Director of Finance

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

The anticipated hiring range for the position is $165,000 - $175,000 DOE

https://www.nnva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39341/Finance-Director-Recruitment--Brochure

Are you ready to lead the financial future of Newport News? We are seeking a dynamic leader for our Finance department. If you have a proven track record in financial management and reporting, this is your chance to make a significant impact. You will develop and implement accounting policies, coordinate internal control policies, and provide strategic financial analysis to City leadership. Additionally, you will manage the City's debt portfolio, oversee senior finance staff, and ensure the department budget aligns with forecasts. Imagine overseeing the City’s procurement function, managing liabilities, and representing the City’s financial interests in negotiations. Providing sound financial guidance, you will ensure the timely and accurate completion of all financial reports. If you have experience with large-scale project management and the ability to navigate complex challenges, you will thrive in this role and make a significant impact on the financial health of Newport News. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we encourage you to apply today! Join us in shaping the future of Newport News and be a part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Apply now and lead the way to a brighter financial future for our city!

The Department of Finance, Newport News, VA, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the city's financial stability and fostering community engagement through various initiatives. In addition to managing the city's financial operations, the department engages the public through outreach programs designed to educate and empower the community on topics like tax relief. Special efforts are made to assist senior citizens, veterans, and small business owners in navigating city financial services and accessing available resources. The department leads the city’s participation in public financial reporting and open data initiatives, earning recognition for excellence in financial transparency. With a commitment to operational efficiency and public trust, the Department of Finance serves as a cornerstone of Newport News’ government, ensuring that public funds are managed with integrity, strategy, and long-term vision.

Newport News, recently named an All-America City in the summer of 2024, is located along the Hampton Roads harbor banks in southeastern Virginia. It is a major East Coast port and one of the Commonwealth’s largest cities, with a rich heritage dating back to the founding of the United States. Newport News and surrounding areas offer safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, high-quality schools, and access to many recreational and cultural opportunities, such as the Ferguson Performing Arts Center, the Virginia Living Museum, and the Noland Trail. 

Newport News abuts the City of Hampton and is minutes away from Newport News/Williamsburg Airport, Norfolk International Airport, and Richmond International Airport, which serve the Hampton Roads region. Amtrak connects to Newport News on the Northeast Regional line.

The city is home to Christopher Newport University, a public liberal arts university with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University are in neighboring Hampton and Norfolk, and the College of William and Mary is situated just over 20 miles northeast of Williamsburg. The city’s major industries are shipbuilding, research, and defense. Huntington Ingalls Industries is the region’s largest employer, with a workforce of nearly 24,500 in its Newport News Shipbuilding division.

The City of Newport News operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Six City Council members are elected from three districts – North, Central, and South – while the Mayor is elected at-large. Elections are nonpartisan and members serve staggered four-year terms.

Newport News has a FY2026 approved operating budget of over $1.1 billion and [TB1] an approximate employee count of 3,600 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across all funds. The Finance Department directly reports to the Senior Deputy City Manager-Finance and Administration.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader, have a track record in financial management and reporting. Strong management skills developing policies and implementation to include accounting, accounts payable, purchasing, risk management, debt management/issuance, and payroll. The role involves developing and implementing accounting policies and practices that comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance, and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices. 

This position coordinates internal control policies across City departments and leads efforts to resolve financial control issues. It provides strategic financial analysis and reporting to City leadership, City Council, and other key stakeholders. The role also includes managing the City's debt portfolio, including bond issuances, interactions with rating agencies, and facilitating key financial committees. 

Financial strategies must be aligned with City ordinances as well as state and federal regulations. The position supervises the recruitment, training, and performance of senior finance staff, ensuring development and accountability. It oversees the City’s procurement function, including Small, Women-owned, and Minority (SWaM) programs.

Projecting and managing liabilities related to pensions, benefits, and deferred compensation is a critical function. The role monitors the department budget, ensures expenditures are in line with adopted forecasts. The position represents the City’s financial interests in negotiations and contracts, ensuring favorable outcomes. 

The position provides sound financial guidance to City leadership on public-private partnerships and liabilities associated with insurance and employee benefits. Requires the ability to read financial data, various reports, and memos. Demonstrates the ability to perform complex math and finance calculations and demonstrates proficient use in Excel and other relevant software applications. 

The role ensures the timely and accurate completion of all financial reports as required by City code, and by state and federal authorities. The position supports internal and external collaboration, particularly with the Newport News Public School System, the Compensation Board, and other advisory bodies. 

Finally, the role is accountable for leading the department strategically, delivering services valued by residents and mandated by City charter, while providing the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and Council with high-quality, actionable staff work. Additionally, experience with large-scale project management and the capacity to navigate complex challenges with creativity and sound judgment will set the ideal candidate apart as a dynamic leader for Newport News.

Additional Qualifications Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related program and five years’ experience, including three years of supervisory experience in fields utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required within one (1) year of hire. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is preferred. 

Compensation- The City offers a very competitive and comprehensive compensation package. The anticipated hiring range for the position is $165,000-$175,000 DOE.

Benefits:

-Relocation Assistance 

-Health/Dental/Vision/Life

-Deferred Compensation 

-Flexible Spending Accounts 

-Long & Short Term Disability 

-Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

-Discounted fitness center memberships 

-State Retirement via Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

-Among many other benefits!

Newport News’s Vision: A diverse and prosperous waterfront city of science, technology, innovation and art where people come together as a vibrant, inclusive community. 

Newport News’ Mission: To enhance the quality of life in the City of Newport News for current and future generations to thrive. 

Newport News’s Values Community Engagement Opportunity for All Creativity and Innovation Stewardship Fun

Newport News’s Vision: A diverse and prosperous waterfront city of science, technology, innovation and art where people come together as a vibrant, inclusive community. Newport News’ Mission: To enhance the quality of life in the City of Newport News for current and future generations to thrive. Newport News’s Values Community Engagement Opportunity for All Creativity and Innovation Stewardship Fun

If interested in learning more and to apply visit https://www.nnva.gov/193/Apply-for-a-Job

MUST APPLY ON OUR CITY JOB SITE! MUST COMPLETE THE CITY JOB APPLICATION WITH ALL YOUR WORK HISTORY and EDUCATION