Position Title:
Airport Director of Finance (CFO)
Job Description:
The Airport Director of Finance (CFO) provides strategic leadership over all financial operations for the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, overseeing budgeting, accounting, audits, debt management, and financial reporting for a complex public aviation enterprise. Reporting to the Director of Airports, this role ensures fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term financial sustainability while supporting capital financing, airline rate development, and key stakeholder partnerships.
About the Position:
Under general administrative direction of the Director of Airports, the Airport Director of Finance (CFO) plans, organizes, and directs all financial functions for the Salt Lake City Department of Airports (SLCDA) including budget, accounting, audit and financial reporting, purchasing, payroll, asset control, debt issuance, management of outstanding debt, airline rate analysis and calculation as well as participate in air service development initiatives for the airport.
This is an appointed, at-will position without tenure and exempt from the career service system.
Position Salary Range:
$200,000 to $250,000 annually based on qualifications and experience.
This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:
Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
Paid vacation and personal leave
6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
Typical Duties:
Directs staff of the Department of Airport's budget, accounting, financial reporting, audit, purchasing, and payroll functions.
Monitors progress of overall financial plans including cashflow and directs the preparation of all necessary reports. Reviews effectiveness of current financial and accounting systems and implements change if necessary.
Coordinates development of annual budget in accordance with established city procedures and the Department of Airports operating requirements.
Maintains all financial records, and causes to be prepared all necessary reports including federal mandated reports on fiscal status of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports.
Monitors current outstanding debt, establishes guidelines for future debt issuance, and supports the preparation of debt instruments for capital financing.
Responsible for the continuing disclosure requirements found in the airport's trust indentures and makes all required filings on the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) in a prompt and timely fashion.
Directs preparation of financial data in support of negotiation of tenant contracts and leases and provides assistance as required in negotiations.
Responsible for cash management for the Department of Airports including: invoicing; collection of monies due; forecast of cash needs; and preparation and evaluation of cash flow analysis. Supports collection of delinquent accounts in conjunction with the City Attorney's Office and the contract section.
Directs the development and implementation of standard operating policies and procedures for proper internal controls to insure accuracy and reliability of financial data.
Directs the activities of Airport audit staff and their audits of Airport tenants, concessionaires, and contractors. Oversees annual audit of the Department of Airports records by an independent C.P.A.
Directs preparation of payroll.
Coordinates with other city, state, and federal agencies as necessary for compliance with governmental guidelines and/or requirements related to civil airport finance.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various airport users, other City Departments, and governmental agencies to ensure smooth, ongoing financial and administrative operations.
Advises Airport Advisory Board, Executive Director of Airports, and other directors on financial matters, conducts research and prepares reports. Act as Chair for the Finance Oversight Committee.
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, accounting or related field, and seven (7) years' increasingly responsible management experience in finance including a minimum of five (5) years in an executive leadership position in an Airport Finance Department. Experience above minimum may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Thorough knowledge of principles of organization and management, public administration, public and governmental accounting practices and controls, municipal bonding, cash flow and budgeting.
Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations, and guidelines relating to civil airport finance.
Ability to analyze financial problems and make appropriate recommendations, conduct cost benefit studies and evaluate alternate fiscal and managerial approaches.
Ability to prepare and analyze commercial and governmental financial statements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, officials and employees of other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Possession of a valid driver's license or Utah driving privilege card.
Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of a current CPA.
Working Conditions:
Light physical effort. Comfortable working positions. Handling of light weights, intermittent sitting, standing and walking.
Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.
May be required to work non-traditional hours.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
DEPARTMENT
Airport
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40
Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work-from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs-with integrity and professionalism.
We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.
If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we'd love to work with you.
Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.
Health & Wellness
95% City-paid medical insurance
Dental, vision, life insurance
HSA (with $1,000-$2,000 City contribution)
Wellness clinic for employees & families
Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Perks
Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)
Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))
Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more
Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?
Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer-including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.
We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.
12 vacation days to start
12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday
Up to 80 hours personal leave annually
6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave
Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers
Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process-from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699
Or email: careers@slc.gov
The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.
Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.