Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Matthew Hawkesworth is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a strong background in municipal finance and a demonstrated history of driving operational excellence. As the CFO for the City of Pasadena, he leverages his expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making to support the city's long-term growth and sustainability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Pasadena since 2015, Matthew is responsible for overseeing the city's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury management, and financial reporting. He has played a pivotal role in implementing robust financial controls, improving the city's bond ratings, and securing funding for critical infrastructure projects.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Matthew served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Rosemead, where he spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive financial management system and streamlined the city's budgeting processes. He also held the position of Finance Director for the City of Claremont, where he successfully led the city's transition to a more transparent and data-driven financial management approach.
Early in his career, Matthew gained valuable experience as an Accounting Manager for the City of El Monte, where he honed his skills in financial reporting, compliance, and process optimization.
Academic Background
Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California, where he graduated with honors. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed advanced training in municipal finance and public sector leadership.
Areas of Expertise
- Municipal finance and budgeting
- Financial planning and strategic decision-making
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Treasury management and cash flow optimization
- Compliance and internal controls
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
Professional Impact
Under Matthew's leadership, the City of Pasadena has achieved a consistently strong credit rating, allowing the city to access favorable financing for critical infrastructure projects. He has also played a key role in modernizing the city's financial systems, leading to greater transparency and more efficient resource allocation.
Matthew is an active member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and has been recognized for his contributions to the local government finance community, including his work on developing best practices for municipal budgeting and reporting.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in municipal finance and a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and financial resilience, Matthew Hawkesworth is a highly respected CFO who continues to make a significant impact on the City of Pasadena and the broader local government sector.
