What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Finance Director position at City of Salinas?
The City of Salinas is accepting applications for Assistant Finance Director. Successful candidates will have management and supervisory experience necessary to coordinate activities of the department and supervise the activities of professional, administrative, and technical personnel. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, collaborative, team player with exceptional relationship-building skills who promotes open communication, inclusiveness, and teamwork within the Department and the City. Click here for a brochure.
An Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree and a premium of 2.5% for division head pay. Click here for a complete list of benefits.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of the required education at the time of application or submit to the agency contact by the filing date. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received by the closing date.
Summary of Duties: Under direction of the Director of Finance, this position manages the various functional areas of the Finance Department, including accounting and financial reporting, annual budgets, purchasing, billing/accounts payable, accounts receivable/revenue collection, payroll, treasury, investments, debt management, and assessment districts. Plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day activities of the department. Performs a variety of advanced and specialized accounting duties within the City’s financial systems. Develops budgets, prepares financial reports, manages investment portfolio, and maintains various funds. Provides assistance to the Director on highly complex work. Acts as Director of Finance in his/her absence.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is an assistant department director classification that oversees and directs staff and directs the day-to-day activities in the Finance Department. The incumbent assists in short- and long-term planning, development and administration of financial/accounting policies and procedures, and provision of services. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background, as well as skills in personnel management and coordination of departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies.
This class is distinguished from the Director of Finance in that the latter is a department head with responsibility for overall policy development, program planning, fiscal management, and overall management of the department.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general direction from the Director of Finance; exercises supervision over professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
- Manages the activities of the Department, including purchasing, billing/accounts payable, accounts receivable/revenue collection, business licensing, payroll, deferred compensation, treasury, investments, administration of assessment and maintenance districts, and fixed asset record-keeping
- Supervises the City’s accounting system, including general ledger, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting
- Reviews ledger balances and prepares adjusting entries as necessary
- Audits payroll changes against salary schedule, payroll, timesheets, and provisions of memoranda of understanding
- Reviews and recommends changes in internal control policies and procedures
- Performs internal audits of City departments; ensures compliance with established internal control policies and procedures
- Coordinates annual audits of financial records with external auditors; administers and assists in the preparation of the financial statements; provides balances and notes for financial statement clarification; ensures all financial statements are in full compliance with regulating agencies
- Oversees the development, preparation, and submission of the annual State Controller’s Financial Transactions Report, Gas Tax Report, Employee Compensation Report, and other annual assessment reports
- Participates in the development of the City’s annual operating budget; collaborates with City departments and participates in the development of the six-year capital improvement project budget
- Monitors the City’s budget; analyzes the budgets of City departments and projects; prepares financial reports; and assists with expenditure control
- Participates in the preparation of financial forecasts
- Gathers, compiles, and prepares data and financial information for specific projects; coordinates, monitors, and manages the completion of projects across the City
- Performs treasury management activities, including short-term cash flow projection and investment of surplus funds
- Coordinates responses and/or responds to public requests for financial information
- Supervises assigned Department staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures
- Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department
- Assists in developing Department goals and objectives; reviews and updates Department policies and procedures
- May act on behalf of the Finance Director in their absence
- Performs other duties as assigned
Typical Decisions: The incumbent will prioritize work and utilize analytical skills for analysis and review of departmental revenues, expenditures, and procedures. The incumbent will make consistent managerial, supervisory, coordination, and project management decisions. Most decisions are made independently and with little to no supervision.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of municipal finance including governmental fund accounting, budget, auditing, and applicable computer reporting systems.
- Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
- Pertinent local, State, and Federal rules, regulations, and laws, including the California Public Records Act.
- Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
- Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Skill in:
- Managing and directing operational activities of the Finance Department.
- Examining and verifying financial documents and reports
- Preparing and administering complex budgets and financial statements, reports, correspondence, and analyses
- Interpreting and explaining department policies and procedures.
- Utilizing accounting software and standard office software including spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail.
- Supervising, training, and evaluating assigned personnel.
- Leading a team and managing budgets with limited supervision.
- Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
- Gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
- Public speaking and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: Five years of recent professional accounting, budgeting, and/or financial experience in a government agency, including two years of recent supervisory experience which has included the selection, evaluation, and discipline of assigned staff.
Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver’s License.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, 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 weighing up to twenty-five pounds.
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may interact with disgruntled staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or patricia.penaloza@ci.salinas.ca.us
Salary : $10,450 - $13,339
