THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Palm Desert invites a strategic and forward-thinking municipal finance leader to step into the role of Director of Finance/City Treasurer at a defining moment of opportunity and growth. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant, economically dynamic community, this position offers the chance to shape long-term fiscal strategy, safeguard financial sustainability, and directly influence the future of one of Southern California’s most desirable cities. The ideal candidate will be both a steward and an innovator – someone who can navigate complexity, inspire confidence, and deliver results that support Palm Desert’s continued prosperity and high quality of life.

ABOUT PALM DESERT

Palm Desert is a vibrant and beautiful city located in the heart of the Coachella Valley of Southern California. With a population of over 64,000 residents, Palm Desert is a popular destination for tourists and a thriving community for residents. The city is known for its excellent quality of life, with a diverse and inclusive community, exceptional educational opportunities, and access to world-class healthcare. The City of Palm Desert is an excellent place to work, with a strong commitment to attracting and retaining top talent who are aligned with a focus on community service and improvement.

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Palm Desert contracts for many services, including public safety, through Riverside County and park operations and recreational activities through the Desert Recreation District. The fiscal year 2025/2026 budget allocates funds to the City’s highest priority – the well-being and safety of residents, visitors, and businesses. The City has established strong financial reserves over many years and continues to enjoy a strong financial foundation. The City’s FY 2025/2026 General Fund budget is $109.4 million, and all-funds budget is $226 million. The City’s 165 employees are proud to work for the community and take pride in providing exceptional customer service to residents and visitors alike.

THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Department represents a unified, integrated financial center with responsibility for financial matters affecting all departments and activities of the City. Centralizing the finance functions of controller, purchasing agent, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, load administration, and payroll, creates cost efficiencies and increases the professionalism of staff. In addition, the department provides treasury services, including the collection of taxes, permits, and license fees as required by city ordinance.

The Finance Department provides its service through 15 employees and a FY 2026 department budget of $3 million. Reporting to the Director of Finance is a Deputy Director of Finance and Management Specialist.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Finance plans, organizes, manages, directs, and coordinates the programs and activities of the Finance Department, including the finance, accounting, treasury, payroll, and budget functions. The Director of Finance serves as a key member of the City Manager’s executive team. Key responsibilities include assuming management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the department; directing the preparation of the city’s annual financial report, operating, and capital budgets; overseeing the allocation of enterprise funds and non-profit entities; establishing appropriate service and staffing levels; providing staff assistance to the City Manager and other city officials; selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating staff; and directing the activities of the treasury division in determining investment options for City funds and managing the city’s investment portfolio to maximize interest earnings.

The ideal candidate will bring strong collaboration skills, a team-oriented leadership style, and a problem-solving orientation; an appreciation and acceptance for continually improving operations through people, processes, and technology; have the ability to effectively translate complicated financial concepts and terminology;  have experience in financial forecasting and the ability to navigate budget challenges; and will embrace opportunities to assist the team in getting important work accomplished and projects delivered.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, management information systems, accounting or finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.

• Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience working in finance management, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility is desirable.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Director of Finance is $177,424 - $243,526 dependent on qualifications. In addition, an excellent executive benefit package is outlined below. Key benefits include retirement provided through CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for the 2% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are eligible for 2% @ 62. The City also offers a voluntary deferred compensation program - 457 and 401a with 2% City match to the 401a program.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Interested candidates should apply immediately. The City may close the recruitment at any time once a strong group of candidates has been established. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696