Okay, I've searched for Director of Finance positions in Philadelphia, PA, full-time, requiring minimum 5 years of management experience in public sector finance, with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, and expertise in budget management and federal grants. I found 42 matching jobs available for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Director of Finance for the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is fundamentally responsible for the comprehensive fiscal stewardship of a complex municipal budget that integrates multiple funding streams including federal grants, bond revenue, and local funds. This role demands a strategic financial leader who can not only direct day-to-day fiscal operations—such as budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and compliance oversight—but also collaborate closely with agency leadership, external partners, and regulatory bodies to ensure financial integrity and operational alignment with city-wide priorities. Given the scale of the budget (over $10 million annually) and the diversity of funding sources (e.g., HOME, CDBG, HOPWA, ESG), the role requires deep knowledge of public sector accounting, grant compliance, and fund management. Success in this position hinges on the ability to forecast, analyze, and communicate complex financial data clearly while navigating regulatory frameworks and shifting policy environments. The incumbent will face challenges such as balancing competing priorities across multiple stakeholders, ensuring audit readiness, and maintaining fiscal discipline amidst changing funding landscapes. Essential capabilities include managing and coaching fiscal staff, executing multi-layered reporting, and setting prudent internal controls that align with both City Charter and federal regulations. Over the first 6-12 months, success likely looks like delivering an accurate, transparent budget; establishing trust with program managers through insightful financial guidance; and streamlining processes for compliance and reporting that reduce risk and promote sustainable development outcomes.

Company Analysis:

As one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia operates within a unique municipal context that emphasizes inclusion, integrity, accountability, and collaboration—values that permeate its wide array of agencies and services. The Department of Planning and Development works at the intersection of government, community, and development interests, striving to revitalize neighborhoods sustainably. This means the Director of Finance is not only managing numbers but enabling strategic planning that impacts residents’ lives and urban growth. The City’s culture is likely both mission-driven and bureaucratic, requiring resilience and skilled navigation of complex government structures. The role sits within a layered organization where collaboration with internal divisions, external grantees, and oversight agencies is routine, implying a high degree of cross-functional influence but also the need for diplomatic communication and stakeholder management. Given the City's focus on equity and transparency, financial leadership must also demonstrate commitment to fairness and data-driven decision-making. Joining the City team means contributing to a larger public mission with long-term community impact, in an environment that values continuous improvement and accountability. The role acts as a strategic linchpin to ensure that funding is optimized to meet neighborhood development goals, making it a critical enabler of the City’s broader vision.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to manage a complex budget involving multiple funding sources. How did you ensure compliance and alignment with strategic goals?
• Behavioral: Describe an occasion where you identified a financial risk or compliance issue in a public-sector entity. How did you address it?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example of how you have coached or developed a fiscal team during a period of organizational change?
• Behavioral: Tell me about a situation where you had to reconcile conflicting priorities between program administrators and funding restrictions. How did you handle it?
• Technical: How would you approach developing and managing an operating budget that includes federal grants with varying compliance requirements?
• Technical: What methods or tools have you used to forecast long-term fiscal sustainability in a public development context?
• Technical: Describe your familiarity with federal grant regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance) and how you ensure ongoing compliance in financial reporting and audits.
• Technical: How do you leverage financial software and data analysis tools to streamline budget monitoring and reporting?
• Situational: Imagine you discover that a subrecipient grantee has overspent its budget, jeopardizing compliance. What steps would you take to manage this issue?
• Situational: You are preparing for a HUD audit and anticipate challenging questions on program income projections. How would you prepare your team and documentation?
• Situational: If new funding guidelines require mid-year budget adjustments, how would you coordinate the necessary revisions with multiple stakeholders?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in serving as Director of Finance within the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Planning and Development specifically?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values align with the City’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and public service?
• Company Fit: The City prioritizes collaboration across agencies and with the public. How would you foster effective partnerships in a complex municipal environment?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does the Department of Planning and Development envision the role of finance leadership evolving over the next 3-5 years?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the culture within the fiscal unit and how it interacts with program divisions and external partners?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the most significant challenges currently facing the Department’s financial operations, and how can this role help address them?