City of Los Altos Welcomes New Finance Director

Los Altos, Calif. — October 31, 2024 — The city of Los Altos welcomes Jessie Kim as its newly appointed finance director. She will assume this position on Tuesday, November 12.

Kim brings more than 14 years of finance experience to Los Altos. She will lead a department of seven staff and oversee citywide financial activities and operations, including budget preparation and supervision of accounting procedures. 

“We are excited to welcome Jessie to the Los Altos team,” said City Manager Gabriel Engeland. “The city of Los Altos is in an excellent financial position and is regularly recognized for meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting and presentation. As the new finance director, Jessie will be instrumental in maintaining the City’s commitment to financial transparency and ensuring long-term financial stability.” 

Kim comes to Los Altos after serving as the accounting manager for the city of Berkeley, where she oversaw 10 staff. During this time, Kim focused on enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency by streamlining the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report preparation process, ensuring compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards, and improving internal controls. 

Prior to her time in Berkeley, Kim worked with the West County Wastewater District, where she played a key role in financial planning, budgeting, and audit preparation. Her financial experience spans the public and private sectors, working for organizations like Maze and Associates Accountancy Corporation, Noon International, and Sungil Noh Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Office. 

“I am excited to join the city of Los Altos as its finance director. I admire the strong sense of community in Los Altos, and I am passionate about ensuring that the City’s financial strategies are transparent and foster growth and opportunity for all residents,” said Kim. “I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, Finance Commission, staff, and the Los Altos community to build a bright and prosperous future for the City.” 

In addition to being a CPA with an Accounting Certificate from Ajou University (South Korea), Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Chonnam National University (South Korea). 

Kim succeeds former Finance Director June Du, who resigned to assume the position of finance director for the city of Martinez. The City will be introducing Kim to the community in the coming weeks. 

Please direct media inquiries to Public Information Officer Sonia Lee at (650) 947-2611 or slee@losaltosca.gov.