based on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the City of Livonia's senior financial executive, reporting directly to the Mayor. The CFO provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, investment management, and fiscal policy, ensuring the city's long-term financial stability and sustainability.
Key responsibilities include overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal finance. The CFO advises the Mayor, City Council, and department heads, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and strategic guidance to support informed decision-making.
In addition to the Finance Department, the CFO also oversees the Information Systems Department, and strategic capital planning functions. The CFO drives efficiencies across interdepartmental financial functions and ensures effective resource allocation. With a focus on collaboration and results, the CFO fosters a high-performance culture, represents the city in public engagements, and works within a political environment to support the city's financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Mayor and City Council, providing insights on fiscal policies, budgeting, and long-term financial strategy.
- Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the City's goals and economic development initiatives.
- Identify and assess financial risks and opportunities, offering data-driven recommendations to enhance financial sustainability.
- Monitor the impact of state and federal financial legislation on municipal operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Ensure effective internal controls, risk management, and financial stewardship to safeguard City assets.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Lead the development and administration of the City's annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Oversee multi-year budget forecasting, capital planning, and expenditure monitoring to ensure financial sustainability.
- Manage debt issuance, investment strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
- Direct the City's financial audits and coordinate with external auditors to ensure transparency and accuracy.
- Develop financial policies and internal controls and provide forecasting and guidance to support informed decision-making.
- Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies on financial reporting and ensure compliance with tax laws, grants, and regulations.
Department Leadership & Operations
- Provide executive oversight for the Finance Department, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and best practices in municipal finance.
- Provide executive oversight for the Information Systems Department, ensuring strategic technology advancement and strong internal control practices.
- Lead a team of finance professionals across Accounts Payable, Payroll, Retirement System Accounting, Purchasing, Water Billing, and Revenue Administration.
- Implement modern financial technology solutions and process improvements to optimize financial operations.
- Supervise recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and professional development of finance and information systems staff.
Public Engagement & Collaboration
- Present financial reports, budget updates, and policy recommendations to City Council, the Mayor, and the public in a clear and accessible manner.
- Act as the City's financial representative in contract negotiations, labor discussions, and external partnerships.
- Build coalitions with government agencies, private entities, and community stakeholders to support fiscal initiatives.
- Ensure the City's financial decisions align with best practices, fiscal responsibility, and public service excellence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
By the closing date of this announcement, an applicant must:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strategic Leadership - Ability to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the City's long-term goals.
- Financial Expertise - Deep understanding of governmental budgeting, accounting principles, and municipal finance laws.
- Analytical Thinking - Ability to interpret complex financial data and use it to drive decision-making.
- Team Management - Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing finance teams.
- Public Communication - Skilled in presenting financial information to elected officials, staff, and the public.
- Problem-solving - Strong ability to anticipate financial risks and implement proactive solutions.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration - Experience working with local, state, and federal financial programs and funding sources.
The following is a brief overview of the benefits offered for this position. A new employee orientation will occur for each new, regular employee and will include detailed information about the benefit offerings. The benefits listed below are for full-time employees. Part-time employees are eligible for benefits but the amount of benefit will differ from what is listed below.
PAID TIME OFF
Employees receive vacation and sick time based on their years of service. New employees accrue vacation and sick time at a rate of eight hours per month. Upon completion of the six-month probationary period, employees are also entitled to three personal business days each year.
There are thirteen paid holidays each calendar year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Medical and prescription drug coverage is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. An employee has the choice between three Community Blue PPO plans and pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for medical coverage the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
The City also allows full-time employees who have health insurance through another provider to opt out of the City's medical coverage and receive $1,000 per year (paid monthly) in lieu of coverage.
DENTAL & VISION
Dental and vision insurance are also available for regular employees through Delta Dental and EyeMed, respectively. The employee pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for these insurances the first of the month following employment.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City covers the premium of a Life Insurance policy in the amount of one times the annual base salary plus $2,000.00 for full-time employees. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The City offers a Defined Contribution (401a) plan which is currently administered by Empower Retirement. Employees contribute 4.5% with a contribution rate of 12% from the City. Contributions for new employees begin six months from the date of hire. The City's contributions and earnings on those contributions are vested after four years of service.
Employees who wish to contribute more than 4.5% can open a Deferred Compensation (457) plan which is also administered by Empower Retirement.
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
The City has established a Retirement Health Savings Plan for employees to assist with healthcare related costs in retirement. The Employee contributes 2% of their pay and the City contributes $90 per paycheck to this Plan. The City's contributions and earnings on those contributions are vested after four years of service.
CLOTHING VOUCHER
Each regular, general employee who does not otherwise receive a clothing allowance and has completed the six-month probationary period is eligible for a $100 clothing voucher each fiscal year to purchase departmental-approved clothing.
VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS
Employees are eligible to enroll in the City's voluntary supplemental benefit program which offers accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability coverage along with, identity theft protection and legal assistance.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or governmental accounting, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably as a Finance Director, CFO, or in a related capacity?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have extensive knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting standards, including governmental accounting principles (GASB, GAAP)?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or other relevant certifications? Please select all that apply.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO)
- Other relevant certifications
- None
Required Question