Director of Finance | Department of Parks and Recreation

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • $124,937 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance for the Department of Parks and Recreation serves as the department’s chief financial leader, guiding strategic financial planning, budgeting, and operational oversight to ensure the long‑term sustainability of a large, complex, and mission‑driven organization. This role provides direction across finance, accounting, internal controls, compliance, and risk management while advising executive leadership on financial strategy and organizational performance. The Director builds strong partnerships across the department, supports staff through effective leadership and development, and ensures fiscal integrity, transparency, and alignment with Parks and Recreation’s goals and community impact.

Requirements

• Five years of experience at the type and level of Financial Manager.
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of financial functional or financial operational management, which must have included management of subordinate supervisors
• Two years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Critical thinking and strategic decision making, with the ability to analyze complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Capital finance experience, including planning, forecasting, and managing funding for capital projects and long term infrastructure investments.
• Strong data analytics skills and the ability to extract insights, evaluate financial trends, and inform organizational strategy through clear, actionable analysis.
• A proactive, idea forward approach, consistently coming to leadership with recommendations, improvements, and innovative solutions rather than waiting to be asked.
• A thought partner mindset, working alongside the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and senior leaders as a trusted advisor on financial strategy, risk, and opportunity.
• Experience with Workday and Accela or similar financial, permitting, or operational systems (preferred, but not required).
• Experience managing business operations with a proven ability to think strategically and drive results.
• Understanding of general accounting principles, government financial standards, and internal control best practices
• Relevant certifications such as CPA, CGFM, or CPFO (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the financial structure of the department and provide leadership and strategic financial analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Advise the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team on financial trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Work with staff across all levels to support success through cost analysis, audit preparation, and fiscal compliance monitoring.
• Contribute to continual improvement of the budget process by educating department managers on financial issues impacting their budgets.
• Prioritize and allocate financial and operational resources to achieve departmental strategies.
• Ensure resource use aligns with established budgets and obtain approval for any needed exceptions
• Oversee and coordinate all fiscal activities, including revenue and expense reporting, balance sheet management, and reconciliations.
• Review and approve performance metrics established by managers and assist staff in achieving those standards
• Oversee department-wide financial operations to ensure successful execution of annual goals and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
• Resolve sensitive or controversial issues by incorporating multiple perspectives in decision-making.
• Address escalated employee or citizen complaints, developing long term resolutions to recurring issues.
• Create and administer policies and procedures; integrate workflows across functional areas for consistency and compliance.
• Ensure fiscal operations meet internal, local, state, and federal standards and reporting requirements.
• Oversee organizational reporting for funding agencies and ensure adherence to contract budgets and requirements.
• Direct a division within the department in areas such as finance, accounting, cash management, internal controls, compliance, and risk management.
• Select, train, develop, and evaluate subordinate staff; make decisions on hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Develop goals, document performance, provide ongoing feedback, and formally evaluate employee performance.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and direction to leaders within Finance & Accounting.
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, City partners, and community organizations.
• Represent the department at meetings with City leadership, external partners, and community organizations.
• Ensure alignment of financial operations with Parks & Recreation’s mission, operational needs, and long term sustainability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director