Budget Director (43108)

Budget Director
City of Covington, KY
Finance Department
Location: City Hall
Full-Time
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Salary Range: $100,000

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river! Covington, Kentucky, is where history and progress come together. As a Budget Director, your work will directly influence the City’s financial strategy, long-term planning, and operational efficiency. We attract individuals who are ready to make an impact—analytical thinkers, strategic leaders, and collaborative problem-solvers who want to be part of something bigger. Your role will help shape policy decisions, ensure financial integrity, and support citywide goals with transparency and accountability.

Covington is a place that celebrates its unique spirit—from our vibrant neighborhoods to locally owned businesses, and warm Kentucky hospitality. It’s where timeless traditions meet exciting possibilities. We are a diverse city, and we believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. If you want to grow your career in an environment that values innovation, leadership, and community, Covington is the place for you.

Role Overview

The Budget Director reports to the Finance Director and oversees the development, implementation, and administration of the City’s annual budget and long-term financial strategies. This leadership position is responsible for forecasting, analyzing, and aligning financial planning with the City’s strategic goals. The role requires a high degree of independent judgment, collaborative decision-making, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and elected officials.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Lead the development and management of the City’s annual budget and strategic plan.
• Analyze and forecast revenues and expenditures for various departments and compiling data for the Finance Director.
• Evaluate departmental budget requests and ensure alignment with city priorities.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to senior leadership and elected officials.
• Coordinate public hearings and documentation required for budget adoption.
• Train staff on budgeting best practices, tools, and reporting standards.
• Attend City Council meetings, internal planning sessions, and community engagements.
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations for process improvements.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration, Economics, or related field.
• Master’s degree, CPA, CPFO, or CGFM certification.
• 3-5+ years of progressively responsible experience in public budgeting or finance.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a municipal or governmental finance leadership role.
• Familiarity with Kentucky local government finance laws and budgeting systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of public budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
• Governmental accounting standards and relevant regulatory compliance.