About the Department

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a visionary, forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director of Finance, a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of one of the most dynamic and high-performing communities in the nation. Partnering across departments, the Finance Director will cultivate a high-performing, data-driven environment that supports informed decision-making and long-term community impact. Rooted in our trailblazing values our culture prioritizes exceptional service to our residents, investment in our employees, and continuous innovation. Located just 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land is a vibrant, full-service municipality committed to excellence and meaningful career growth opportunities.

We also offer great benefits and perks available on your first day of employment, including: City-subsidized health benefits; life and disability insurance; a variety of voluntary benefits;  a robust pension plan with TMRS to set you up for a fulfilling retirement; flexible schedules and work from home opportunities; a down-to-earth casual environment and dress code; and a positive team-oriented culture stemming from a long-term commitment to innovation and inclusion.  You can even bring your dog and/or cat to work if they have a solid understanding of office decorum. 

Benefits At-A-Glance:

• City-subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options;
• City-paid Basic Life Insurance @ 1x your annual salary and Long-term Disability;
• Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage (for you and your family), Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization and Critical Illness, Short Term Disability and pre-paid legal benefits through Legal Shield; 
• 9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays to use at your discretion; 
• A generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1;  
• Paid sick leave; 
• Paid Parental Leave;
• A robust pension plan with TMRS includes your 7% contribution with 2:1 match by the City; 
• You won’t contribute to Social Security, but you can further your retirement income by contributing to a Deferred Compensation (457b) plan; 
• Longevity pay for each month of service after your first 13 months of employment;
• On-site Wellness facilities and programming (mind, body spirit & financial preparedness); and
• Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources, including a robust EAP…

 If we have your attention… Please. Continue. Reading!

Our City Mission: WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS! Relentless in Our Pursuit of Good so that Our Employees, Residents, and Businesses Can Enjoy a Life Better than They Can Even Imagine.

Our Employee Values: Our values ignite passion, drive, and a sense of purpose, fostering a thriving and successful organizational culture!

We follow the BLAZE Values:

Bold: We encourage each other to be bold in our ideas, decisions, and actions. We embrace innovation and take risks to drive progress.

Loyal: We are loyal to each other, the City and our Mission and Vision. We support each other to foster a cohesive and collaborative work environment. We celebrate our successes and address the challenges facing us, together.

Adaptable: We are resilient because we adapt to changing landscapes and market dynamics. We are flexible and understand the need for work-life balance. We embrace new technologies and evolving trends.

Zealous: We are committed to excellence in all endeavors. We encourage each other to strive for the highest standards of public service, quality, and performance. We hold ourselves, and each other, accountable for our words and actions.

Empowered: We are empowered with the necessary resources, opportunities, and responsibilities to excel in our roles. We seek out opportunities for development and growth, and help others do the same. We are inclusive, we embrace our differences and recognize the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences. 

We are TrailBLAZErs!

We have an informal work environment but are serious about what we do. We believe that happy, diverse and talented employees add value to the City. We do our best to hire friendly, professional people who work hard and play well with others. We also promote a healthy work-life balance and personal development.

Position Duties

Ask yourself: Do you enjoy working with people? Are you organized and detail-oriented? Can you manage your time well and prioritize multiple tasks effectively? Do you embrace change? Do you enjoy working in a professional AND casual environment? Are you an advocate of team-work? If so, please consider applying for the position to Director of Finance today!  

As the Director of Finance, you will:

• Lead Financial Strategy and Organizational Alignment – Directs the City’s financial operations, aligning budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation with strategic priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
• Ensure Integrity of Financial Operations – Oversees financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance functions to safeguard public funds and uphold transparency, accountability, and audit readiness.
• Champion Fiscal Stewardship and Accountability – Manages the development and administration of the annual budget, monitors financial performance, and implements strategies that promote responsible and efficient use of City resources.
• Advise Executive Leadership and City Council – Provides data-driven financial analysis, policy guidance, and strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making and sound fiscal policy.
• Oversee Debt, Cash, and Investment Management – Directs treasury functions, including debt issuance, cash flow management, and investment strategies to maintain the City’s financial strength and liquidity.
• Strengthen Financial Systems and Processes – Implements best practices, modernizes financial systems, and enhances operational efficiencies to improve accuracy, reporting, and service delivery.
• Lead Procurement and Contract Compliance – Oversees purchasing operations, ensuring adherence to procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards while maximizing value for the City.
• Coordinate the Annual Audit Process – Manages external audit activities, ensures timely and accurate financial disclosures, and addresses findings to continuously improve financial practices.
• Develop and Mentors High-Performing Teams – Provides leadership and direction to Finance Department staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and a culture of excellence.
• Drive Long-Term Financial Planning – Develops multi-year financial forecasts and strategies that position the City for resilience, growth, and proactive risk management.
• Support Emergency and Continuity Operations – Serves as an essential employee, maintaining financial operations and supporting critical decision-making before, during, and after emergencies or disasters.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited university; a Master’s degree and/or CPA is preferred. 

Relatable Work Experience:

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, city management, or a closely related field, to include at least five (5) years of experience supervising or managing a significant finance-related function and team. 

Training (License and/or Certification):

• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license. If candidate is out of state, they must obtain within 6 months of employment.
• A Certificated Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) and/or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is a plus.

Other Qualifications