Director Of Finance

DEFINITION
Under administrative and policy direction, plans, directs, manages and oversees all functions of the City's Finance Department, and may assume responsibility for managing Information Technology; directs and administers the fiscal operations and activities of the City, which include budgeting, investments, financial transaction processing, record-keeping and reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, purchasing, and business licensing/registration; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager; and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This executive level classification oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Finance Department, including planning and organizing the work activities and operations of staff engaged in the fiscal operations and activities of the City. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy and municipal functions and activities, including the role of an elected City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Duties and responsibilities are carried out with a high degree of independence within the framework of established policies, procedures and regulations. The Finance Manager is distinguished from the Director of Finance in that the latter class has overall responsibility for all functions of the Finance Department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct to general supervision over professional, para-professional, technical, and clerical staff. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Directs the fiscal management of the City, including budget preparation and monitoring, revenue forecasting, collection and disbursement of funds, accounting, financial reporting and auditing, and investment of funds.
2. Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
3. Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
4. Plans, directs and coordinates Finance Department activities; recommends policies and implements procedures to conduct activities; ensures that activities are conducted in accordance with related laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; develops comprehensive plan to satisfy future needs for department services.
5. Oversees the City's Information Technology contract with vendor; participates in the oversight of City staff and contracted employees; oversees the implementation of various City technology projects.
6. Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
7. Assumes responsibility for the City's annual financial audit and acts as the city's City Treasurer when designated.
8. Coordinates the development and administration of the entire City's annual budget; estimates anticipated revenues; assists in reviewing proposed departmental budget allocations; conducts fiscal analysis and submits data and reports for use in evaluating operating departments' proposals; prepares and administers the budget for the Administrative Services Department.
9. Prepares and supervises the preparation of reports to the State Controller, County Auditor Controller and other federal, state or county agencies.
10. Develops and reviews the effectiveness of operational policies and procedures in concert with division managers and other users of department services.
11. Reports events and activities to senior management and elected/appointed officials.
12. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and directs the implementation of improvements. Administers contracts for department services; reviews city-wide contractual agreements and ensures that city contractual services are provided in accordance with contract provisions.
13. Advises, and otherwise provides assistance to the City Council, City Manager, other City staff and the public regarding financial matters.
14. Represents the City, or delegates such authority, in relations with the community, advisory committees, other local, state and federal agencies and professional organizations.
15. Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
16. Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
17. Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; performs financial review of matters pertaining to the various committees, such as determining appropriate rates of City services.
18. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Finance and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
19. Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
20. Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
21. Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations. Establishes, maintains and fosters positive and effective working relationships with city staff and all those contacted in the course of work.
22. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Modern and complex principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental finance administration, accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations.
• Principles and practices of public agency budget development and administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs of the department.
• Operational principles and practices of general, fund and governmental accounting including budgetary practices, accounting principles, practices, methods, and laws affecting municipal financial operations.
• Principles, practices, laws and regulations governing the investment and management of public funds.
• Public purchasing and contracting principles and practices, including competitive bidding procedures.
• Consensus building among large groups of diverse interests.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of payroll processing; tax withholding; and preparation of state and federal reports.
• General principles and practices used in data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to municipal financial operations.
• Principles and practices of business organization and public administration.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the department.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Financial research and report preparation methods and techniques.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and computer applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, education, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.
• Direct the fiscal management of the City, including budget preparation and monitoring, revenue forecasting, collection and disbursement of funds, accounting, financial reporting and auditing, and investment of funds.
• Oversee and prepare a variety of highly specialized financial reports and statements in accordance with predetermined requirements.
• Summarize complex financial information.
• Bring a unified strategic approach to financial and administrative functions.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time, and within budget.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel, delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years of broad management and/or administrative experience which involved municipal finance and accounting, information technology, purchasing, investments, and related areas, including at least five (5) years at a managerial or supervisory level, preferably in a public agency.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a State of California driver's license and proof of insurance.
• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:
Employee in this class may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environmental Conditions:
Employees in this class generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing City-wide policies and procedures.
Physical Demands:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor ve...