GovHRUSA
Jefferson Parish, LA (pop. 434,893). One of the most populous parishes in the state, Jefferson Parish is seeking a forward-thinking and collaborative public finance professional to serve as its next Finance Director. This is an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact in a vibrant New Orleans area community with a strong urban business center and family-friendly green spaces.
Jefferson Parish is located in southeast Louisiana, stretching 60 miles between the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River bisects the parish into two parts, the east and west banks, over 300 square miles comprised of unincorporated areas, and cities that include Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Westwego, Jean Lafitte, and the Town of Grand Isle.
The Finance Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial activities of a consolidated local government with a $1 billion operating budget. This executive role manages a multidisciplinary team and oversees the functions of Budget & Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Procurement, Accounting, Financial Close & Reporting, Grants Accounting, and Debt Management & Issuance. The Finance Director ensures the fiscal integrity, transparency, and sustainability of the government’s financial operations, supporting the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and managing a team of 50 staff members, as part of a larger Parish staff of about 3,400 funded positions, the Finance Director is a key member of the Parish’s professional leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise executive leaders and elected officials on financial strategy, budget policy, long‑range planning, and organizational risk.
- Develop and enforce comprehensive financial policies that align with laws, regulations, and professional best practices.
- Build strong partnerships with departments to promote financial accountability, operational improvement, and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Oversee operating and capital budget development for a $1B portfolio, including forecasting, analytics, performance monitoring, and reporting of risks or variances.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of professionals across finance, accounting, procurement, and budgeting divisions.
- Direct procurement and contracting functions, including purchasing policy, vendor management, and public bidding to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
- Oversee accounting operations, audited financial statements, debt management, and grant administration to ensure compliance with GAAP/GASB and federal, state, and local requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Computer Sciences, Accounting, Finance or related field.
- A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field with 3 years’ work experience or equivalent local government management experience; OR a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) with 10 years of professional work experience.
- Preferred qualifications include:
- Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or related certification.
- 8+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with at least 4 years in public sector finance and 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in large budget oversight, governmental accounting, public procurement, debt management, and regulatory compliance.
- Exceptional strategic, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and financial systems.
- Experience with government grants, complex funding streams, and public sector regulatory environment.
- Track record of innovation in financial management or public sector transformation
Compensation and Benefits
The position offers a starting salary up to $179,704 depending on experience with opportunities for additional remuneration based upon tenure. Jefferson Parish offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal days; auto and phone allowance; participation in the Parochial Employees’ Retirement System and Deferred Compensation (457) plan, wellness program, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Apply online with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by first reading date of April 17, 2026 for best consideration. Open until filled. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, MGT Senior Consultant at Tel: 847-380-3240 x116.
Jefferson Parish is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Posted: 2026-03-19
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.