Financial Accounting Manager - Public Utilities

Upcoming Increase: 5% increase on June 20, 2025

The City of Anaheim Public Utilities Department is seeking a talented and organized Financial Accounting Manager to direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate assigned activities and operations of the accounting and/or finance section within the Public Utilities Department; provide highly responsible, complex professional accounting, financial reporting, and audit functions; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and partner joint action agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to assigned management staff.

The ideal candidate will have experience directing accounting, inventory control, auditing, and financial planning/reporting and analysis. Knowledge in accounting policies and procedures and recommend changes which are designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting operations. Experience assisting auditors with audits, as well as monitor internal controls and system procedures and direct the development and maintenance of computer software in the financial accounting and budgetary area.

The Financial Accounting Manager will consult with other governmental agencies, utility, and water associations and assist in the development of annual and periodic disclosure documents for municipal bond financing activities and present accounting practices to ensure conformance with established policies and procedures applicable to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. For the complete job description, please click HERE.

• Assume management responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, and financial regulatory reporting within the assigned department.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service staffing levels.  
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for assigned staff; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Provide highly responsible, complex professional accounting services; interpret and apply accounting standards and determine applicability to department operations; prepare and/or review highly complex financial schedules and statements.
• Work closely with internal and external auditors; ensure processes and financial record keeping is in compliance with accounting standards; provide information and answer questions regarding financial processes and decisions. 
• Advise and participate in the design and implementation of automated financial information systems and updates; continuously evaluate potential system improvements; ensure changes in laws and regulations are addressed in system updates; train users on system changes.
• Provide management with accurate and complete financial information including financial statements, variance reports, cash flows, financial analyses and projections and statistical reports; supervise compliance with all accounting and financial requirements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting standards, federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Direct and oversee the annual audit process and the development of interim financial statements for assigned department; coordinate all internal operational and contract audits for the department; respond to audit inquiries; monitor contractors’ compliance with audit findings.
• As assigned, serve as a division manager in the absence of the Assistant General Manager, Finance and Energy Resources (Chief Financial Officer). 
• Serve as the liaison for assigned section with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to assigned management staff; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to assigned financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields of finance and accounting; incorporate new developments as appropriate.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Perform related duties as required.

Experience and Education: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting and finance experience including two (2) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility supplemented by a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a public utility  finance program; principles and practices of financial management; knowledge of the FERC Uniform System of Accounts; generally accepted accounting principles; accounting and auditing theory; practices and procedures of business data processing as it relates to accounting information; financing methods and resources; automated financial and work management systems; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive governmental finance program; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures; prepare and administer large program budgets; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; implement audit recommendations; develop and maintain accounting procedure manuals and maintain accounting data and records; develop and implement systems and procedures; negotiate terms, fees, and conditions of financial agreements with underwriters, attorneys, banks and agents; effectively utilize automated financial and work management systems; be an effective leader in the development and implementation of new and upgraded automated systems; represent the department effectively in meetings, including making presentations; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Current registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant.

Environment/Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

***IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION***

Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 5:00PM.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early.  Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment and oral interview. 

The following documents are required and must be submitted with your application.

• Copy of Resume

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.  Stating “See Resume” is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).  The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $116,606 - $174,910