POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Administrative Services Director, supervises and manages the activities and day-to-day operations of the Finance Division; areas of responsibility include general accounting, financial reporting, budget development and business licensing; administers short and long-range fiscal services planning activities; oversees and directs the maintenance of financial and budgetary records; prepares and analyzes financial statements and reports; responsible for investment of City surplus funds; and performs related work as required.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only):
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Finance Division; areas of responsibility include general accounting, financial reporting, budget development and business licensing.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Directs the preparation of, and participates in developing fiscal reports including monthly, quarterly and annual reports as well the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Popular Annual financial Report (PAFR) ensuring adherence to mandated rules, regulations and professional standards.
Directs and participates in the development of the City-wide budget; works with departments to provide data and support for their budget development; monitors departmental budget performance and makes recommendations for adjustments as needed; and conducts on-going analysis of the City’s financial condition, reporting to, and advising, executive management on fiscal matters.
Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to management.
Develops and implements adopted finance and budget services strategic plans, policies, and standards.
Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues and implements discipline.
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals (RFP’s) and qualifications for professional services; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; develops, negotiates, and reviews contract terms and amendments; ensures contractor compliance with City and department standards and specifications and time and budget estimates; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise.
Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Administrative Services Director; conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies, special projects, and investigations; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the financial field; monitors changes in regulations that may affect business systems operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
Attends monthly Financial Commission meetings.
Receives, researches, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and inquiries in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Governmental financial accounting and reporting; governmental auditing standards; principles and practices of local government budgeting and financial administration; applicable federal, state and local laws affecting municipal finance; municipal treasury management and investment principles; modern office procedures, computers and accounting software applications; principles and procedures of financial record keeping, technical report writing and preparation of correspondence and presentations. Auditing and internal financial control processes. Principles and practices for employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and training.
ABILITY TO:
Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective fiscal management programs, projects, and services.
Organize, manage, implement, and maintain efficient and effective fiscal and budget programs to ensure the reliability and integrity of the City’s financial standing.
Manage and monitor the City’s budget process and obligations.
Undertake complex financial and accounting analyses, studies and projects.
Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise accounting, financial and statistical reports and present to Commissions and Council.
Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
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.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the development and administration of financial and budget programs, including three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience.
Public sector auditing experience, a CPA certification and/or a master’s degree in business or public administration is desirable and may be substituted for the required experience up to a maximum of one year.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position ranges from $149,231.70 up to $181,392.07 annually. Placement within the range will be DOE.
This position is at will and the full terms and conditions of this position will be subject to an employment contract.
The benefits package offered by the City includes:
Retirement: CalPERS retirement plan for Classic members is 2% @ 60 with employee paying a contribution of 7%. PEPRA employees participate on a 2.0% @ 62 plan, with employee paying 6.75% of the retirement contribution. Benefits based on highest three years of compensation. The City does not participate in Social Security.
Health Plans: Choice of HMO or PPO plans through CalPERS Health with most family plans covered at 100%. Employees who waive coverage may receive stipend of $350 per month.
Dental/Vision: City also offers a dental and vision reimbursement plan
Vacation Leave: Management new hires may combine previous years of experience from other public agencies to receive increased accrual rate
Flexible Spending Plan: Dependent care and health care reimbursement plan available
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in either Nationwide or ICMA-RC
Holidays: 10 annual holidays, plus one floating holiday
Sick Leave: Allowance of 12 days annually
Management Leave: Allowance of 40 hours each fiscal year
The City follows a Defined 9/80 schedule with offices closed every other Friday.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A completed City application, cover letter and resume must be received. The recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will occur on Friday, January 15, 2021.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The applicants most closely matching the City’s desired qualifications and organizational needs will be invited to participate in the interview process. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including reference checks and a complete background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
