Finance Manager

Seize this opportunity to lead and excel as an experienced Finance Manager! Join our team of dedicated and hard-working finance staff. 

The City of Los Altos is looking for a team leader ready to join the Finance Department and assist the Finance Director with leading one of the City’s most important departments. You will be on the front lines of audits, while managing the day-to-day operations of a small staff, which will mean that there may be new and unique tasks every day. The City will offer flexible hours and a flexible work schedule, including 9/80s, 4/10s, and telework options, to individuals ready for this unique challenge.
 
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Finance Department has two finance manager positions: one focused on operations and the other on compliance. As a Finance Manager, you will be responsible for a range of professional accounting and auditing duties, including the preparation, maintenance, verification, and reconciliation of financial records. The operations-focused manager will oversee purchase orders and accounts payable, while the compliance-focused manager will handle reconciliations, accounting, and managing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Both managers will contribute to the maintenance, analysis, development, and implementation of accounting, procurement, payroll, auditing, and related financial procedures and systems. Additionally, they may provide direction and training to technical and clerical accounting staff as part of a collaborative team.

ABOUT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Finance Department is the backbone of the city. The department provides fiscal information to all City departments and manages the development and analysis of the budget. It also prepares year-end financial statements, annual audits, accounts payable, revenue collection and other day-to-day financial transactions. The Department also oversees the investment of City funds and provides the strategic planning necessary to preserve the City's superior credit rating and safeguard City assets.

ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT
Applications will be reviewed after the posting closes on March 24th, 2025 at 5:00PM. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the process will be provided a video interview. This applicant pool may be used to fill vacant positions on an as-needed basis.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Operations Manager:

• Oversee the preparation and administration of the City's operating budget, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement internal financial controls to safeguard City assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development, analysis, and monitoring of the City's annual budget, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and fiscal policies.
• Review and approve journal entries, financial adjustments, and interest allocation.
• Supervise and provide guidance to Finance Department staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Finance Director and department heads to streamline financial operations and enhance reporting accuracy.
• Develop and conduct training programs on financial compliance, internal controls, budgeting, and reporting requirements for finance staff and other departments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Compliance Manager:

• Prepare and analyst financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and regulatory filings (e.g., State controller's Office reports, Street Reports)
• Keep updated with GASB updates and ensure proper application to financial reporting.
• Coordinate financial audits, working closely with external auditors and ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Manage bank reconciliations, payroll reconciliations, and General Ledger reconciliations.
• Review and manage capital assets and CIP, including capitalization, depreciation, asset disposals, and acquisition procedures, ensuring compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Work with CIP manager to ensure capital improvement projects are properly recorded and budgeted.
• Conduct training and provide mentorship to finance staff to improve compliance and reporting best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the development and administration of financial and budget programs, including three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience.
• Public sector auditing experience highly desirable.

EDUCATION:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration or a related field.
• Master’s degree in business or public administration is desirable.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

•  CPA certification highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

 

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Salary : $169,479 - $206,003