Finance Director - City of Ojai, California

The City of Ojai is seeking a skilled and hands-on Finance Director to lead its Finance Department and play a key role in strengthening financial systems, implementing best practices, mentoring junior staff, and supporting transparency and trust in a highly engaged community.

Located in a stunning valley 35 miles from Santa Barbara and known for its natural beauty, small-town charm, and vibrant arts scene, Ojai (pop. ~8,000) is a unique and tightly knit city with a strong sense of community. The City operates with 46.8 FTE, a General Fund budget of $16.7M, and robust reserves.

This is a pivotal moment for the Finance Department. The new Director will be expected to modernize financial processes, formalize policies, develop staff capabilities, and ensure accurate reporting and compliance. They’ll join a supportive City Manager committed to implementing financial best practices and investing in the department.

The ideal candidate is a technically proficient and ethical municipal finance leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, mentoring staff, and driving positive change. They are collaborative, independent, and experienced in budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. Experience in a small city or comparable agency is highly desirable.

Requires eight years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including five years in a supervisory or management role, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Salary: $182,605 to $221,941 DOE + excellent benefits.

Filing deadline: August 28, 2025
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.