Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller

Job Description:

Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller

Description

THE CITY

The City of Culver City, CA is seeking an accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as its temporary Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller during an important period of growth and transition within the Finance Department. Reporting directly to the CFO, this hands-on assignment offers the opportunity to provide immediate leadership across the City’s accounting and financial reporting functions while helping strengthen systems, processes, and internal controls as the Department builds additional capacity and advances its future organizational structure. If you are a seasoned public-sector finance professional ready to put your expertise to work and make an immediate impact, Culver City wants to hear from you.

This position will remain open until filled.

THE POSITION

Temporary Assignment Details: The City intends to fill this temporary assignment through either a CalPERS retired annuitant appointment or a limited-term appointment, depending on the selected candidate’s circumstances. This temporary assignment does not include City benefits. For the right individual, the assignment may also provide an opportunity to transition into the permanent Assistant CFO/Controller role as the City advances its future Finance Department structure.

The City is seeking to fill this temporary position expeditiously and will begin evaluating applications immediately as they are submitted. Strong candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process as applications are received and the recruitment may close without notice once a suitable candidate has been selected.

A CONNECTED, CREATIVE, AND EVOLVING COMMUNITY

The City of Culver City (City) is a dynamic urban community in the heart of Los Angeles County, home to approximately 40K residents who enjoy a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Walkable neighborhoods, historic architecture, and a vibrant downtown make it a sought-after place to live, work, and visit.

The city’s lively center features popular destinations like Culver Steps, Ivy Station, and the historic Culver Hotel, offering dining, shopping, and gathering spaces. As the “Heart of Screenland,” Culver City hosts major employers such as Sony Pictures Studios, Apple Studios, TikTok, Pinterest, and Amazon Studios, supporting a thriving creative economy and small business scene.

Residents enjoy abundant parks, bike paths, and the Culver City Arts District, showcasing public art, galleries, and cultural events. With excellent transit connections via the Metro E Line and major freeways, Culver City offers easy access to the region while maintaining its own distinctive identity.

Guided by its 2045 General Plan , the City is preparing for sustainable growth that anticipates welcoming 10K-15K new residents over the next decade, with expanded housing options and modern infrastructure. Culver City looks to remain a welcoming, inclusive, and livable community for generations to come.

COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT

The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Its five-member elected City Council provides policy direction, sets priorities, approves the budget, and appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, Police Chief, and Fire Chief.

The City Manager serves as the City’s Chief Executive Officer, overseeing day-to-day operations and leading approximately 800 dedicated employees across five (5) strategic portfolios and 12 departments with a balanced FY26/27 annual budget of approximately $395M. This talented and committed workforce delivers a wide range of high-quality services that support the City's vision of an inclusive, sustainable, and thriving community.

The Strategic Portfolios and City Departments reporting to the City Manager include: (1) Communications & Public Information: City Manager’s Office; (2) Infrastructure & Innovation: Information Technology, Transportation, Public Works, Planning & Development, and City Clerk; (3) Fiscal, Sustainability & Transparency: Finance and Process Improvement; (4) Talent Development, Labor & Inclusion: Human Resources; (5) Economic, Vitality & Equity: Housing & Human Services, Economic Development, Parks, Recreation & Community Services, and Cultural Affairs.

Click Below to Learn More:

• Fiscal Year 25/26 Adopted Budget
• Fiscal Year 26/27 Proposed Budget
• Citywide Master Plans
• City Organizational Chart & Portfolios

CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

The City Council has set a clear vision for proactive, strategic leadership that ensures Culver City’s continued success and livability:

• Strengthen Long-Term Financial Sustainability
• Invest in Public Infrastructure and Community Spaces
• Deliver High-Quality Public Services
• Enhance Housing and Homelessness Services
• Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Deepen Community Engagement & Participation

THE DEPARTMENT & ORGANIZATION FISCAL FOCUS

The Finance Department (Department) serves as the steward of the City's fiscal integrity and long-term financial sustainability with the mission to provide sound fiscal advice and ensure a financially strong and effective city government. Overseeing the Fiscal Year 26/27 (FY26/27) budget of approximately $395M, the Department plays a central role in every financial transaction of the City, from revenue collection and payroll to debt administration and long-range financial forecasting.

Organized across five (5) divisions : (1) Budget, (2) Accounting, (3) Systems & Purchasing, (4) Payroll and (5) Revenue, the Department is comprised of 39 professionals, which includes the CFO. The team supports the full-service operations of a complex charter city while ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), California Government Code requirements, and municipal finance best practices.

The City operates within California's uniquely complex revenue environment. Monitoring state legislation, regulatory mandates, and evolving fiscal policies in Sacramento is an ongoing necessity, as shifts at the state and federal level can materially impact local revenue streams.

The City has recently transitioned to priority-based budgeting and is strengthening the accounting function, enhancing internal controls, improving year-end close processes, and fostering greater cross-divisional integration within Finance.

THE TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT:

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the temporary Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller (ACFO) will serve as the City’s chief accounting administrator, providing hands-on leadership across accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, treasury, grant accounting, debt administration, audit coordination, and financial reporting. The position will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and maintaining compliance with GASB, GAAP, and applicable regulatory requirements.

This assignment comes at an important point in the Finance Department’s evolution as the City strengthens its accounting infrastructure, evaluates how financial functions are organized, and prepares to increase departmental capacity. The Assistant CFO/Controller will provide immediate technical leadership and continuity while helping the CFO strengthen processes, support knowledge transfer, and prepare the accounting function for its future organizational structure.

The City is seeking a seasoned Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who is deeply grounded in governmental accounting and takes personal ownership of producing accurate, defensible financial statements. Equally important is a collaborative, team-oriented leader who values precision and accountability while recognizing the dedication of an existing team that has consistently stepped beyond its formal responsibilities to meet the needs of the organization.

As the City advances this work, it anticipates recruiting for a permanent Assistant CFO/Controller and is open to considering the selected temporary appointee for that opportunity. This is expected to initially be a full-time temporary assignment, with the selected individual working primarily onsite during the initial orientation period. Some remote work may be considered after a few months based on operational needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience & Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, and five years of progressively responsible professional governmental accounting experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Licensure: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Highly Desired: A Master's degree in a related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Public Finance Administrator (CPFA); or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is desired. Municipal finance and governmental accounting experience.

COMPENSATION & ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:

• Compensation: $82.16 - $100.29 per hour DOE/DOQ
• Temporary Assignment: This position will be filled through either a CalPERS retired annuitant or limited-term appointment, depending on the selected candidate’s circumstances.
• Potential Permanent Opportunity: While this recruitment is for a temporary assignment, the City is open to considering the selected individual for transition into the permanent Assistant CFO/Controller role based on mutual interest, performance, and the City’s evolving organizational needs.
• Benefits: This temporary assignment does not include City benefits.
• Work Schedule: This is anticipated to be a full-time assignment of approximately 40 hours per week, however, the City operates on a 9/80 work schedule, closed alternating Fridays.
• On-Site Expectations: The selected individual is expected to work on site at Culver City’s City Hall, particularly during the initial months of the assignment to become familiar with the City’s systems, processes, and Finance team.
• Remote Work: After the initial onboarding period, the City may consider some remote work based on departmental and operational needs.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

APPLICATION PROCESS: The City is seeking to fill this temporary position expeditiously and will begin evaluating applications immediately as they are submitted. Strong candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process as applications are received and the recruitment may close without notice once a suitable candidate has been selected.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply by submitting your resume at: https://www.tristargovsolutions.com/careers

QUESTIONS? Please contact your Recruiter, Sam Sackman, with any questions:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.tristargovsolutions.com
• Phone: 408-605-0790

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The provisions of this job posting does not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions in this posting may be modified or revoked without notice. Continuation in the examination process and subsequent placement on the eligible list of a person convicted of a crime depends upon the nature of the conviction and the conduct of the applicant subsequent to the offense. Convictions will be evaluated on a job-related basis and will not automatically disqualify someone from further consideration.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Culver City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation/identification.

Conditions of Employment

• Background/ Reference Check: Upon a conditional job offer, a live scan finger printing must be completed with acceptable results. Your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.
• If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Upon hire, employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.
• Pre-placement medical evaluation including drug screen (select positions).
• E-Verify: Proof of U.S. citizenship, alien residency or authorization to work in the U.S. will be required at time of appointment.

The City of Culver City intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department three (3) business days prior to the test at (310) 253-5640.

The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision.

This position is represented by Culver City Management Group (CCMG).

The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision. For more detailed information regarding the benefits associated with this position please visit the
Culver City Human Resources Department website .

• Refer to the ‘ Employee Benefits ’ page to view the current Benefit Summary Guide.
• Refer to the ‘ Labor and Employee Relations ’ page to view the applicable MOU.

Salary:

$170,912.82 - $208,615.68 Annually