Volunteer Interest

The California Society of Municipal Financers Officers (CSMFO) is a community of individuals who dedicate their lives to civil service and promote excellence in financial management through innovation, continuing education and professional development. Those who volunteer to support the CSMFO mission—on a committee, at the chapter level or as a member of the Board—will tell you the value they receive from their active involvement with CSMFO is immeasurable.

For those individuals who are ready to take on a greater role and begin contributing to the strength of the government finance profession, we invite you to volunteer for one of the many opportunities available, and CSMFO will make every effort to fulfill your request. We also understand you may have questions about these volunteer opportunities before you commit, and we encourage you to reach out to CSMFO’s Executive Director, Melissa Manchester, who would be happy to answer your question or direct you to the appropriate CSMFO leader.

Submit your requests or questions to CSMFO Executive Director Melissa Manchester at melissa@staff.csmfo.org, or by filling out the form below.

  • Chapter participation requires approximately 3-5 hours per meeting.

    Chapter Chairs generally serve at least a one-year term, and remain in office until they identify a successor. Other volunteer assistance can be on a per-meeting basis.

    CSMFO is divided into twenty (20) regional chapters. Some chapters meet annually, some quarterly, others every other month. Each chapter is managed by volunteer officers responsible for identifying the date, location, topic, and speaker for the meetings, as well as for promotion of the meeting.
    Approximate time commitment: 5-10 hours per meeting, including planning and preparation

  • Committee participation requires approximately 2-4 hours per month.

    Officer positions are appointed by the incoming President at the beginning of each year, but member positions are open to appointment by the Committee Chair year-round. Meetings are generally conducted by conference calls.

  • Reviews monthly CSMFO financial reports; reviews and updates policies and procedures as needed; manages contracts; conducts annual consultants’ survey.
    Manages CSMFO’s educational offerings, including scheduling in-person courses, webinars and Weekend Training; collaborates with other organizations as it may meet the needs of CSMFO members; works with CSMFO Coaching Program consultant.
    Responsible for the publication of the CSMFO Magazine, and for establishing and maintaining guidelines for use of CSMFO branding.
    Solicits new members; promotes the benefits of CSMFO; contacts non-renewing members; determines avenues for membership engagement.
    Develops suggested systems and procedures, as needed; advises the CSMFO membership on technical publications and issues, as needed.
    Manages the educational content of the Annual Conference, including conducting calls for presentations, working with speaker bureaus, developing schedule of classes, coordinating speakers and moderators for each session.
    Recognizes excellence in financial reporting and budgeting; encourages improved techniques for budget preparation and presentation.
    Manages CSMFO’s website and internet presence, including social media; looks for ways to enhance the effectiveness and use of technology by CSMFO and its members.

  • Other avenues of participation are also available. Time commitments vary, as outlined below.

    League Policy Committee Representatives:
    League Policy Committee Representatives are appointed annually in October for a one-year term beginning the following January. Attendance at the meetings is mandatory, and reporting to the CSMFO Board after each meeting is requested. Please visit the League of California Cities’ website for information on specific committees.
    Approximate time commitment: 3-4 in-person meetings annually. Some travel is required.

    CAFR/Budget Reviewers:
    Each year, CSMFO receives approximately 100 award submissions. Each volunteer generally receives one budget to review annually between the months of September through January to determine if it meets the criteria for recognition. Approximate time commitment: 2-3 hours annually.

    CAFR/Budget Award Presenters:
    Each year, CSMFO members receive award notifications. Each volunteer generally makes one award presentation annually between the months of March and September.
    Approximate time commitment: 1-2 hours annually.

    CSMFO News
    CSMFO distributes articles for the first three weeks of each month. We are always looking for articles (no sales pitches, please). Submissions are due by the 15th of the month for the following issue. Approximate time commitment: 2-3 hours per submission.

    Connector
    Reaches out to the next generation (graduate and undergraduate students) to let them know about CSMFO and the benefits we offer; promotes municipal finance as a rewarding career choice; develops avenues for students to remain engaged and gain value from their membership. Approximate time commitment: 1-2 hours per month

  • Additional information can be found in the Bylaws, administrative handbook and Roles and Responsibilities documents available on the CSMFO website.

    Thank you for your interest in CSMFO!

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