Matt N. Pressey, CPA and Finance Director for the City of Salinas also serves as CSMFO’s Technology Committee Chair and has been a CSMFO member for 30 years. Some think he’s the Mayor and others the Governor, but one thing is for sure, he holds a wealth of information and a wide range of experiences. Get to know how mentors have shaped his career, stars surround him at work, and how CSMFO is building a positive legacy.

1. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show and why?

“Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow”! I love a good intense and fun action movie with good acting (Tom Cruise). This one is a has it all!

2. How has a previous or current mentor impacted your career?

I have had very good mentors in my career. I have taken all of the things I liked from them and made them my own. In my 8 ½ years at a CPA firm auditing Cities, Ken Al-Imam was a great leader, teacher, mentor, extremely positive role model for me. He taught me not only the technical side of my work, but the people side. He taught me, that when correcting someone on how something should be done, to always say, “Next time you do this, do it this way.” That very shuttle, addition of “next time” made all the difference when correcting staff. It was not about catching them doing something wrong, but instead the focus was on how to improve! Jay Goldstone was my boss for 5 years at Pasadena. He taught me how to be a Finance Director in a lot of good ways and continues to be a resource and mentor to this day!

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I can truly say I love it all. The technical work, the employees, serving the public. Of course, something’s are more challenging than others, but I embrace it all and continuously strive to be better.

4. Knowing what you know now, if you were new to government finance what would you do differently when you started your career?

My career in municipal finance started with a CPA firm that specialized in local government accounting, auditing, and consulting services. For someone starting out, I think that is one of the best things you can do because it gives you broad exposure to all of the financial aspects of local government on each engagement, the technical expertise, and the exposure to evaluating financial procedures and processes. This all happens in a very condensed period of time and is an excellent firm foundation for your career that I would recommend for someone starting out.

5. What is your current position and what do your children or friends think you do at work?

My current position is Finance Director for the City of Salinas. I have been in the position 9 ½ years. I asked my children what they think I do at work. Some of my children think I am the Mayor. Some of my friends call me the Governor. ???? Some have no clue!

6. How do you keep up to date with upcoming regulations?

Between Michael Colman and Jason Al-Imam and the Professional Standards Committee, I believe I am super informed on upcoming regulations and knowing what I need to know. Applying them to the organization is the next step and between my staff and the auditors, when it gets to me for review, they have it very nicely taken care of.

7. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

Empowering staff to take ownership and the freedom to do it their way has always motivate me to do my work with excellence and completeness. I have found that is the case with my staff too. Keeping an upbeat and positive attitude with lots of positive complements and appreciation for getting the work done keeps staff motivated to doing their work and doing a good job. I have some real super stars and could not be more pleased!

8. What has been the most challenging time in your finance career and how did you overcome it?

Going through layoffs in the organization in 2008 was the most challenging time. Toiling over staff losing their jobs was so sad and gut wrenching. It was a very sad time.

9. What is something about you that no one would ever guess or expect?

No one would probably guess that I have seven children! I always wanted a big family and it came about one child at a time. I am very blessed.

10. What advice do you have for a CSMFO member on getting more involved with the organization?

I encourage all CSMFO members to get involved! Just reach out to any of the Board Members, Committee or Chapter Chairs. They can work with you to see how best you can get involved. There are so many ways to contribute to this great volunteer organization!

One of the amazing things about CSMFO is how we are building a positive legacy. CSMFO believes in collaboration, teamwork, and developing leaders who share information, grow their skills, and mentor others. Thank you for being a part of continuing that legacy!