The City of Phoenix is seeking a Fiscal Manager to oversee essential functions within the Finance Department for the Tax Compliance and Treasury division, managing complex tax audit and compliance initiatives. This role provides strategic leadership, building confidence and reassurance, and supports citywide fiscal responsibility. The position supervises professional managers and acts as a subject-matter expert on municipal tax policy and administration.
Building on these responsibilities, the Fiscal Manager must also establish themselves early as a trusted, steady, knowledgeable, and emotionally intelligent leader who provides structure and clarity in complex fiscal environments. The role involves anticipating issues, communicating calmly, and aligning staff around operational and revenue priorities. The Fiscal Manager will regularly collaborate with internal departments, state partners, and legal counsel to support informed decision-making and strengthen citywide compliance efforts, fostering a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, the Fiscal Manager will oversee the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), and procedural integrity related to internal controls and fraud detection in the analysis of taxpayer financial records when preparing audit assessments.
The role also collaborates with State and municipal legal counsel to defend protested multi-jurisdictional audit cases, with the authority to develop policy guidance, establish accounting and auditing procedures, and influence citywide fiscal strategies. The position oversees classifications such as Assistant Tax and License Administrator, Tax Audit Administration Manager (Accountant IV), Tax Audit Manager (Accountant III), and Tax Compliance Manager (Accountant III). The Fiscal Manager is expected to demonstrate strong initiative, independent judgment, and leadership under the general direction of a Deputy Finance Director/Tax Administrator.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Strong business insight, including understanding how tax decisions, case outcomes, and workflows connect revenue, compliance, and citywide priorities.
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Knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, auditing, reporting, and transaction privilege tax methods.
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Knowledge of internal controls, fiscal process management, and applicable federal, state, and local tax laws.
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Ability to lead and manage financial tax audit and compliance programs.
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Ability to build trust early and consistently through fairness, transparency, and follow-through.
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Skill in overseeing complex audit case reports, fiscal analyses, and compliance projects.
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Ability to ensure adherence to GAAP, GAAS, City ordinances, and regulatory standards.
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Ability to review and approve audit plans, policy recommendations, and legislative analyses.
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Skill in collaborating with legal counsel on administrative hearings and tax-related litigation.
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Skill in managing conflict constructively and directly, including staff concerns, tense interactions, and contentious taxpayer matters.
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Ability to direct development of financial systems, internal controls, and process improvements.
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Ability to represent the city in multi-jurisdictional audit matters and public hearings.
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Strong supervisory and leadership abilities for managing professional teams.
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Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records and determining tax liability.
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Ability to monitor and evaluate data to ensure compliance with procedures.
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Proficiency in using standard computer applications for data entry and analysis.
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Ability to produce clear, well-organized written documents and interpret complex written materials.
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Strong communication skills for interacting with business owners, partners, attorneys, officials, and the public.
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Ability to work cooperatively with employees, management, taxpayers, and the public.
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments, municipalities, and state partners to resolve complex taxpayer issues or operational challenges.
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Ability to create structure, clarity, and stability for staff, especially during periods of transition or shifting priorities.
Additional Requirements:
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This position may require working evenings, weekends, or extended hours to meet operational needs.
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Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
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Leadership Alignment Added: Because the role involves high-risk cases, cross-department coordination, and sensitive taxpayer issues, the Fiscal Manager must consistently demonstrate follow-through, accountability, and calm, thoughtful communication, especially during periods of increased workload or operational urgency.
Upon supervisory and department head approval, this position may work remotely up to 3 days per week or may work a flexible schedule (9/80 or 4/10). If a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule is chosen, the position is required to work in office each day.
