Director of Finance, Lafayette,, Louisiana

posted: 22nd July 2025

CFO Recruit is partnering with a well-respected government organization in Louisiana to appoint a highly capable and mission-driven Director of Finance. The successful candidate will oversee all financial operations and serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on complex fiscal matters. This opportunity is ideally suited for a seasoned finance professional such as a Director of Finance, VP of Finance, or CFO, with experience in the public sector and a strong understanding of governmental budgeting and compliance.
Crucially, this role requires a leader with the confidence and authority to represent the financial interests of the agency in high-level discussions with city and state government officials. The ability to advocate effectively and navigate the nuances of public finance is essential.

The Director of Finance will have the following responsibilities:

• Leading the finance and accounting department, with one direct report and a team of nine indirect reports.
• Providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight to ensure a high-functioning finance team.

• Managing the full scope of financial operations: budgeting, accounting, procurement, forecasting, grants, tax, and audit processes.
• Developing and presenting timely, accurate financial reports to internal leadership and external government bodies.
• Overseeing and reconciling financials across multiple fund areas.
• Reviewing and revising budget performance reports to ensure compliance with Louisiana statutes and other applicable regulations.
• Ensuring the appropriate allocation of revenue-sharing tax receipts from the State of Louisiana.
• Leading special projects and initiatives, such as system upgrades, grant audits, and financial process improvements.
• Representing the organization with financial clarity and authority in multi-agency meetings and budgetary negotiations.

To be successful in this role the Director of Finance will have the following experience & qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; CPA designation preferred but not essential.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in financial leadership, ideally within a government agency or publicly funded entity.
• Proven experience managing government contracts, grants, and compliance with federal/state reporting requirements.
• Strong technical knowledge of accounting systems and prior experience with system implementations or upgrades.
• Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to positively challenge executive-level stakeholders and remain firm under pressure.
• High level of professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to public service.
• Strong presence, confidence, and communication skills to effectively represent the organization at senior levels.