Finance Director - City of Danville, VA

About Us

Recruitment Brochure

Position Closes February 2, 2026

Are you a financial leader who…

• ensures integrity, transparency, and accountability in all financial operations while responsibly managing taxpayer funds?
• can enhance communication, collaboration, and consistency throughout a Finance Department operating across several sites?
• builds community trust by clearly explaining financial practices, addressing concerns thoughtfully, and improving public transparency?
  
  

If so, the historic and welcoming City of Danville, VA, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Financial Director to lead the City's financial operations. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of how the city's wide range of citizen services impacts financial management both internally and in collaboration with other departments. The Finance Director will lead efforts to improve financial systems and controls, streamlining operations, addressing fragmented software, and enhancing data analysis capabilities. By modernizing processes and fostering a culture of efficiency and accuracy, the next Finance Director will help ensure the City of Danville maintains strong financial health while delivering exceptional services to its citizens.

The Community

Located in south-central Virginia along the North Carolina border, Danville is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the nation's population. The city is home to 42,700 residents and is surrounded by Pittsylvania County—Virginia's largest county by land area—which adds another 60,833 people to the region and contributes to its open landscapes and natural beauty.

Danville's border location makes it a convenient base for exploring destinations such as Richmond, Charlotte, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Mid-Atlantic beaches. Yet with its rich history, outdoor recreation, and rolling countryside, many visitors find everything they need right here.

Whether your interests include hiking and biking, kayaking a river or lake, taking in a show or concert, or just grabbing a leisurely dinner with friends, you will find ample opportunities in Southern Virginia. Consider the fact that your dollar goes further due to our low cost of living, and you will find that you can do more of the things you enjoy. In addition, with four distinct seasons of moderate weather, you will have more time throughout the year to enjoy the things you love.

Southern Virginia was built on a foundation of furniture, textiles, and tobacco manufacturing, attracting people from around the world to live and conduct business. However, between the 1990s and mid-2000s, these industries declined significantly, forcing the region to adapt and diversify its economy. In response to the loss of over 25,000 jobs, regional leaders developed a long-term strategy focused on workforce development, aiming to create higher-paying jobs and drive economic growth. Over the past two decades, this approach has fostered strong partnerships among local governments, educational institutions from pre-K to college, and businesses. Additionally, investments in quality-of-life improvements have enhanced the region's appeal to residents, workers, and visitors. Since FY 2017, Southern Virginia has seen the announcement of nearly 7,823 new jobs and over $3.145 billion in investment across various industries. Today, major employers across the region include Goodyear, Hitachi Energy, Intertape Polymer Group, EBI LLC, Press Glass, SOVAH Health, JTI Leaf Services, Caesars Virginia, Buitoni Food Company, EPL America, Monogram Foods, Litehouse Foods, AeroFarms, Drake Extrusions, Eastman, O-I Glass, Presto Products, and Tyson Foods.

This region boasts a robust network of healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care facilities, all seamlessly connected to and surrounded by trauma centers equipped with heliports.

In addition to top-tier healthcare, Southern Virginia offers exceptional public schools that feature STEM and robotics programs and International Baccalaureate schools. Furthermore, the region boasts private schools, military academies, and some of the nation's finest blue-ribbon schools. For those seeking higher education, Averett University and Danville Community College provide a range of continuing education and learning opportunities in the region.

Demographically, the City is composed of 39.1% Caucasian, 52.2% African American, and 5.5% Hispanic residents of any race. The region has a civilian labor force of 18,024, with a participation rate of 52.9%. Among individuals aged 25 to 64 in Danville City, Virginia, 19.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared with 35.1% nationwide. The unemployment rate for Danville City, Virginia, was 4.6% as of July 2023. The regional unemployment rate was higher than the national rate of 4.6%. The average annual salary in Danville City, Virginia, is $49,654, and the median house value is $117,390. The percentage of people in Danville with income below the poverty rate is estimated to be 24.6.

New Development

View the Regional Tourism Video here:

Significant and transformative developments are currently unfolding in Danville, specifically in two key districts: the River District and the Schoolfield District.

In the River District, the redevelopment of the former White Mill, now known as Dan River Falls, is a major focal point. This ambitious project is poised to encompass a substantial 147,000 square feet of commercial space, along with 150 apartments recently completed and an additional 50 apartments under construction. Notably, both phases are expected to bring in a minimum investment of $100 million.

Adjacent to the Dan River Falls property, there is another exciting project taking shape: a four-acre Riverfront Park. This park is designed to offer a host of amenities, including an urban splash pad that doubles as an artistic fountain, a small performance area for cultural events, a river overlook for scenic views, an all-inclusive playground area, river access for recreation, and even a whitewater channel to add an element of adventure.

Transitioning to the Schoolfield District, a monumental development is now open—the Caesars Virginia destination resort casino. Caesars Virginia is a large, world-class resort featuring over 90,000 square feet of gaming space with nearly 1,500 slot machines, dozens of live and electronic table games, a WSOP™ poker room, and a Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting. The property also includes a 320-room hotel tower with panoramic views, a full-service spa and pool, and 50,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and entertainment space that doubles as a 2,500-seat live event venue. Dining and nightlife options are plentiful, includingRamsay's Kitchen by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the 500 Block Food Hall, several bars and lounges, and other upscale restaurants offering a range of culinary experiences.

These developments are not just reshaping the city but also ushering in a new era of growth, entertainment, and economic vitality for Danville. Visit www.danvilleva.gov to learn more about the City of Danville.

Duties/Responsibilities

About The Organization, Department, And Position

Danville is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia operating under a council-manager form of government. With an adopted FY2026 total operating budget of about $384.5 million, the City of Danville employs approximately 1,200 workers across 16 departments. The City has updated its Comprehensive Plan, which encourages the continued development of a safe and healthy community by offering a distinctive “vision” for the continued growth of Danville. While the Comprehensive Plan represents an ideal of what the City of Danville desires to become, it is also realistic with regard to anticipated social, economic. and political constraints.

The Finance Department manages billing and collections for the City's utilities—electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications—as well as property taxes, sales taxes, business licenses, and new casino revenues. With services extending beyond city limits and not all customers using every utility, the department manages a complex mix of billing cycles and customer needs. Finance also oversees the retirement system, the Industrial Development Authority, and multiple fund types, including general, enterprise, internal service, and fiduciary funds. The Department works closely with other city divisions to ensure accurate collections and financial reporting, while coordinating with the utilities team on meter readings and cutoffs. While the Department does not manage the City's budget, the Finance Director will be a key member of the City's budget team in assisting with revenue projections and review of departments' operational and special project funding requests.

Learn more about the Finance Department by visiting the City's website.

Reporting to the Assistant City Manager (Chief Financial Officer), the Finance Director oversees five divisions—customer accounts, real estate, purchasing, accounting, and internal audit—while managing core financial functions such as cash/risk management, investments, audits, internal controls, procurement, billing, and collections. The Director manages the City's finances, oversees spending, aligns budget decisions with Council priorities, and shares financial information to aid decision-making. Leading a team of 55 employees, the Director will focus on developing staff, fostering cross-training, and planning for succession to maintain departmental continuity and expertise.

Key Position Priorities

• Support the City's rapid growth by strengthening communication and collaboration across departments to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with City policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards to maintain public trust.
• Work closely with the Budget Director and executive leadership to align financial planning and reporting with long-term organizational goals.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for financial-related community and customer service concerns.
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Graduation with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. A master's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or an MBA is highly preferred. Candidates with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation are especially desirable. The successful candidate will be required to complete the Virginia Government Finance Officers' Certificate Program within three years of hire.

The Successful Candidate Is

• A strong communicator who can articulate needs clearly, translate complex information for diverse audiences, mediate conflicts, and manage both internal relationships and community engagement.
• Empathetic and approachable, able to listen actively, value work-life balance, understand staff challenges, and maintain a supportive environment.
• A collaborative leader who builds teams, fosters a shared purpose among diverse personalities, motivates staff, and contributes positively to departmental culture.
• A strategic thinker who approaches complex, interconnected issues with an open mind, anticipates broader impacts, and drives long-term organizational goals.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to navigate differing personalities, departmental conflicts, and change with patience, tact, and reliability.
• Skilled in problem-solving and negotiation, able to resolve internal and external issues, negotiate contracts and banking matters, and address challenges creatively.
• Growth-oriented and innovative, driving modernization initiatives, improving systems and processes, and fostering a forward-looking, resilient department.
  
  

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range is $128,199- $175,000. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. The City of Danville provides an excellent benefits package. Learn more by visiting the City's website. Residency within City limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the title of Finance Director – City of Danville, VA.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city's employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by February 2, 2026.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on March 10-11, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries [email protected].
  
  

The City of Danville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."

Benefits are specific to the employing organization. Please refer to the benefits information that is in the ad as well as in the recruitment brochure. If you need further information, please contact the employer associated with the position

01

CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLOSURE AND APPLICATION COMPLETION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Developmental Associates works on behalf of this client to recruit and collect information on candidates for this position. All applicant materials will be shared with the employer and their employees who are involved in the hiring process for this position. This application process uses a combination of automated and hand scoring of all application materials against screening criteria that have been established by the employer. 1) By submitting this application, I am consenting to have my application materials shared with this employer. 2) I understand that if I have not completely and fully answered all application questions and/ or supplemental questions with details, my application may not be able accurately evaluated. 3) Further, I understand that merely referring to my resume (e.g. "see resume" in lieu of providing detailed responses) is not sufficient for purposes of ensuring accurate application evaluation.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

The minimum degree requirement for this position is a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field (an MBA is highly preferred). What is your highest degree?

• High School or GED
• Some College, No Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Some Graduate School, No Degree
• MPA, MBA or other related graduate degree
• Other Degree
  
  

03

If you listed "other degree", please list what degree and in what field if not clear.

04

What professional Finance/Accounting certifications do you hold, if any? (Select all that apply)

• CPA
• CLGFO
• CGFM
• CMA
• CFM
• CFE
• CFP
• CIA
• Other - Please specify
• I hold no Finance or Accounting certifications
  
  

05

If you stated "other" above, please specify what certifications you have:

06

This position requires public finance experience. Do you have experience working directly in public/ local government finance or accounting?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

If you answered yes in the previous question, with which local or municipal governments have you served in a finance/accounting management role?

08

This position requires progressive leadership experience in local government finance management roles. What was your highest level in a finance/accounting leadership role?

• I've never served in a finance/ accounting leadership role in local or municipal governement.
• I've served in a supervisory role in a finance/accounting department.
• I've managed finance and budgets from within another local government or municipal department.
• I've served in a division management role in a finance / accounting department.
• I've served in an assistant director/director in a finance or accounting department.
• I've served in a finance/accounting management role within a Town/City/County Manager's Office.
  
  

09

This position requires 5 or more years experience in public finance administration. How many years experience do you have?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3.1-4.9 years
• 5 or more years
  
  

10

What is the largest budget amount you have managed?

• No direct budget management experience
• Less than $50 M
• $50 M -100 M
• $101-200 M
• $201-300 M
• Greater than $300 M
  
  

11

What level of budget management experience do you have?

• No budget management experience
• Followed a budget developed by others
• Managed a unit budget
• Responsible for and developed an entire department budget
• Responsible for coordinating and final development of an organizational budget
  
  

12

What is the total number of employees in the largest organization in which you have been serving at management level or higher?

• I have not served as a manager.
• Less than 500
• 501-750
• 751-1000
• Greater Than 1000
  
  

13

What is the largest number of employees for whom you have had supervisory responsibility (direct reports or down line supervision)? (Note: Down line supervision refers to employees who are supervised by your direct reports or by subordinates of your direct reports).

• I've never supervised any employees.
• Less Than 20
• 21-50
• Greater than 50
  
  

14

In which of the following areas would your references say you are proficient (NOTE: proficient means that you have personally implemented or have great depth of knowledge in the identified area):

• Bond Referendums
• Capital Improvement Programs
• Forecasting
• Financial Modeling
• Performance Management Metrics
• Financial Reporting
• Budgeting Strategies
• Non-tax revenue development
• Technology Converstions
• Public Safety Funding Models
• Other
  
  

15

If you said "other" above, please list, otherwise, put N/A.

16

Please identify with which financial technology solutions you are proficient:

17

I understand that the hiring range for this position is $128,199 - $175,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

• Yes
• No
  
  

18

The City is using a multi-step screening and evaluation process, including an assessment center process, for selecting the Finance Director. The dates for this virtual assessment center process are March 10-11, 2026. This will involve participation in 3-4 activities to assess key competencies. These are not public meetings, but there will be substantial interaction with other professionals in the field who will serve as assessors. Further, we have all participants sign letters of confidentiality. VA Law does not require the announcement of applicants until a finalist is selected. Indicating "yes" below represents your understanding of these elements of the process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question