Finance Director

Santa Cruz, California

Gans, Gans & Associates
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The Finance Director will bring strong technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to public service. This role calls for a skilled and trusted leader who is fiscally responsible, forward

looking, and grounded in integrity.


This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director and oversees all functions of the Finance Department. The Finance Director will lead a team of supervisory and professional accounting staff, supporting the agency's $170 million budget and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

The departing Finance Director, who has served in the Finance Department for 19 years, has offered to ease the transition of the incoming Finance Director by lending support during the initial year in the key areas of budget, fiscal year-end close, and audit, as needed. With an average tenure of 12 years, the positions and duties in the Finance Department include:


• Controller: Procurement, Grants, Budgets, Fiscal Year-End Close, Audit, Financial Reporting


• Accountant: Reconciliations, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Processing, Journal Entries


• Accounting Specialist: Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, HR Benefits


Some of the responsibilities include:


• Leading all aspects of financial management, including accounting, budgeting, auditing, payroll, procurement, and financial reporting


• Developing internal controls and financial policies that promote transparency, accountability, and equity


• Managing investments, cash flow, and long-term financial planning


• Coordinating financial audits and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory agencies, auditors, and financial institutions


• Advising on funding strategies for real estate development, IT systems, and compensation studies


• Supporting agency-wide strategic planning and aligning financial practices with mission goals


This is a key leadership role at the Housing Authority, one that calls for financial acumen, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to public service


The ideal candidate will be:


• A strategic thinker who can see both the financial landscape and the human impact behind the numbers


• A collaborative partner who communicates clearly with staff, leadership, and external stakeholders


• A role model for professionalism, accountability, and public sector ethics


• A hands-on leader who builds systems that are both innovative and sustainable


• A supportive supervisor who fosters a positive, mission-driven team environment


• Comfortable navigating a complex regulatory environment and balancing multiple priorities


• Committed to transparency, accuracy, and strong internal controls


• Capable of managing high-level decision-making while staying connected to day-to-day operations


Education & Experience

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and abilities may be considered. A typical candidate will have:


• At least five years of increasingly responsible experience in public sector accounting, auditing, or budgeting


• A minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory or fiscal management role


• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a related field (a master's degree is preferred)


• Familiarity with HUD programs, Moving to Work (MTW), Housing Choice Vouchers, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits is a plus

The next Finance Director will be a leader who understands the responsibility of stewarding public funds while helping the agency grow and thrive in service to the community.


Compensation & Benefits

Retirement: CalPERS with a 2% 62 formula. Employee pays the 7.75% employee portion of the contribution. "Classic" CalPERS

members may be eligible for placement on other pension tiers. The Authority does not participate in Social Security.

Work Schedule: Partial remote work option for qualified staff; in the first year, this position is expected to be in office. Alternative work schedules are available to support flexibility.

Holidays: 15 paid holidays annually.

Health & Wellness: The Housing Authority contributes a fixed amount toward employee and dependent health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees may pay any remaining premium costs with pre-tax dollars through a Section 125 plan. Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and short-term and long-term disability insurance are also provided to eligible employees.

Paid Time Off: Vacation accrual begins at 132 hours per year and increases to 156 hours after five years of service. Sick leave equivalent to 96 hours annually. 40 hours of administrative leave per year, with cash- out option at fiscal year-end.

Additional Benefits: Voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans available. Professional development opportunities. A supportive and mission driven workplace culture.

Date Posted: 28 April 2025
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