Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the activities and operations of the Finance Department, including financial planning, budgeting, accounting and auditing, treasury cash management, and billing of other accounts; oversees the preparation of the annual budget and serves as consultant with other City Officials in financial accounting practices; directs the purchasing, utility billing, accounting, and auditing divisions within the Finance Department; may act as City Manager in his/her absence; and performs other job-related work as required.

This position is designated as Management for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Administrative direction is provided by the City Manager. The job incumbent directly supervises staff responsible for divisions in the Finance Department, to include, purchasing, utility billing, accounting, and auditing.

This is a department director classification responsible for the direction of a discrete departmental organizational component and divisions in the Finance Department. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative assistance to the City Manager.

Serves as a member of the City executive team with responsibilities for establishing and overseeing programs and policies that affect multiple departments and the City as a whole. Approves and has final responsibility for all written and other types of presentations to the City Council and other commissions, boards and policy adopting bodies. Demonstrates professional competence while working as a team member and exercise independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive areas. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, federal, and state regulating entities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in the development and administration of the City’s annual audit process and preparation of the City’s financial statements
• Participate in the development and administration of the City budget by forecasting revenues, monitoring expenditures, and analyzing trends to ensure compliance with budgetary expenditure programs and policies.
• Management and participate in the development and administration of the City budget.
• Prepare and/or coordinate all general fund, non-general fund, and capital budgets; assist in budget implementation and adjustments, as needed; participate in budget forecasts; administer the approved budget.

• Oversee the purchasing, utility billing, accounting, and auditing programs that encompass budget, purchasing, accounting, and auditing.

• Provide administrative assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepare and present reports to the City Council and various committees and commissions regarding the City financial matters.
• Serve as the City Treasurer pursuant to local ordinances; serve as the City’s budget officer, City Auditor, financial advisor overseeing financial forecasting, investment management, and related financial activities.
• Participate in the issuance of debt; ensure timely and accurate debt services payments.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards.
• Monitor, supervise, and participate in the City’s central accounting activity, including the preparation of varied financial reports and monitoring of annual audit.
• Prepare highly complex and technical reports; document policies and procedures; conduct research.
• Develop and implement estimation programs for revenues and tax yields for use by the City Manager and other City officials.
• Participate extensively in the development and implementation of municipal financial policies; may prepare alternative models for planned changes and expenses..
• Coordinate Finance Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Oversee and participate in the development of the finance office work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.

• Conduct research and develops recommendations on City-wide work methods, operation policy and procedures, programs, services, and other financial issues.

• Provide highly responsible administrative staff assistance including conducting specific and comprehensive analysis of municipal policies involving finance.

• Ensure close coordination with other City departments and affected outside groups.

• Make presentations before various groups, including City Council, Commissions, and professional and public meetings, as needed.

• Supervise staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommend and implement approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintain high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations.

• Build and maintain respectful and positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies, and the public using principles of good customer service; provide effective conflict resolution.

• Model appropriate professional management conduct; maintain appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; comply with and supports City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.

• Attend assigned meetings and training; interact with outside agencies and commissions; provide leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.

• Utilize automated equipment to prepare documents and maintain data related to department operations.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public sector accounting, financing and generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP), and debt financing.

• Principles and techniques of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of computerized financial information systems.
• Modern governmental accounting and financial practices, procedures and standards.

• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Municipal structure and organization in a Mayor-Council/City Manager form of government.
• Principles of employee supervision, career development, and training.
• The concepts of word processing, spreadsheets, micro-computer and mainframe computer applications.
• Modern methods of records management.

• Safe work practices and related regulations.
• Principles of public speaking, conflict resolution, and excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Compile and analyze financial reports and make revenue estimates within reasonable limits.
• Prepare, forecast. and administer a budget.

• Organize, implement, and supervise departmental goals and City objectives.
• Administer a variety of budgetary activities.

• Prepare a variety of complex and comprehensive reports and documents.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of agency goals.
• Effectively and fairly negotiate appropriate solutions and contracts.
• Manage resources within budget and policy parameters.
• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise the work professional, technical, and office support staff.

• Make presentations before groups and represent the City in public forums.
• Read and comprehend complex laws and regulations and initiate policies and procedures for their implementation.
• Use computer and needed programs effectively.
• Communicate effectively, orally, electronically, and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, and the general public.

EXPERIENCE

Five years of increasingly responsible experience performing municipal financial planning and analysis, and public accounting, which included two years of managerial and supervisory responsibility that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

EDUCATION

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration or a closely related field.

Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or possession of a Master’s degree in a closely related field.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain required physical abilities including: Vision adequate to operate vehicles and equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hearing adequate to distinguish mechanical noises, converse on telephone and in person; body mobility adequate to drive and perform required duties; use of hands and fingers adequate for driving, writing, typing and computer related functions; ability to lift tools, files and equipment as needed.