AUBURN – The city will be looking for a new finance director – the fourth in as many years – when Denise Brown leaves the position Friday.

City Manager Glenn Aho said he is considering appointing a temporary finance director and is talking with school officials as well.

“A finance director is really the most important position in an organization,” Aho said. “They do more to drive the city’s policy than just about anyone else. They’re finding out where we’re spending money, why we’re spending it and making sure it’s spent efficiently.”

The series of quick turnovers began when 16-year veteran Jill Eastman stepped down in 2004. She was replaced by Ron Farris in March 2005, but he resigned nine months later. Farris was replaced by Christian Trenholm, who resigned in the fall of 2007.

Brown replaced Trenholm, taking the job in February.

Aho said the turnover in the position is coincidental.

“It’s a tough position, but it’s a tough time for every municipal official right now,” Aho said. “I haven’t seen anything in this department to indicate a deeper problem.”

Brown has been with the city for 22 years, first working for the steam plant operation, the precursor to the Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp.’s incinerator.

She moved to the Finance Department in 1988.

Brown could not be reached for comment Wednesday or Thursday.