(Miami, Florida) - Chief Financial Officer/Deputy City Manager, Linda Haskins, has announced today that Diana Gomez will become Director of Finance for the City of Miami effective February 11, 2006, replacing the current Director, Scott Simpson, who will be joining the staff of the Miami Parking Authority.
 
Diana has been Assistant Director of Finance/Comptroller since her employment with the City on August 27, 2001.  Prior to joining the City, Diana was a Supervising Senior Auditor/C.P.A. for five years with KPMG LLP, one of the “big four” accounting firms.   Her experience there included engagement planning and administration of audits of governmental agencies, institutions of higher education, not-for-profit organizations and health care facilities, including preparing financial statement and related disclosures.  Her responsibilities also included providing clients with timesaving and efficiency related advice.  She was also actively involved in the firm’s recruitment programs and provided guidance and development to peers and subordinates.
 
Diana received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers College, N.J., a Masters in Business Administration in Professional Accounting from the University of Baltimore, M.D., and she is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
“Diana has been a significant contributor to our business and financial improvement processes since joining the City, including the initiatives to improve the City’s bond rating from level BB to A +, and the  iMiAMi project/Phase I conversion to Oracle Financials, “says Haskins.” She has the enthusiasm and experience to continue to support the City’s path towards sustainable financial strength.  She is the right person for this job, and I’m very pleased that she has accepted this assignment.”

The Department of Finance manages and invests public funds in accordance with the City Charter and with policies set by the City Commission. Functions include issuing municipal bonds, collecting revenues from licenses and other fees, and providing general accounting services. The Department is responsible for accounts payable, general ledger, grants monitoring, treasury management, computer training for the financial system and for the accounts receivable system, and preparation of routine accounting reports as well as the City’s annual financial statement.