Financial Services Specialist II (General Services Agency)

Alameda County; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental Plans

Retirement Plan

Vacation & Sick Leave

Employee Wellness Program

Commuter Benefits Program

Job summary

Alameda County is searching for a Financial Services Specialist to support various county departments in budget development, financial reporting, and grants management. This role involves independent decision-making, requiring strong analytical skills and effective communication.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant bachelor's degree and at least one year of professional experience. The position contributes significantly to the County's operations and requires knowledge of governmental financial practices and ability to work autonomously.

Qualifications

• One year of full-time experience in financial services.
• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance.
• Experience in governmental budget development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial services in budget development.
• Conduct financial analysis and reporting.
• Administer contracts and grants management.

Skills

Financial record-keeping

Budget development

Analytical skills

Contract administration

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Financial software

Job description

Introduction

This is a reinstatement, transfer or voluntary demotion opportunity for current and former regularly appointed employees of Alameda County.

Reinstatement: Pursuant to Civil Service Rule 1744: On the request of a department head and approval of the Commission, a regularly appointed employee who resigned in good standing may, within three years after the effective date of his/her resignation, be reinstated in a position in the class from which he/she resigned or in a position in another class for which he/she may be eligible as determined by the Commission. Appointments by reinstatement following resignation are subject to the probationary period established for the class. You must have been a classified County employee in the same job code or in a job code at the same salary maximum and left the County in good standing. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Transfer: You must be a current County classified employee in the same job code or in a job code with the same salary maximum for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Voluntary Demotion: You must be a current County classified employee in a job code which is at a higher salary maximum than the vacancy for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

DESCRIPTION

THE AGENCY

Alameda County General Services Agency (GSA) delivers a host of logistical support services to County agencies and partners from maintenance of facilities and County fleet to energy and environmental management services, capital project management, procurement services, and clean commute and recycling programs. The GSA Community strives not only to provide these services but also to facilitate collaborative and innovative approaches in its efforts. While the GSA Community largely focuses on support services for Alameda County departments and other public agencies, the work has a direct impact on the communities. GSA builds structures such as libraries and youth centers that transform communities, provides opportunities for local businesses, and works towards ensuring that County work practices minimize negative impacts to the environment. GSA employees take great pride in their work and strive to provide the highest-quality service.

For more information about the agency, please visit: County of Alameda, General Services Agency.

THE POSITION

Under direction, to provide professional-level financial services in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, and grants management to County departments and agencies; to conduct a variety of studies and inquiries and perform financial analytic and administrative work; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Financial Services Specialist I/II is a flexibly-staffed class series with the work normally performed at the II level, but with initial selection possible at the I or entry level. Incumbents hired at the I level will be expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the II level after the equivalent of two years full time service. If proficient, incumbents will be eligible to be flexibly promoted to the II level after the equivalent of one year. Appointment at the I level will not be extended beyond two years.

Positions in this class series are normally found in County departments with multiple budgets and funding sources and/or with extensive contracting with service providers or community-based organizations. In addition to the provision of financial services, responsibilities also include performing general administrative services work, planning and conducting analytical studies and overseeing support functions and staff. Although the work is diverse, all positions are typically characterized by all of the following elements:

1. Independent decision-making.
2. Capacity to present clear oral and written reports to senior managers.
3. Knowledge of governmental financial processes and systems.
4. Ability to conduct financial analysis and formulate financial recommendations.
5. Limited availability or nature of supervision.

This series is distinguished from the Administrative Specialist class series, which has primary responsibility for the provision of more general administrative services in such areas as personnel, purchasing, contracting, budgeting and departmental communications. It is further distinguished from Senior Financial Services Specialist, which is a skilled, technical specialist class with a primary role in financial strategic planning and policy development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I:

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Financial Services Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II:

Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, accounting, economics, financial planning or a field related to the work. (Additional professional financial planning and support experience equivalent to the County’s classification of Financial Services Specialist I may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

Experience: Equivalent to one year of full-time professional-level experience in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, grant management or similar financial services equivalent to that performed by the Alameda County classified service of Financial Services Specialist I.

Licenses: Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the 'Examples of Duties' section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of governmental budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract and grant administration.
• Financial record-keeping and auditing practices.
• Practices and techniques of administrative analysis and report preparation.
• Applicable federal, state and local policies and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work, such as word processing, data bases and spreadsheets. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.

Ability to:

• Develop and administer multiple budgets.
• Monitor fiscal transactions and audit fiscal records and documentation.
• Plan and conduct administrative and operational studies.
• Interpret, explain and apply financial regulations, policies and procedures.
• Direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate financial records and audit data.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Clearly and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; write contract documents, electronic mail, and Board letters to the Board of Supervisors at a professional skill level.
• Communicate fluently using the English language to present and request information to/from internal and external customers effectively by phone or in person.

BENEFITS

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability InsuranceLong-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits – Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

**Employees in management-designated classifications may be entitled to management paid leave. Refer to the applicable MOU or Salary Ordinance for more information.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Note: This posting is open until filled and may close at any time.