Skills & Competencies:

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Visionary mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Strong leadership and team development skills.
Detail-oriented with a high level of integrity and accountability.
Proficient in financial systems, Tyler software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions:

Full-time, salaried position with benefits.
Office-based, with occasional evening meetings required.
Attendance at Board of Aldermen meetings and city functions will be required.

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer

Department: Financial Administration
Reports To: Mayor and Board of Aldermen
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: City Clerk, Comptroller, Deputy Clerks, Accounts Payable Clerks

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key executive leader for the City of Oxford, Mississippi, responsible for the financial integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability of the City. This forward-thinking and visionary role leads a multifaceted team and oversees all aspects of municipal finance; including budgeting, tax collection, investments, procurement, employee benefits, records management and Inventory.

The CFO plays a critical role in strategic planning, policy development, and high-level decision-making, ensuring that Oxford remains fiscally strong while preparing for future growth. This position also serves as a primary liaison with the Mississippi Municipal League and other governmental and financial partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

Develop and execute the City’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets in alignment with long-term strategic goals.
Provide regular financial reports, projections, and recommendations to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and department heads.
Lead the City’s financial planning efforts, including forecasting, investment strategy and debt management. Monitor economic trends and emerging financial risks to advise on proactive policy development.

Tax Collection & Revenue Management

Oversee the billing, collection, and reconciliation of all municipal taxes, including sales, tourism and franchise taxes. Ensure accurate and timely reporting and remittance of revenues to appropriate state and local agencies.

Employee Benefits & Insurance

Administer the City’s retirement programs, including PERS and supplemental retirement options.
Lead the evaluation and potential transition to a self-insured health plan and manage its administration if implemented. Coordinate with benefits providers, auditors, and legal advisors to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.

Procurement, Inventory & Accounts Payable

Supervise procurement and purchasing processes, ensuring legal compliance, cost-effectiveness and accountability.
Oversee inventory tracking and asset management citywide. Ensure efficient processing and reconciliation of accounts payable.

Records & Transparency

Manage the processing of public records requests in compliance with Mississippi public records law. Maintain accurate and secure financial documentation in coordination with the City Clerk’s office.

Leadership & Supervision

Provide strategic leadership to direct reports, including the City Clerk, Comptroller, four Deputy Clerks.
Foster a culture of professionalism, accuracy, innovation and service within the Finance Department. Ensure proper training, internal controls and staff development.

External Collaboration

Represent the City in all financial dealings with banks, auditors, bond counsel and investment consultants.
Serve as the City’s financial liaison to the Mississippi Municipal League (MML), staying informed on legislation, training and municipal finance trends.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including leadership of a finance team.
Strong knowledge of municipal accounting standards (GAAP), public budgeting, procurement laws, and governmental reporting requirements.
Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage large budgets and provide strategic recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

CPA or Master’s degree in related field.
Experience working within a municipal or county government.
Demonstrated leadership in evaluating or managing self-insured health plans.
Engagement with the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) through leadership, committee work, or policy involvement.
Familiarity with PERS and other public retirement systems.

The City of Oxford

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Chief Financial Officer