Job Information
The City of Houston DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL) in Houston, Texas
DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)
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DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)
Salary
$116,474.28 - $144,331.72 Annually
Location
Houston
Job Type
Executive Level
Job Number
38594
Department
Finance
Opening Date
04/07/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSON INTERESTED
DIVISION: FINANCIAL REPORTING & OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER, 10TH FL.
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
- Subject to change
The mission of the Finance Department is to safeguard the fiscal integrity of the City, its component units, and other dependent entities, and enable other City stakeholders to do the same.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The City of Houston seeks a seasoned financial executive to serve as Deputy Assistant Director, providing strategic oversight of key accounting and reporting functions and leading multiple teams through subordinate managers.
This is not a technical or entry-level management role—successful candidates will demonstrate executive-level leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to lead through others at scale.
The Deputy Assistant Director will serve as a senior executive leader within the Finance Department, providing strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for critical accounting and financial operations, compliance, and reporting functions for the City. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and exercises delegated authority from the Assistant Director of Finance in managing complex, citywide financial initiatives.
Leads the development and execution of financial strategies that ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen internal controls, and support long-term fiscal sustainability. Oversees multiple functional areas, including accounting and financial reporting, audit coordination, grant management and compliance, and disaster recovery funding.
Acts as a key advisor to the Assistant Director and other senior leadership on financial risk, policy development, and operational performance. Represents the department in high-level engagements with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities.
Drives organizational effectiveness by establishing performance expectations, fostering accountability, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across multiple service lines.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Executive Oversight
Provides executive leadership and direction over multiple financial functions, ensuring alignment with the City’s strategic priorities and regulatory environment.
Serves as a principal advisor to the Assistant Director on complex financial, compliance, and operational matters.
Exercises delegated authority in decision-making and acts on behalf of the Assistant Director as needed.
Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls that strengthen financial governance and accountability.
Accounting, Financial Reporting, Compliance & Audit Leadership
Directs the City’s accounting and financial reporting processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., GAAP, GASB).
Provides executive oversight of external and internal audit activities, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Single Audit.
Ensures effective coordination with auditors and regulatory agencies, resolving complex findings and driving corrective actions.
Oversees compliance with federal and state grant requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Disaster Recovery & Special Funding Oversight
Provides strategic direction and oversight for grants management and disaster recovery financial operations, including cost recovery, compliance, and reporting.
Ensures proper financial management of large-scale federal and state funding programs.
Leads efforts to strengthen processes and controls related to disaster-related expenditures and reimbursements.
Organizational Leadership & Team Management
Oversees a multi-functional team consisting of approximately 15–20 staff across several groups, including managers/supervisors.
Leads through subordinate leaders, ensuring effective cascading of priorities, accountability, and performance expectations.
Systems, Processes & Operational Excellence
Oversees accounting financial systems and reporting processes (including ERP platforms such as SAP), ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Identifies and implements process improvements that enhance reporting capabilities, internal controls, and operational performance.
Drives cross-functional coordination to improve data integrity and decision-making across the organization.
ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization.
Problem Solving: Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on timely and accurate information.
Motivated: High sense of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Seven years of progressively more complex/responsible administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a supervisory capacity.
A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field closely related to the work being performed may be substituted for two years of experience.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of advanced technical expertise and demonstrated executive leadership experience in complex municipal governmental or large organizational environments.
Preference will be given to applicants who have the following:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting, financial reporting, and compliance frameworks (GAAP, GASB, Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200).
Experience overseeing external audits, including Single Audit and ACFR preparation.
Demonstrated experience leading large, complex financial organizations or groups.
Experience managing managers and supervisors, with responsibility for multi-layered teams.
Proven ability to influence and advise senior executives.
Strong track record of leading organizational change, transformation, or process improvement initiatives.
Ability to think strategically while ensuring disciplined execution across multiple functional areas.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex financial and regulatory issues.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with auditors, regulators, and senior leadership.
Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None
However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 30
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-0453.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-0453. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation/parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
Yes
No
02
What best describes your highest level of education?
High School Diploma or GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or Above
None of the above
03
If you answered that you have a college degree, what was your field of study?
Business Administration
Public Administration
Finance
Accounting
Other closely related field
Non-related field of study
I do not have a degree
04
How many years of progressively complex/responsible administrative experience do you possess?
4 years or less
5 - 6 years
7 – 8 years
9 – 10 years
11 – 12 years
13 – 14 years
15 years or more
05
Please describe your experience related to this position. If none, please indicate "N/A."
06
Which best describes your years of experience in a managerial capacity?
I have no managerial experience.
I have less than 3 years of managerial experience.
I have 3 years or more of managerial experience.
07
Do you currently hold any professional certifications (e.g., Certified Public Accountant)? If yes, please list the certifications you possess. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
08
Describe the largest team you have led, including the number of direct and indirect reports. How many of your direct reports were managers or supervisors?
09
Please describe your experience managing through subordinate managers. How did you maintain alignment, accountability, and consistent performance across multiple teams?
10
Please provide an example of a strategic initiative you developed or implemented that had a significant impact on accounting, financial operations, or compliance. Describe your role in the initiative and the resulting outcomes.
11
Please provide an example of a complex or high-risk financial issue you presented to executive leadership. How did you approach it and what was the result?
12
Describe your role in overseeing external audits (e.g., ACFR, Single Audit). How did you ensure organizational readiness and address significant findings?
13
Why are you interested in this executive-level role, and how does your experience prepare you to lead through managers and advise senior leadership?
Required Question