Finance Manager for the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District

Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District; Pleasant Hill (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District seeks a Finance Manager to oversee financial activities, enhancing community services for over 40,000 residents. The new manager will lead financial operations, including budgeting and reporting, fostering transparency and efficiency in a vibrant, service-oriented environment.

Benefits

Thirteen paid holidays

Health benefits covering 95% of costs

Retirement with CalPERS

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of public sector finance principles and practices.
• Minimum 6 years in public agency accounting and finance administration required.
• 3 years of supervisory or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the District’s financial activities and operations.
• Manage the development and execution of the District’s budget.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with financial controls.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Leadership

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

CPA, CFP or similar designation

Job description

Step Into Leadership. Serve With Purpose. Shape Community Impact.

Are you a detail-oriented finance professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where your work directly supports a vibrant community? If so, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District (PHRPD) is looking for you!

As our next Finance Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in stewarding public resources, supporting dynamic programs, and ensuring financial transparency across a thriving special district that serves over 40,000 residents and welcomes more than 100,000 annual visitors.

PHRPD is more than parks and programs—it’s a hub of community life. From youth enrichment to senior services, cultural events to open spaces, we create meaningful experiences every day—and we need a financial leader who brings the same passion and precision to the work behind the scenes.

If you're ready to lead with integrity, support an energetic team, and help us continue delivering exceptional services, this is your moment.

Apply now and help shape the future of Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District!

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting this recruitment on behalf of Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District.

THE POSITION
Under the direction of the General Manager, the Finance Manager position is responsible for directing, managing, coordinating, and participating in the District’s financial activities and operations, including accounting, financial planning and reporting, debt issuance, budgeting, treasury and investment portfolio, payroll/benefit administration, financial system management/administration, implementation and monitoring of internal controls.

This is a detail-oriented position requiring strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work independently, and strong analytical skills.

This is a single position executive management level classification with full responsibility for managing all functions of the Finance department. In addition to providing designated staff and policy assistance to the General Manager in assigned areas, this Plan, organize, direct, and participate in accounting activities including financial reporting, audits, cash management, investments, accounts payable and receivable, grants, and capital assets.

The incumbent Serve as liaison to District departments and staff regarding financial and accounting issues. Directly supervises two full-time and three part-time employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District

Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (PHRPD) provides recreation and park services to the City of Pleasant Hill, a portion of the City of Lafayette, and a small portion of the City of Walnut Creek and the unincorporated community of Walden/Contra Costa Centre.

PHRPD was formed on January 22, 1951, as an independent special district. The District was formed to provide recreation and park services to the unincorporated community of Pleasant Hill.

The District’s boundary is located entirely within Contra Costa County and includes the entirety of the City of Pleasant Hill, in addition to a portion of the City of Lafayette (in the southwest of the District), and a small portion of the City of Walnut Creek and the unincorporated community of Walden/Contra Costa Centre (in the southeast of the District). The boundaries encompass approximately 8.8 square miles, or 5,616 acres.

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District serves over 40,000 people within the community, an area about 20% larger than of the City of Pleasant Hill. There are approximately 100,000+ persons who participate in programs, visit District facilities, or volunteer on an annual basis.

The District includes over 269 acres of park land including 11 park sites, two pools, two community center facilities, a senior center complex, a cultural center, an historic site, trails, and open space areas. During the year the District offers over 2,300 enrichment classes, programs, activities, and sponsors numerous clubs and organizations.

http://pleasanthillrec.com/

Examples of Duties

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

Deep Knowledge of and Technical Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of public sector finance.
• Principles and practices of general, fund, cost, and governmental accounting.
• Principles and practices of auditing and financial control.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including those related purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Principles and practices of budget and contract administration, accounting, fiscal controls, and department financing.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of sound business communications.
• Principles and practices of effective good-faith negotiations.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and control the administration and operations of the department.
• Oversee detailed accounting and financial support work and ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee and perform technical and complex personnel transactions and payroll-related duties.
• Oversee and ensure the timely preparation, review, and reconciliation of a variety of complex personnel transactions and payroll records, statistical reports, documents, and records.
• Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.
• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.
• Successfully develop, control, and administer the department budget and expenditures.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing, utilizing technical and statistical information.
• Make presentations that convey complex information and transportation data to a variety of audiences in a manner that is persuasive and easy to understand.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Develop effective working relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Oversee, coordinate, and participate in the development, execution, and monitoring of the District’s annual budget; and coordinate the District’s financial reporting, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR); coordinate the preparation and maintenance of the District’s accounting structure, including the chart of accounts.
• Manage year-end close requirements and complete all detailed schedules and information to ensure the external audit is completed accurately and on schedule;
• Manage and implement systems and procedures related to financial controls and reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Assist in the coordination of issuance of debt with financial advisors, bond counsel, and trustees.
• Review budgetary statements for District departments; investigate variances in revenue and expenditures.
• Conduct internal audits of accounting systems and financial transactions of District departments and prepare recommendations and reports.
• Responsible for all payroll and benefits processing functions, including timely processing of payroll, benefits, and related transactions with appropriate entities (CalPERS, District bank(s), and service providers for the various District benefit programs.
• Oversee the inputting of payroll data and preparation of direct deposits and reports as needed.
• Manage development of financial and other documents, including investment reports, rate notices, actuarial reports, agenda materials, and presentations.
• Provide technical information and advice to departments on financial reporting and documentation needs, alterations to rate schedules, cost accounting methods, and other financial topics.
• Assist in implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and optimized use, of accounting systems and software, including Springbrook, Time Clock Plus, and CivicRec

COMPETENCIES

Accountability - Considers alternative available actions, resources, and constraints before selecting a method for accomplishing a goal or project
Analytical Thinking - Identifies diverse solutions to complex problems integrating findings from several different disciplines; identifies and evaluates the various options developed and selects the most effective solution
Collaboration - Fosters staff and stakeholder communication and dialogue; identifies opportunities to build consensus for options, decisions, and outcomes
Communication - Exchanges information with constituents using oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Customer Service - Continuously searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction
Influence - Maintains an awareness of organizational goals and objectives while simultaneously navigating solutions towards desired outcomes and preserving relationships
Judgment - Makes decisions based on careful thought taking both agency goals and input from others into account
Leadership - Understands formal and informal power and influence structure within the organization and successfully achieves positive, desired outcomes
Leverage Technology - Comfortably works with technology and champions innovative use of technology
Time Management - Manages and prioritizes both everyday responsibilities and high-level, longer term objectives

Typical Qualifications

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Completion of advanced educational training in accounting and finance administration and public investing, and designation such as CPA, CFP, or similar is highly desirable

Experience:

A minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in public agency accounting and finance administration, including three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS

Holidays Thirteen (13) paid holidays

Vacation Up to the completion of 5 years: 12 days per year

Additional vacation hours with staff retention.

Sick Leave One (1) day for each month of service: 12 days per year

Health Plan

Kaiser HMO Platinum and Gold plans after thirty (30) days of Employment. District policy is to cover the employees and family. The District covers 95% and Employees contribute 5% of actual coverage costs.

Dental Plan

Delta Dental is available after 6 months of employment and coverage is based on date of hire.

Hired Prior to 7/1/ 2011	Hired On or After 7/1/2011
District covers 100% of employee and family	Coverage available at employee cost

Insurance

Standard Insurance Company coverage after thirty (30) days of employment. District policy is to cover the employee. The District life insurance is $50,000 per employee.

Retirement

Social Security at the current rates.

"Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), based on date of enrollment. The District pays 100% of the employer contribution. Coverage begins on the first day of employment."

Date of Enrollment	Classic	7/1/2011-12/31/2012	After 1/1/2013
Formula	2% at 55	2% at 60	2% at 62
Employee Contribution	7% of pay	7% of pay	6.75% of pay

Workers Compensation

All employees are covered under the District’s Joint Powers Authority, CAPRI.

Also available upon employment:

Credit Union District is a member of the 1ST NorCal Credit Union and Pacific Service Credit Union.

Deferred Compensation District contracts for this benefit is with VALIC.

American Fidelity Section 125 Flex Plan & other plans available.

VSP Vision Vison only plan.

SELECTION PROCESS

DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

Apply at: INSERT LINK

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position along with their application and supplemental questionnaire. All application materials must be submitted through the online system.

Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on information submitted at the time of application, and qualified candidates will participate in a preliminary remote screening interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of July 20, 2025. The most qualified candidates from the remote interview will be submitted for consideration for final selection by the General Manager.

Neither Regional Government Services nor the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District are responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting your application. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise us by emailing [e-mail].

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District will tentatively hold hiring interviews the week of August 11, 2025.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to [e-mail] .

Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by emailing [e-mail] .

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.