Highlights
The CFO also serves as the primary liaison to external financial partners, including bond rating agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies, and ensures timely and accurate SEC filings and related reporting. This leadership role is responsible for managing the annual budgeting process, developing long‑range financial plans, and ensuring the City maintains sound financial practices and compliance.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | New Bedford, MA |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Salary | $161,089 Per Year |
| Website | https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/ |
Description
The City of New Bedford is recruiting a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee and direct all municipal financial operations. This leadership role is responsible for managing the annual budgeting process, developing long‑range financial plans, and ensuring the City maintains sound financial practices and compliance. The CFO also serves as the primary liaison to external financial partners, including bond rating agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies, and ensures timely and accurate SEC filings and related reporting.
Job Responsibilities
- Coordinate and supervise all municipal financial services and activities, ensuring uniform systems and standards across City government.
- Implement and maintain consistent budget guidelines and procedures; provide direction and assistance in developing departmental budgets and spending plans in accordance with Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations.
- Monitor expenditures for all City funds, including periodic reporting and continuous review of departmental spending plans.
- Review all proposed contracts and obligations with terms or impacts longer than one year.
- Oversee the periodic allotment of funds.
- Review, compile, and recommend departmental budgets, spending plans, requests for supplemental appropriations, and transfers prior to submission to the Mayor and City Council.
- Manage relationships with external financial agencies, including bond rating agencies and SEC filing requirements.
- Oversee City debt and deliver presentations to support successful bond sales.
- Analyze and recommend all capital spending in accordance with City ordinances.
- Advise the Mayor and City Council on procurement strategies for long‑term water and sewer utility contracts; negotiate contract terms and conditions.
- Review and make recommendations for all proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreements and Special Tax Assessments for potential certified projects in Economic Opportunity Areas.
- Support all matters related to municipal financial affairs.
- Provide written financial certifications to the Mayor and City Council confirming—based on professional analysis—that financial resources are adequate to support proposed expenditures or obligations.
- Certifications are required for:All proposed appropriations
Any City Council vote involving financial action
Transfers, revenues, or appropriations
Collective bargaining agreements
Ordinance revisions or special legislation requiring expenditures or creating long-term obligations
Any vote authorizing borrowing under applicable law
Please note
The duties listed above are intended as examples of the responsibilities associated with this position. Additional related tasks may be assigned as necessary.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across City departments. The CFO plays a critical role in shaping financial policy, supporting decision‑making, and maintaining transparent fiscal management on behalf of the community.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of experience in government accounting, finance, or business management is required, along with proven experience in a senior leadership role.
Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
- Independent Judgement
- Regulatory Knowledge
- Risk Management
- Expert reporting
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational Skills
- Critical Thinking
Benefits
Mobile Phone, Paid Time-Off, Prescription Drug Coverage, Life Insurance, Retirement / Pension Plans, Paid Sick Days, Parking, Flexible Spending Accounts
About Company
The City of New Bedford is a mission‑driven municipal employer committed to serving our residents with integrity, innovation, and pride. Our employees play a meaningful role in strengthening neighborhoods, improving services, and helping the community thrive.
We foster a collaborative and supportive culture where people feel valued, respected, and connected to the impact of their work. Staff take pride in contributing to a city with a rich history, diverse community, and forward‑looking vision.
People love working here because their work truly matters. Every role contributes to making New Bedford a better place to live, work, and grow — and we’re always looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference.