What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at City of Paramount?
The City was incorporated in 1957. The history of Paramount has in many ways followed a path typical of its Southeast Los Angeles County neighbors. Agricultural beginnings early in the 20th century followed by relatively uncontrolled growth and an overbuilt environment. By the 1970s, much of Paramount had degenerated into blight. Rather than sink under the weight of its problems, Paramount chose a proactive course to meet them head on. Through the dedicated efforts of government officials, residents, the faith-based community, law enforcement, and businesses, the City made incredible strides in renewal.
Paramount has a distinctive look due to continual investment in its infrastructure and a long-time emphasis on code enforcement and assistance programs that have helped residents and businesses upgrade and maintain their properties. The municipal government is a stable, innovative, and financially conservative organization, with an emphasis on maintaining the quality of life for residents, all of which have established a town that people are proud to call home.
The City is operated by six departments: Administrative Services, Planning, Public Safety, Public Works, Community Services, and Finance. The City’s FY 2024-25 Adopted Operating Budget is $79 million ($45 million General Fund), plus an additional $55 million in CIPs.
The City of Paramount, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Human Resources Division at least three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled examination/interview date.
- Assume full responsibility for managing all activities and services of the Finance Department.
- Direct personnel and resources, providing strategic financial guidance to the City Manager, City Council, and department heads.
- Developing, administering and evaluating projects and procedures to meet best practices, organizational needs, and efficiency.
- Directing the preparation and administration of the City's Annual Budget.
- Oversees financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable / receivable, and internal control while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Manage revenue forecasting and enhancements and updating long-term financial plans.
- Administers the City's investment portfolio and cash management.
- Develops and manages the City's capital financing strategies, including bond issuances, lease financing, and other debt instruments to fund infrastructure projects.
- Ensures efficient procurement practices.
- Direct and approve various personnel actions, including selection, promotion, performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Selection and Implementation of new ERP system
- Pension Obligation Bond Issuance
- New Centralized Purchasing System
- 5-year Water Rate Adjustment
WORK AND EXPERIENCE
Experience:
Five (5) years of public sector managerial experience, including responsibility for developing, directing and supervising the staff and activities of a major program or operation focused on municipal finance or a related area. Experience in multiple program areas is desirable.
Training:
Bachelor's degree with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field is required. A master’s degree in a similar field is highly desirable.
License or Certificate:
Valid Class C California Driver License and acceptable driving record.
Knowledge of:
- Working in a team environment at a Managerial or Executive level.
- Delivering financial presentations and guidance to fellow executives and the City Council.
- Advanced principles, practices, procedures and techniques of public administration, including those related to government accounting, budgeting, project management, human resources management and customer service.
- Principles, methods and requirements specific to finance-related program areas in a municipal organization.
- Laws, regulations, standards and requirements applicable to local and state standards, requirements and resources related to financial programs and functions.
- Policies, objectives, operations and organizational structures common to City governments, including those using a contract cities model.
- Advanced principles and practices of employee supervision and training, including effective staff selection, motivation, direction, mentoring and performance evaluation.
- Methods for organizing, developing, implementing and directing departmental programs, projects, functions, services, goals, objectives, systems and activities.
- Terminology, concepts, methods, and procedures associated with the management of assigned departments and programs.
- Public speaking and public relations techniques.
Skill to:
- Effectively utilize modern office equipment, including personal computers and standard business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Safely operate one or more types of vehicles as required by assignments.
Ability to:
- Direct the development and implementation of financial programs, projects, functions, services, goals, objectives, systems and work plans; plan, organize, control and direct all assigned departmental activities and operations; provide direction to managers and staff on systems development, budget and policy issues coordinate and direct personnel, resources, fiscal activities and communications to meet City needs and ensure smooth and efficient activities.
- Provide consultation and technical expertise concerning Finance Department operations and activities; interpret, apply and explain applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Monitor, analyze and recommend modifications to policies, procedures and programs to enhance the City’s financial effectiveness, operational efficiency and capacity to meet public needs.
- Plan, direct and supervise the work of subordinate managers and supervisors, as well as professional, technical and clerical staff.
- Represent the City at various meetings and events.
- Direct and participate in the development of assigned budgets.
- Direct the investigation of, and ensure the proper and timely resolution of, issues and disputes related to areas of assignment.
- Obtain accurate information through interviews and observation.
- Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations.
- Research complex information from various sources and prepare comprehensive statistical and narrative reports.
- Direct the preparation and maintenance of records and files related to assigned activities.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting and requires: the use of standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; the ability to perform work that is primarily sedentary, although standing in and walking between work areas may be required; finger dexterity to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Work is primarily performed with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; may require interacting with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental and City policies and procedures.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
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. 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.
Salary : $156,970 - $190,798