Chief Financial Officer (2024)

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Recruitment began on May 23, 2024

Expires June 27, 2024

Full-TimeGovernment & Public Administration, Law & Policy

Apply Now

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received and the position will be open until filled, with preference given to applications received by June 18, 2024.

The City of Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) is looking for a highly talented, innovative professional that understands both the challenges and the unique rewards of public service. This position will oversee all financial and accounting functions of the department and the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) budget and annual audits, administration of federal grants, and servicing of a $229M loan portfolio, as well as real estate financing tools.

Here’s what you can expect to do:

  • Coordinates with department leadership to ensure long term financial health of the department and HRA are maintained and balanced.
  • Directs the development of the Planning and Economic Development (PED) and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Annual Budget, oversee annual mandatory audits and ensure all financial reporting compliance requirements are completed successfully.
  • Develops key operational and fiscal indicators, dashboards, key performance indicators, or other means to communicate vital fiscal information with the Director for the department, executive leadership, regional partners, and the public.
  • Conducts financial risk assessments and integrate financial practices into an enterprise risk management framework for the department and the HRA budget.
  • Oversees the successful management of the PED Accounting Team, PED Grants Management Team, and Debt management staff.
  • Implements and maintains key business management systems to ensure appropriate information sharing and data utilization to realize organizational objectives.
  • For more information and essential functions, see our Position Profile and job description.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Position Requirements:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Real Estate, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, or a closely-related field. Six years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience. Two years of the experience must be in a managerial role supervising employees, and leading complex projects.

A Master’s degree in a related field or a CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) in a related field is preferred.

How to Apply:

  1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
  2. Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
    • A resume – please ensure that your vacancy related experience is documented

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Learn more about our Hiring Process:

Unclassified Posting: This is an UNCLASSIFIED position and is therefore not governed by City Civil Service Rules.

Selection Process: Applicants who meet the criteria and requirements stated on the job posting will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.

Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer.

Human Resources Contact Information:
Kate Moen at (651) 266-6530
Email: kate.moen@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Working Title: Chief Financial Officer
Official Title: Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development

Chief Financial Officer (2024)

FAQs

How to pass a CFO interview? ›

Revisit your successes and challenges: Be ready to discuss your key achievements, learning moments, and how you've driven financial strategy in the past. Alignment with the role: Identify specific examples from your experience that align with the CFO role and responsibilities.

Who answers to the CFO? ›

The CFO relies on the reporting generated by accounting and the financial controller to advise the CEO and board on the company's strategic financial direction. The controller and other functional specialists report to the CFO.

Does the CFO answer to the CEO? ›

Role and Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)

The CFO reports to the CEO but remains one of the key personnel in any company. In the financial industry, it is a high-ranking position, and in other industries, it is usually the third-highest position in a company.

What is a great question to ask a CFO? ›

What does a typical workday look like for you? What is your most important professional responsibility? What are the most significant changes you see on the horizon with regards to your industry? What sort of obstacles arise when attempting to evoke change in your industry?

How to impress a CFO in an interview? ›

How to Prepare for an Interview with a CFO?
  1. Understand the Company and Industry. ...
  2. Review the CFO's Background. ...
  3. Familiarize Yourself with Financial Statements. ...
  4. Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen. ...
  5. Highlight Your Strategic Thinking. ...
  6. Prepare for Behavioral Questions. ...
  7. Stay Updated on Industry Regulations. ...
  8. Ask Informed Questions.
Dec 5, 2023

What is the most difficult decision for a CFO? ›

The most difficult decisions for a CFO often involve balancing risk and reward in financial investments, determining the right time for expansion or cost-cutting, and allocating capital between competing projects or departments.

How much power does a CFO have? ›

CFOs wield significant influence, with powers to oversee financial strategy, budgeting, investment decisions, and risk management. They can also guide mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, and investor relations, making critical contributions to a company's success and long-term financial health.

Who has more power, CFO or COO? ›

Hierarchy of CEO vs COO vs CFO

The COO is second in command to the CEO and works very closely with them. They are also hired by the CEO. The CFO is hired by the CEO and works one-level under them along with the COO and other C-suite positions.

Who typically reports to the CFO? ›

Some CFOs have the title CFOO for chief financial and operating officer. In the majority of countries, finance directors (FD) typically report into the CFO, and FD is the level before reaching CFO.

What does a CFO want to see? ›

The CFO should also identify opportunities for top-line growth and drive profit improvement, not just through the traditional methods of cost control, but through examples such as product line/regional profitability analysis and benchmarking against industry peers.

What should I ask the CFO in all hands meeting? ›

What steps can we take to improve our financial situation? Understanding the actions needed to improve financial performance can help guide strategic decision-making. Asking this question also encourages open dialogue and transparency about the company's finances.

What are intelligent questions to ask the CEO? ›

Below are 12 good questions you can ask your CEO:
  • How can I help? ...
  • What do you expect from your employees? ...
  • What is something you want to change about the company? ...
  • What does a typical work day for a CEO look like? ...
  • What do you do when you are outside the office? ...
  • What are you most proud of regarding the company?
Jul 27, 2023

What does a CFO look for in an interview? ›

Questions about background and experience

The interviewer will also likely want to evaluate your past work performance, contributions you've made as well as your work ethic, financial knowledge and ability to direct and lead a team or department.

How to be a successful CFO with seven skills give at least 3 skills? ›

The skills and qualities of a successful CFO
  1. Resilience. Some of the world's most successful people have had considerable challenges to overcome. ...
  2. Confidence. ...
  3. Building relationships. ...
  4. People management and team-building skills. ...
  5. Technological proficiency. ...
  6. Data analysis. ...
  7. Strategic thinking.

How do I prepare for CFO role? ›

Here are the common steps to becoming a CFO:
  1. Complete relevant education. ...
  2. Acquire industry experience. ...
  3. Pursue leadership opportunities. ...
  4. Consider advanced education. ...
  5. Earn professional certifications. ...
  6. Network in your industry. ...
  7. Create a comprehensive resume.
May 28, 2024

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