North of the River Recreation & Park District is looking for a Director of Finance.

Director of Finance

Deadline for Applying:  February 13, 2026

The Position:

The Director of Finance is the chief financial officer for the District, formulates fiscal plans and policies in support of the District’s goals and program directions.   Provides financial oversight for the District and is responsible for the entire range of financial management, from daily operations to high-level management.

North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) is a Special District operating under Section 5780 of the California State Code. Policy making functions are carried out by a five-member Board of Directors. Three members are appointed by the Kern County Board of Supervisors and two by the City of Bakersfield. In July of each year the Board of Directors votes on a budget to carry out operations for a one-year period (July 1 – June 30). The major sources of revenue for the District are property taxes, program fees, grants and developer fees.

NOR plans, organizes and conducts a wide variety of park and recreation programs within the designated NOR boundaries. NOR is 215 square miles in size, has a population of 136,000 residents, and encompasses six school districts. Included within our service boundaries are 24 park sites totaling 269.8 developed acres and two undeveloped park sites totaling 49 acres. Hundreds of classes/programs are offered each year for public participation. Programs are conducted for all ages including infants through senior citizens. 

Typical Qualifications: 

Equivalent to a BA degree in business or finance with a concentration in accounting and 4 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, and budgeting to include two years supervisory experience.  Strong computer skills; and familiar with employee benefit and pension administration and regulatory reporting helpful.  Or, have any combination of training and experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the essential duties of this position.  Must possess a valid California driver's license.   Knowledge of operation of a governmental financial and data processing system; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), budgeting and treasury management; purchasing practices and procedures; management and supervision; public administration or business principles and practices; financial management information systems; related computer applications. Ability to effectively supervise the flow of work and the systematic keeping of complete and accurate records; analyze and verify financial records and documents; prepare comprehensive financial reports; collect, evaluate and interpret varied information and data; prepare clear, concise and complete narrative and statistical reports and other written materials; evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions; exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines; interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures such as Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements;  plan, direct and evaluate the work of staff; coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines; maintain effective working relationships; use Microsoft Office and other finance/accounting related software. Must be able to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions; can get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extremes; perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading or speaking with others; and respond appropriately to correction and feedback from a supervisor.

 The PDF below has the details:

Director of Finance 01 2026 Job Announcement.pdf

 Interested in applying, please click the link below!

Apply here!