Director of Finance & Technology Services

JOB SUMMARY

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Application Deadline: Open Continuous Until Filled To apply, please submit a NeoGov application and attach a resume and compelling cover letter.

Selection Process: The selection process will commence in early 2026 following the appointment of the new City Manager (expected in early 2026) The Community

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique collaboration of people including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists, seniors, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality-based businesses. The City is a robust economic and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents.

The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment, as well as being proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

With its iconic destinations such as The Sunset Strip, Historic Route 66, and the Rainbow District, West Hollywood is host to 2.5 million visitors annually from all over the globe. West Hollywood has 20 hotels, many of which offer world-class luxury accommodations. Dining and entertainment is available at more than 300 restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and nightlife establishments. As a home of the Pacific Design Center (PDC) and the surrounding West Hollywood Design District, West Hollywood is also acknowledged as the West Coast’s center of interior design. Each year the City also plays host to a number of large events including WeHo Pride and the WeHo Pride Parade in early June and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. Throughout the year the City’s businesses also host hundreds of private events typically focused on the entertainment industry including events related to the Oscars, Grammy’s, Emmy’s, and other awards shows.

For more information about the City of West Hollywood, please visit www.weho.org.

The Organization

The City of West Hollywood operates under a Council/Manager form of government. The City is known as a progressive and stable organization with high professional standards for excellence, customer service, ethics, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to sustaining best practices. West Hollywood has approximately 260 full-time equivalent positions, a fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget of $202 million, and a $12.4 million budget for capital improvements. The City also maintains healthy reserves which currently total over $100 million. Over the last 10 years the City has completed a number of large-scale capital improvements totaling over $200 million, including the construction of a new library, aquatics and recreation center, parking facilities, and the renovation of West Hollywood Park. The five-member City Council is elected at-large, and annually appoints one of its members to serve as Mayor for a 1-year term. City programs and services are provided by approximately two-dozen Divisions within the following Departments: Administrative Services, City Manager, Communications, Community Development, Community Safety, Community Services, Economic Development, Finance and Technology Services, Human Services and Rent Stabilization, and Public Works.

The Department

The Department of Finance & Technology Services ensures the integrity, transparency, and stability of the City’s public services through sound fiscal management, financial analysis and reporting, and the integration of innovative technologies. Its responsibilities include accounting, payroll, investments, procurement, revenue management, as well as information technology. The City has been recognized by organizations such as Fitch and Moody’s, which have continually affirmed the City’s excellent bond ratings, and the City maintains an implied general obligation bond rating of ‘AAA’, which has been reaffirmed by S&P. For more than 25 consecutive years, the City has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Financial Report, which is a set of detailed financial statements accompanied by a thorough presentation of the City’s financial condition.

The Position

The Finance and Technology Services Director is a vital member of the City’s executive leadership team and is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for all financial operations. This individual oversees Finance Administration, Accounting, Revenue Management, and Information Technology to accomplish the City's priorities with a total of 25 full-time administrative and professional positions. This includes managing key areas such as budgeting, accounting and payroll, treasury, revenue collection, purchasing, financial planning, and the administration of automated financial and technology management systems. The Director plays a central role in developing and implementing fiscal policies that support the City’s long-term financial sustainability, ensuring compliance with budgetary and regulatory requirements, and maintaining alignment with City Council policies and administrative guidelines set by the City Manager.

This position calls for a forward-thinking and results-driven leader with demonstrated expertise in public sector financial management and public administration. Expertise in areas such as grant accounting, bond financing, and the integration of financial technology systems is essential. The Director must have a strong understanding of public sector regulations, funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements. The incumbent must be capable of exercising independent judgment in establishing efficient and effective financial processes, while also providing sound policy guidance and fiscal recommendations to City decision-makers.

In addition to technical proficiency, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. They will demonstrate a commitment to employee development, ethical financial practices, and continuous improvement. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style is key, someone who can foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and service excellence across the department and throughout the organization. The ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including elected officials, community stakeholders, and City staff, is crucial.

The Director will also be responsible for personnel management and representing the City in public forums and with partner organizations. A focus on innovation, equity, and problem-solving, combined with the ability to de-escalate conflict and build consensus, will be vital to success. The City is seeking a leader who brings fresh ideas and a solutions-oriented mindset, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs and operational challenges. A key responsibility for this role is guiding the Finance Department’s participation in the City’s General Plan update, a major multi-departmental effort that will shape the future of the City and its community. The Director will ensure that financial strategies and resources are aligned to support the City’s long-term goals and vision.

The successful candidate will:* Be a thoughtful, diplomatic, and dynamic leader and advocate with experience working in an engaged and active environment and community.

• Be an effective and credible written and verbal communicator with well-developed political acumen.
  
• Be a seasoned leader who can effectively manage and mentor a team.
  
• Have experience leading financial system implementations and process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
  
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability.
  
• Have a genuine dedication to public service and a passion for contributing to the community�s financial well-being.
  
• Have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify solutions to complex organizational and budget challenges while continuing to meet project deadlines and policy goals.
  

This position is eligible to work remotely up to 50% of its time, if approved by the City Manager and based on the City's ongoing operational needs.

Reports to: City Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

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• Bachelor�s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. A Master�s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is highly desirable.
  
• Five (5) to Seven (7)years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting work is required, including at least three (3) years in managerial capacity in municipal finance.
  
• Professional License/Certification: A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Designation is desired. Other finance-related designations, combined with experience and career history, may also be of value in this position.
  

The City is seeking candidates with a combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Individuals meeting or exceeding the required requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Retirement

The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (CalPERS). The retirement formula will be based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS, e.g. 2% @ 62 for New Members (average of three highest years) or 2.7% @ 55 for Classic Members (single highest year) with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency. New Member employees are responsible for paying the employee contribution of one-half of the total normal cost of the plan (currently at 7.25%), as defined by CalPERS, through a payroll deduction. Classic Members are responsible for paying the employee contribution of 8% through a payroll deduction. The City does not participate in Social Security.

• Employees will be enrolled in a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan funded by a City contribution ($150 per month). A 457 (b) Deferred Contribution Plan is also available for voluntary contributions. Annual limits are dictated by the IRS. This retirement savings plan allows employees to save funds on a tax-free basis for retirement.
  
• City contribution of $100.00 per month for Retiree Health Savings (RHS).
  

Health Benefits* A flexible benefit allowance for health, dental, and vision insurance with an added allowance for eligible dependents, including children (under the age of 26), spouse, or domestic partner(effective the 1st of the month following hire date).

Leave Time* Vacation Leave

+ 116 hours - Less than 1 year of service;

+ 156 hours - 2nd - 5th year of service;

+ 176 hours - 6th - 9th year of service;

+ 196 hours - 10th year of service and beyond.

• Sick Leave:96 hours per year
  
• Holidays: 11 City-paid holidays
  
• Personal Leave/Floating holiday: 36 hours per fiscal year
  
• Administrative Leave:12 hours per month.
  

Other Benefits* 9/80 Work Schedule available: Work schedule consisting of eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off in a 2-week period. Under a typical 9/80 arrangement, employees work four 9-hour days, followed by an 8-hour workday that is split into two 4-hour periods.

• Life insurance equal to 2 times your annual salary plus $20,000. The total maximum coverage will not exceed $500,000.
  
• Disability Insurance: 66 2/3% of salary to a cap of $3,846 per week after a 29-day elimination period (for short-term disability).
  
• Technology Allowance: The city pays an allowance of $75 per month for the use of personal technology devices for technology purposes. These allowances provide complete reimbursement to the employee for the use of their private cell phone or other electronic devices for City business. A city-issued laptop will be provided.
  
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses pre-approved by the City Manager.
  
• Optional Benefits: AFLAC, Supplemental Life Insurance, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Flexible Benefits Account (FSA) for medical reimbursement and dependent care assistance, and cash out of accrued Vacation and Administrative Leaves.
  

Employment Contract

This is an executive, at-will position. Executive employment details the terms and conditions outlined in the executive employee employment contract.