Local Government Finance Staffing: Why the Warning Signs Are Now a Crisis

Local government finance is facing its most significant staffing challenge in decades.

Across British Columbia, municipalities are struggling to recruit and retain finance staff. Burnout is rising, vacancies remain unfilled for months, and institutional knowledge is disappearing. Thirty-four percent of BC finance departments report being understaffed compared to their budgeted full-time equivalents (GFOABC BC, 2023).

This isn’t just a staffing issue — it’s a financial sustainability and governance issue. Without intentional action, the pressure will continue to grow.