Deputy CFO - Office of Departmental Financial Services
ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION
Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.
As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Office of Departmental Financial Services (ODFS), housed within Detroit’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, serves as the financial backbone of City government. ODFS partners directly with City departments to ensure sound fiscal management, transparency, and accountability across operations that touch residents’ daily lives—from public safety and health to housing, transportation, and neighborhood services. Under Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s administration, ODFS plays a critical role in translating policy priorities into financially sustainable programs, strengthening long-term stability, and ensuring that public dollars are deployed in ways that advance equity, efficiency, and resident trust.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Office of Departmental Financial Services is a senior executive leader responsible for overseeing the City’s departmental financial management systems and ensuring strong fiscal stewardship across City agencies. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy CFO leads strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, grants oversight, and financial policy implementation for assigned departments. This role is central to helping Detroit deliver on its priorities—ensuring that departments have the financial tools, systems, and guidance needed to execute programs effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with the Mayor’s vision for resident-centered government.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Strengthen the financial partnership between City departments and central finance to improve service delivery and accountability
Ensure City resources are aligned with Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s priorities around housing stability, public health, neighborhood investment, and economic opportunity
Advance transparent, data-driven financial decision-making that builds public trust
Support long-term fiscal sustainability while enabling strategic investments in neighborhoods and essential services
Modernize financial systems and practices to improve efficiency, compliance, and performance across City government
This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.
Core responsibilities include:
Provide executive leadership over the Office of Departmental Financial Services and its assigned Agency CFOs
Partner with department leadership to plan, implement, and manage all financial activities, including budgeting, accounting, forecasting, grants, and financial reporting
Oversee development and execution of departmental operating and capital budgets in coordination with the Office of Budget
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations, grant requirements, and City policies
Collaborate with the Controller’s Office on financial reporting, audits, and corrective actions
Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and systems that strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency
Monitor financial performance and advise City leadership on fiscal risks, opportunities, and long-term impacts of policy decisions
Support departments in aligning financial resources with strategic goals and performance outcomes
Lead, coach, and manage senior financial staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Represent the OCFO and ODFS in meetings with City leadership, City Council, external partners, and oversight entities
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field
Advanced degree strongly preferred
Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting, including at least three years in a senior management or supervisory role
Demonstrated experience managing complex financial operations within a large organization, preferably in municipal or public-sector settings
Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements
Proven ability to partner with operational leaders to translate policy goals into financially sound strategies
Experience overseeing grants, contracts, and multi-fund financial environments
Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment with competing priorities
Commitment to transparency, equity, and responsible stewardship of public resources
Detroit experience or deep familiarity with the City’s governmental and community context strongly preferred
Rate of Pay: $135,681 - $193,607 annually commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits:
Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.
Equal Opportunity in Employment:
The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.