Deputy Finance Officer

City of Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Merced seeks an experienced financial leader to direct the Finance Department. You will oversee budgeting, accounting, auditing, treasury, grants, purchasing, and billing operations.

The role requires coordinating with other city divisions and external agencies to ensure financial integrity. Qualifications include a bachelor's in accounting or finance, five years of fiscal services experience with supervisory responsibilities, and a CPA or related certification being desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is required.
• A Master's degree in public administration or business administration is preferred.
• Five years of fiscally responsible municipal experience with supervisory duties.
• CPA or related certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the Finance Department including budgeting, procurement, and treasury functions.
• Assist in developing department goals and administering policies and procedures.
• Plan and coordinate the Finance Department work plan across programs.
• Plan and direct annual financial audits and the preparation of the CAFR.
• Develop and administer the department's operating budget and staffing forecasts.
• Represent the department to other city entities and outside agencies.

Skills

Fiscal management

Budget development

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Supervisory leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Master’s degree in public administration or business administration (desired)

Tools

MS Excel

Accounting software

Databases

Job description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities and operations of the Finance Department; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Finance Officer.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS

This position reports to the Finance Officer and serves as the Finance Officer in his/her absence. The incumbent is responsible for managing and directing the Finance Department including planning, organizing and directing daily activities, ensuring optimum effectiveness and productivity.

REPORTS TO

Finance Officer or designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Staff assigned to the various divisions of the Finance Department.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Assist the Finance Officer in managing and directing the services and activities of the Finance Department including: financial planning, budgeting, accounting and auditing, property management, treasury cash management and investment of idle funds, grants management, license administration, central purchasing, and the billing and collection of utility charges for the City.
2. Assist in the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area and recommend and assist in the administering of policies and procedures.
3. Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Finance Department's work plan including: central accounting, payroll, treasury, utility billing, collections, purchasing, inventory and grants management; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; and meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
4. Plan, direct, and participate in the audit of all financial transactions and expenditure of appropriated funds; coordinate the annual financial audit with contracted outside audit firm.
5. Plan and direct the preparation of the comprehensive annual financial report.
6. Ensure the integrity of the City internal control improvement program.
7. Plan and participate in the development and administration of the City and Finance Department's annual operating budget and financial plans; develop the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, services, and supplies and administer the adopted annual budget.
8. Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct or review annual performance appraisals of department employees; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures.
9. Represent the Finance Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations and provide financial assistance to other City departments.
10. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of Finance and incorporate new developments as appropriate.
11. Maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Finance Department.
12. Prepare complex and sensitive reports for various State and Federal agencies; research and present technical and administrative reports to Council, commissions, and committees.
13. Assist with special projects as assigned.
14. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a fiscal services program.
• Principles and practices of finance and accounting.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Methods and techniques of time management.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Characteristics of large computerized financial systems.
• Fund and grant accounting and reporting.
• Data processing concepts.
• Understanding of internal control concepts.
• Functions, organization, staffing and operations of the various City departments.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of the fiscal services program.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Prepare and administer large programs budgets.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Formulate and implement long range strategic plans.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, finance or related field. A Master's degree in business or public administration is desired.

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible fiscal services experience in municipal accounting including two years of supervisory and administrative responsibility.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or related certification is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANDWORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting; continuous contact with other staff and the public; and exposure to computer screens.

Physical

Sufficient mobility to work in an office setting; to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods of time;normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; to hear in the normal range with or without correction; to see in the normal range with or without correction; verbal communication; and use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.