Deputy Chief Financial Officer

As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, you'll help guide the City's financial operations while supporting the long-term priorities that keep Durango running. Working closely with the Finance Director, you'll provide leadership across finance, accounting, and customer service operations, oversee managers and complex projects, and partner with departments throughout the organization to improve processes and solve challenges. This role combines technical financial expertise with strategic leadership. You'll help develop department priorities, support major financial initiatives, strengthen internal operations, and provide guidance that helps the organization make informed financial decisions. 

The starting pay for this position is between $106,992 and $128,390 per year, with opportunities for growth up to $149,789 per year based on long-term growth and performance within the role. 


About the Department 
The Financial Services Department helps City leaders make informed decisions by providing reliable financial information, thoughtful planning, and responsive customer service. The department includes Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, Grant Management, Fleet & Facilities, and Budget divisions, who work together to support every City department. Our team values collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and strong customer service. We work closely with departments across the organization to promote sound financial practices, provide practical guidance, and support the City's long-term financial health. 

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence 
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. 

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan. 

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because: 

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements. 
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results. 

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.What You’ll Do in This Role:  

• Provide leadership and strategic support to the Finance Director while helping guide the daily operations of the Finance Department.  
• Help lead the City's annual budget process, including long-term financial planning, forecasting, reserve analysis, and financial reporting that supports informed decision-making. 
• Assists with coordination and preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Support the City's investment program and debt issuances by coordinating with financial partners and bond counsel. 
• Develop and strengthen financial policies, procedures, and internal controls while supporting the implementation of process improvements across the department. 
• Lead and support managers across assigned divisions, providing coaching, direction, and professional development.  
• Help establish department goals, priorities, and service improvements that align with organizational needs.  
• Oversee operational planning, staffing, budgets, and resource allocation for assigned divisions.  
• Review department processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement changes that improve efficiency and service.  
• Partner with departments across the City to solve complex financial and operational challenges.  
• Support major financial initiatives, including budget planning, financial reporting, debt issuances, and other Citywide projects.  
• Monitor compliance with governmental accounting standards, financial regulations, and City policies.  
• Represent the Finance Department in meetings with City staff, leadership, outside agencies, and professional organizations.  
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture that supports excellent service across the organization.
  

You Have: 

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.  
• Five years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, including at least three years leading or supervising staff.  
• Certified Municipal Finance Officer or Certified Public Accountant certification is preferred, or the ability to obtain certification.  
• Experience with governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, or public finance. 
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. 
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Build strong relationships with employees, leaders, and community partners.  
  
• Balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational leadership.  
  
• Use sound judgment when navigating complex financial, operational, and personnel decisions.  
  
• Communicate financial information in ways that are clear and meaningful to a variety of audiences.  
  
• Lead teams through change while encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement. 
  
• Prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt as organizational needs evolve.  
  
• Bring a strong understanding of governmental accounting principles, budgeting, financial management, and internal controls. 
  

What We Can Offer You: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage. 
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area. 
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being. 
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

View the full Deputy Chief Financial Officer job description here.