CHIEF BUDGET & STRATEGY OFFICER

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

: Serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team, responsible for leading the development, execution, and oversight of the City's budget, financial strategy, organizational performance initiatives, capital improvement, and long-range strategic planning; aligns financial planning with strategic priorities while ensuring fiscal sustainability and driving data-informed decision-making across all departments; ensures compliance with the N.C. Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act (G.S. Chapter 159). Leads the development and execution of the City's annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Program, including forecasting revenues and expenditures. Directs all phases of the budget process, including preparation, review, presentation, and adoption. Overseas the implementation of the City's strategic plan; develops performance measurement systems, e.g. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)/Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in order to align financial planning with City Council priorities, strategic plans, and organizational goals. Ensure all operations adhere to state and federal laws, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Local Government Commission (LGC) standards. Develops multi-year financial forecasts and sustainability plans. Advises the City Manager, elected officials, and executive leadership on fiscal strategy, risks, and opportunities. Establish budget policies, procedures, and controls to ensure fiscal discipline. Monitors departmental expenditure and revenues; recommends corrective actions as needed. Leads budget workshops and presentations to executive leadership and governing body. Leads organizational performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensures alignment between resource allocation and service delivery outcomes. Provides data-driven analysis to support major policy, operational, and investment decisions. Evaluates cost-benefit and return on investment for programs, initiatives, and capital projects. Leads financial modeling, scenario planning, and risk analysis. Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and service improvements. Supports restructuring initiatives and workforce optimization strategies. Collaborates with department heads to align financial and workforce strategies. Serves as a liaison between departments, executive leadership, and governing officials. Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in public administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field; master's degree (MPA/MBA) highly preferred. Five (5) to seven (7) years of public sector financial management experience with progressive leadership responsibilities, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Special Qualifications:

Valid North Carolina driver's license that is in good standing. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of governmental budgeting, financial forecasting, and fiscal policy. Knowledge of applicable federal and North Carolina state laws and regulations. Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead during periods of fiscal constraint and organizational change. Exceptional communication and presentation skills when dealing with elected officials, the general public, City staff, and community partners. Ability to build trust and collaborate across departments and with elected officials.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has direct supervision overall budget office staff as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

Hearing:

Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

Reaching:

Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Repetitive Motion:

Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Speaking:

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.

Standing:

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Talking:

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other individuals accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Visual Acuity:

Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.

Walking:

Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office setting.