Finance Director

JOB SUMMARY:
Under administrative direction, directs all activities of the Finance Department including planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and reviewing the activities and operations of the department including Accounting, Treasury, Purchasing, Property Management, Information Technology, and Transportation; acts as Treasurer for the Redevelopment Agency; provides professional leadership in the financial management of the City and execution of City financial policies.
DISTINGUISHING CHARATERISTIC
The Finance Director is a department head classification with overall responsibility for the activities of the Finance Department. The incumbent is accountable, through subordinate managers and supervisors, for accomplishing all department goals, and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives policy direction from the City Manager. Exercises supervision, either directly or through subordinate supervisors, over assigned management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support personnelEXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative only)

• Acts as Chief Financial Officer of the City.
• Develop, plan and implement department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures. 
• Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. 
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Department's work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures. 
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the City and Finance Department’s annual operating budget and capital improvement budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments. 
• Develop and implement long and short-term strategic plans in support of department and City-wide goals and objectives. 
• Oversee the preparation of documentation related to the refinancing of existing debt and the issuance of new debt; direct the preparation of financial reports as required by law; prepare various financial reports and analyses requested by the City Manager and City Council. 
• Review, evaluate and recommend improvements to the City's administrative and financial internal control systems and procedures and ensure audit compliance. 
• Direct the design, implementation, and control of automated financial systems. 
• Oversee the general accounting functions of the City; provide financial support and assistance to City departments; ensure compliance with internal controls and standard accounting practices. 
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department. 
• Represent the Department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary. 
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary. 
• Regular and timely attendance.
• Performs other duties, as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Sufficient experience and education to demonstrate the knowledge and skills listed and to perform the essential duties is required. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is: 
Education:
Equivalent to a four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field, including a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester units of accounting.
Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in a responsible financial capacity involving responsibility for the planning, organizing, and execution of a varied financial program in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Licenses and Certificates:
Valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting for various transaction types. 
• Principles and practices of internal control procedures and practices as they apply to a public agency. 
• Principles and methods of finance administration, particularly in the areas of accounting, budgeting, auditing, purchasing, central stores, treasury, utility billing, business license and customer service. 
• California public agency financial practices, revenue sources and reporting. 
• Principles and practices of public administration, management, and organizational theories. 
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution. 
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. 
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs. 
• Recent court decisions and how they affect department operations. 
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Finance department.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, local and department policies, procedures, laws and regulations. 
• Develop and install sound accounting and related financial systems and procedures. Prepare complex financial, budgetary, and technical statements, reports, and analyses. 
• interpret and evaluate staff report and related documents 
• Respond to inquiries or complaints and explain regulations and procedures to the public, members of the business community, and representatives of other agencies and organizations. 
• Select, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff. 
• Develop and implement department policies and procedures. 
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion. 
• Successfully develop, control and administer departmental budget and expenditures. 
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. 
• Assess situations, exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action, remaining cognizant of the City's confidentiality requirement and the City's public relations policy. 
• Identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Provide high quality customer service. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.