City of Stoughton Director of Finance / Comptroller

City of Stoughton
Director of Finance / Comptroller
The City of Stoughton, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Director of Finance / Comptroller. Stoughton, Wisconsin, is a welcoming, vibrant community just 20 minutes south of Madison, known for its rich Norwegian heritage, historic downtown, and strong sense of local pride. As a financially sound and steadily growing city, Stoughton offers stability and confidence for those looking to build their careers in public service. With beautiful parks, year-round community events, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Stoughton blends small-town charm with big-city access—making it a great place to work, live, and make a meaningful impact.

The purpose of this position is to supervise the finance staff, direct, and be responsible for the overall accounting and coordination of the financial activities of all City departments, serving as comptroller with duties as outlined in 62.09(10) Wis. Statutes and City ordinances. This position provides high-level financial oversight of the City’s accounting activities; supports the Mayor, City Council, and City departments in budgeting, financial management, and reporting; and presents fiscal concerns and recommendations to guide strategic policy decisions that maintain and enhance the City’s financial health. The position also performs administrative functions delegated by the Mayor that do not conflict with core responsibilities or compromise the required segregation of duties. In addition, this role oversees the financial management, reporting, compliance, and longterm planning associated with the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Districts (TIDs), ensuring accurate tracking, forecasting, and statutory compliance.
This position does not include any Utilities Finance management duties.

Candidates must possess:
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Financial Management, Public Administration, or a related field, with a CPA, master’s degree, or related certification preferred. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in accounting or financial management—ideally within a governmental or municipal setting, with the ability to independently analyze and resolve both long-term and day-to-day fiscal issues. Strong knowledge of municipal accounting, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), GAAS (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards), enterprise funds, new GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards, and relevant state and federal regulations is essential. Proficiency with municipal financial software, automated accounting and billing systems, and advanced Microsoft Office skills is expected, along with experience using AI tools.

The candidate should also have ten plus years of experience leading a team of three or more finance staff, with proven success in collaboration, communication, and management practices. They must be able to coordinate, assign, monitor, and evaluate staff work; train, counsel, and develop employees; and foster a motivated, team-oriented, and efficient work environment, while maintaining strong customer service skills and positive working relationships. Success in team building, effective supervision, collaboration, and delivering excellent customer service is essential.

A successful background check, physical/drug screen, and driver’s license verification are required for hire.

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $140,500 to $160,000, depending on experience. The role includes an excellent benefits package, including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), and offers a flexible work schedule. To view the full position description and apply online, please visit our application portal at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stoughtonwi
Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026