Finance Director
City of Santa Maria, CA

The City of Santa Maria, located in the California central coast region between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, is a 23 square mile growing and developing community known for its rich farmland that produces numerous exported crops, affordable living, and local and regional employment and recreation. With a diverse population of approximately 110,000 residents and as a regional hub of commerce, industry, farming, and housing, Santa Maria is the largest city in the County of Santa Barbara. With its mission “to providing the highest quality service in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible”, the City has a 2024-26 General Fund operating budget of approximately $140 million.

The City of Santa Maria is seeking a Finance Director who is forward thinking, and who will 1) engage in organizational development to build the team, mentor, and train personnel; 2) foster innovation, be creative, and promote an entrepreneurial spirit; 3) find and develop solutions, and find ways around roadblocks to achieve organizational goals and objectives; and 4) shape and retool the Finance Department into a state-of-the art, efficient, and effective organization. As such, the ideal candidate, while being technically experienced in Finance, must view challenges as an opportunity, embrace problems as ideal for making the right and prudent decision, value customer service, enjoy problem solving, thrive in a collaborative and team oriented environment, and have the drive to achieve organizational excellence.

To serve as the City of Santa Maria Finance Director, applicants must have significant years of experience, including increasingly responsible financial management experience and a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field. In addition, the successful candidate must have a combination of technical familiarity, knowledge and/or experience in governmental accounting standards (GASB) and principles, Fund Accounting, budgeting, financial monitoring and reporting, laws related to municipal finance including California property tax laws; financial analysis and research, personnel supervision. It is desirable that applicants have a Master’s degree and/or certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and/or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO). The annual salary range is $230,000 and $265,000 based on qualifications and experience, and the City provides a competitive benefit package.

To apply for this exciting career opportunity, please visit our website at:

Peckham & McKenney
www.peckhamandmckenney.com

Resumes are acknowledged within two business days. Call Tony Dahlerbruch at (866) 912-1919 for more information. A detailed brochure is available at www.peckhamandmckenney.com.

Filing deadline is March 7, 2025.