Director of Finance - Interim Leadership Opportunity in Hamden, CT

Robert Half is proud to partner with a prominent municipal organization in the New Haven area to source an exceptional Director of Finance for an interim contract position. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, this critical leadership role offers the chance to drive financial excellence for a dynamic public sector entity managing budgets exceeding $250 million. As a strategic financial leader, you will oversee comprehensive financial operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide visionary guidance to maintain the municipality's fiscal health.

This position demands a seasoned finance executive with proven municipal experience and hands-on expertise with the Munis financial management system. If you thrive in high-stakes environments, excel at budget oversight, audit preparation, and cross-departmental collaboration, this role represents a premier opportunity to make an immediate impact while advancing your career through Robert Half's prestigious network.

About the Role

The Director of Finance will serve as the interim head of financial operations for this vital municipal organization. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will champion financial strategy, operational efficiency, and compliance across all fiscal activities. This contract role is designed for a proactive leader who can hit the ground running, managing complex budgets, optimizing cash flow, and preparing for rigorous audits. With Hamden, CT's vibrant community backdrop, you'll contribute to public service excellence while leveraging cutting-edge tools like Munis, ADP, and Blackbaud Altru.

Key focus areas include annual budget cycles over $250M, variance analysis, risk mitigation, and tax revenue optimization. This position is perfect for interim executives seeking contract work with potential for long-term opportunities in Connecticut's public sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Budget Leadership: Spearhead the preparation, development, and monitoring of the annual fiscal budget exceeding $250 million, ensuring alignment with municipal goals and stakeholder expectations.

Financial Reporting & Analysis: Direct the creation of comprehensive financial reports, conduct in-depth variance analysis, and deliver data-driven insights to support informed decision-making by city leadership.

Departmental Oversight: Manage daily operations of the Finance Department, fostering a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement in all financial processes.

Cash & Risk Management: Oversee cash management activities to maintain optimal liquidity, while administering robust risk management programs to safeguard municipal assets.

Audit & Compliance: Coordinate seamless internal and external auditing processes, ensuring full compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and all applicable regulations.

Revenue & Collaboration: Lead tax collection initiatives for maximum efficiency and partner with department managers to streamline financial workflows and drive operational savings.

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this demanding role, candidates must possess:

• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership, ideally in municipal or government settings
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or CPA preferred)
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets over $250M
• Expertise with Munis financial software (required); familiarity with ADP Workforce Now or Blackbaud Altru highly desirable
• Proven track record in audit preparation, financial close processes, and regulatory compliance
• Advanced analytical skills for variance analysis and forecasting
• Exceptional leadership abilities with experience supervising finance teams
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder collaboration

Governmental accounting knowledge and Connecticut-specific regulations are advantageous.

Why Join Us

Partner with Robert Half, the world's leading specialized finance recruitment firm, to access this high-impact interim role. Enjoy competitive compensation (estimated $160K-$220K annualized equivalent), flexible contract terms, and weekly pay. Robert Half offers comprehensive benefits including health coverage eligibility, 401(k) options, and professional development resources.

Make a tangible difference in Hamden, CT's community while expanding your municipal finance expertise. Our dedicated recruiters provide white-glove support, from interview prep to career guidance. Apply today to elevate public sector finance—opportunities like this don't last long in Connecticut's competitive market!

This posting is optimized for Director of Finance jobs in Hamden CT, municipal finance careers, Munis specialist roles, and interim CFO opportunities. Robert Half: Empowering Finance Careers.