The Position
The City of Lakeland, Florida, is seeking an experienced, strategic, and service-oriented municipal finance leader to serve as its next Finance Director. This is a high-impact executive role in a growing full-service city with complex operations that include general government, major utilities, and other enterprise activities. The next Finance Director will join a well-managed organization and serve as a key strategic partner to the City Manager, elected officials, and department leadership on the decisions that shape the City’s long-term financial position, capital capacity, and public service delivery.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Finance Director serves as the senior executive responsible for the administration and management of the Finance Department. The Director leads the City’s financial functions across central accounting, treasury, payroll, accounts payable, customer billing, retirement services, records, City Clerk operations, oversees the preparation of financial and statistical reports, the annual budget process, preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, revenue and expenditure forecasting, debt issuance support, investment oversight, and compliance with bond and loan covenants. This role works closely with the City Commission, City leadership, pension boards, collective bargaining groups, financial advisors, investment bankers, legal counsel, auditors, rating agencies, and other stakeholders, and is expected to provide candid, well-grounded advice on matters that affect the City’s financial strategy, bargaining posture, capital planning, and long-range decision-making.
The Finance Director supervises the Assistant Finance Director, City Clerk, Retirement Services Manager, Human Resource Management Systems Manager, City Treasurer, and one support position across a department budgeted for 47 positions. The Director is expected to bring clear judgment, technical depth, political awareness without politics, and strong leadership to a function that supports citywide decision-making, helps maintain internal controls, and advances efficient, accurate, and transparent financial operations. This is a visible role for a leader who can move confidently between executive-level strategy, public discussions, and the practical realities of a working department.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting and eight years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including four years of experience in finance, debt issuance, investment activities, and management. Candidates should offer significant experience in complex local government finance and the judgment to operate effectively in a highly visible executive role.
Preferred qualifications include an active Certified Public Accountant credential or a master’s degree in accounting. Experience in Florida local government finance is strongly preferred, including familiarity with state laws, financial disclosure requirements, debt management, and the fiscal context for collective bargaining and millage-related decision-making. Candidates from outside Florida should be prepared to describe how they would quickly get up to speed on the state’s legal and operating environments. The selected candidate will be required to file financial disclosure in accordance with Florida law.
Compensation and Benefits
The pay range is $167,611 – $284,940, depending on qualifications.
The City of Lakeland is committed to attracting and retaining talented professionals by offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees throughout their careers. Employees enjoy medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a defined-benefit pension plan with vesting after five years and a 457 deferred compensation plan with a 5% City match, providing a strong foundation for long-term financial security.
The City also supports work-life balance and personal well-being through 11 paid holidays, one personal day, vacation leave, and sick leave, giving employees time to recharge and attend to the things that matter most. Professional growth is encouraged through tuition reimbursement, while military leave supports employees who serve our nation.
The City of Lakeland invests in its people, supporting their health, financial security, professional growth, and future, while providing opportunities to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled.