Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer is senior leadership position within The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Reporting directly to the Commissioner, this role is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the department, including cash flow planning, cash investments, and asset management. The incumbent will also oversee the Accounting Department and maintain accurate financial reporting to both internal management and external auditors. This is a managerial role, with many of the functions under this position being performed via subordinate staff and managers, including but not limited to the Health Fiscal Director.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a financial strategy that aligns with the department’s mission and the city’s long-term goals. Set clear financial priorities to support effective resource allocation, program funding, and sustainable growth, ensuring that financial planning supports the department’s strategic objectives. 
• Communicate departmental priorities and strategy to subordinate employees, including the Health Fiscal Director, to ensure alignment and consistency across the finance unit.
• Oversee the development and management of the department’s budget, working with division leaders to allocate resources effectively and within budgetary constraints. Ensure budget proposals are data-driven and align with departmental priorities, presenting budget recommendations to department leadership and city officials. 
• Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to support data-driven decision-making, including forecasting, scenario planning, and cost-benefit assessments. 
• Manage cash flow planning, cash investments, and asset management to ensure fiscal stability and the availability of funds.
• Provide oversight of grants and other funding sources.
• Lead the accounting department to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with city policies and accounting standards, and ensure the effective operation, maintenance, security, and backup of all financial systems, databases, and software.
• Establish and monitor internal controls to safeguard the department’s financial resources, ensuring strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect departmental assets and maintain financial stability. 
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors, and managing the preparation and support of all external audits.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and growth opportunities to team members, building a skilled finance workforce that supports the department’s objectives and adheres to high standards of accountability. 
• Act as a key liaison to city officials, community stakeholders, and external partners on financial matters. Clearly communicate financial insights, budget priorities, and financial updates to internal and external audiences, promoting transparency and building trust in the department’s financial practices. 
• And other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and accounting practices specific to public sector operations. This includes familiarity with government finance regulations and compliance requirements. 
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAP and other relevant accounting standards, as well as public sector-specific financial reporting guidelines. 
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal financial regulations, including the ability to interpret and apply complex financial laws. Expertise in managing audits and ensuring compliance. 
• Expertise in data-driven financial analysis, including forecasting, scenario planning, and performance metrics, to support strategic decision-making and operational planning. 

Skills

• Strong leadership skills to build, mentor, and manage a diverse finance team. Ability to create a collaborative work environment that supports professional development and high performance.  
• Highly developed analytical skills to interpret complex financial data, assess trends, and make strategic recommendations. Ability to translate financial insights into actionable plans that align with organizational goals. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Proficient in presenting complex information in a way that is accessible and engaging. 
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify challenges, evaluate options, and develop effective solutions. Skilled in making informed, data-driven decisions that improve financial outcomes. 
• Proficient in using financial management software, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools. Familiarity with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills for budgeting, reporting, and forecasting. 

Abilities

•  Ability to uphold high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in all financial activities. Commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service. 
• Capacity to respond effectively to changing financial conditions, regulatory updates, and evolving departmental needs. Ability to adapt to new challenges and maintain steady leadership in dynamic environments. 
• Ability to anticipate future financial trends and proactively develop strategies that ensure financial stability and growth. Commitment to exploring new approaches that improve financial performance and efficiency. 
• Strong dedication to fostering equity in financial practices, ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and that financial policies reflect a commitment to serving all communities. 
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external partners, building strong relationships and fostering collaboration to achieve financial objectives. 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx