Commissioner of Finance

Applications closing on March 30, 2026, 12:00 AM

  • Job TypeFull Time
  • Package$108,750 - $128,750

Department: Finance

City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.

Job Description

The Commissioner of Finance serves as the City’s chief fiscal officer and is responsible for the overall financial management, stewardship, and integrity of the City of Syracuse. Reporting to the Mayor and working closely with the Common Council, the Commissioner oversees revenue collection, treasury operations, accounting, debt management, payroll, financial reporting, licensing administration, and internal financial controls.

The Commissioner ensures compliance with City Charter provisions, state and federal laws, and accepted governmental accounting standards while providing strategic financial leadership to support policy decisions, capital planning, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Financial Leadership

  • Serve as the City’s chief fiscal officer and principal advisor to the Mayor and Common Council on financial matters
  • Develop and implement financial policies that promote accountability, transparency, and long-term stability
  • Provide strategic analysis to inform major policy, capital, and economic development decisions
  • Ensure fiscal operations align with the City Charter and applicable law

Revenue Administration & Treasury Management

  • Oversee the collection of all City taxes, fees, assessments, and other revenues
  • Administer real property tax billing and enforcement, including tax foreclosure and property sales
  • Manage the City treasury and ensure proper deposit, safeguarding, and collateralization of funds
  • Designate depository banks with required approvals
  • Issue annual revenue demand notices and oversee collection strategies

Budget & Financial Operations

  • Assist in administration of the annual operating and capital budgets
  • Maintain commitment and expenditure controls to ensure appropriations compliance
  • Approve purchase orders and contracts as to availability of funds
  • Oversee payroll processing and pension disbursements
  • Supervise cost accounting systems and financial reporting functions

Accounting & Financial Reporting

  • Prescribe and maintain the City’s accounting systems
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and other regulatory requirements
  • Prepare and issue the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) within statutory timelines
  • Oversee year-end closing, fund balancing, and required transfers
  • Establish accrual-based accounting for municipal enterprises as required

Debt & Capital Financing

  • Coordinate issuance and sale of bonds, notes, tax anticipation warrants, and other debt instruments as authorized
  • Manage debt service schedules and maintain strong relationships with financial advisors, bond counsel, and rating agencies
  • Support long-term capital planning and financing strategies

Claims & Risk Oversight

  • Review and approve payment of valid claims against the City
  • Participate in settlement of disputed claims in coordination with Corporation Counsel and executive leadership
  • Maintain strong internal controls to reduce fiscal risk exposure

Organizational Leadership

  • Lead and manage Department of Finance personnel
  • Promote a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement
  • Develop staff capacity in governmental accounting, treasury operations, and regulatory compliance

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of municipal finance, governmental accounting standards (GASB), and public budgeting
  • Experience managing complex revenue systems and capital financing structures
  • Ability to translate financial data into strategic recommendations
  • High level of integrity, judgment, and political acumen
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, department heads, auditors, and the public

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in municipal or public sector finance
  • Demonstrated experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, debt issuance, and treasury operations

Preferred Certifications

  • CPA, CGFM, or equivalent professional credential

Benefits

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
  • Retirement Plan

Click here to apply

The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.

The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.

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