DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting number: 39170

Department: Finance

Job classification: DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Accounting and Finance, Management, Executive Management

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSON INTERESTED

DIVISION: FINANCIAL REPORTING & OPERATIONS                    
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER, 10TH FL.                    
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

The mission of the Finance Department is to safeguard the fiscal integrity of the City, its component units, and other dependent entities, and enable other City stakeholders to do the same. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The City of Houston seeks a seasoned financial executive to serve as Deputy Assistant Director, providing strategic oversight of key accounting and reporting functions and leading multiple teams through subordinate managers.

This is not a technical or entry-level management role—successful candidates will demonstrate executive-level leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to lead through others at scale.

The Deputy Assistant Director will serve as a senior executive leader within the Finance Department, providing strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for critical accounting and financial operations, compliance, and reporting functions for the City. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and exercises delegated authority from the Assistant Director of Finance in managing complex, citywide financial initiatives.

Leads the development and execution of financial strategies that ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen internal controls, and support long-term fiscal sustainability. Oversees multiple functional areas, including accounting and financial reporting, audit coordination, grant management and compliance, and disaster recovery funding.

Acts as a key advisor to the Assistant Director and other senior leadership on financial risk, policy development, and operational performance. Represents the department in high-level engagements with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities.

Drives organizational effectiveness by establishing performance expectations, fostering accountability, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across multiple service lines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Executive Oversight

• Provides executive leadership and direction over multiple financial functions, ensuring alignment with the City’s strategic priorities and regulatory environment. 
• Serves as a principal advisor to the Assistant Director on complex financial, compliance, and operational matters. 
• Exercises delegated authority in decision-making and acts on behalf of the Assistant Director as needed. 
• Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls that strengthen financial governance and accountability. 

Accounting, Financial Reporting, Compliance & Audit Leadership

• Directs the City’s accounting and financial reporting processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., GAAP, GASB). 
• Provides executive oversight of external and internal audit activities, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Single Audit. 
• Ensures effective coordination with auditors and regulatory agencies, resolving complex findings and driving corrective actions. 
• Oversees compliance with federal and state grant requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). 

Disaster Recovery & Special Funding Oversight

• Provides strategic direction and oversight for grants management and disaster recovery financial operations, including cost recovery, compliance, and reporting. 
• Ensures proper financial management of large-scale federal and state funding programs. 
• Leads efforts to strengthen processes and controls related to disaster-related expenditures and reimbursements. 

Organizational Leadership & Team Management

• Oversees a multi-functional team consisting of approximately 15–20 staff across several groups, including managers/supervisors. 
• Leads through subordinate leaders, ensuring effective cascading of priorities, accountability, and performance expectations. 

Systems, Proce