Description
Under general administrative direction, the Financial Controller plans, directs, and oversees the activities and operations of the Finance Division, including the District’s operating budget, capital improvement program, accounting, revenue collection, and payroll; coordinates assigned activities with other District divisions and departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Chief Administrative Officer; and serves as a member of the District’s Senior Leadership Team.
The Financial Controller performs work that is of high complexity and often requires intense and exacting mental attention and ability to reason through and solve complex problems. The incumbent has full management responsibility for all Finance Division services and activities including financial affairs, internal controls, and financial systems. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Finance Manager in that the latter has management authority for overseeing the day-to-day accounting, revenue, and budget-related operations of the Finance Division. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, and fiscal management.
Duties and Responsibilities
Note: The following duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of a specific statement on duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed. Employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level as required.
• Prepares budgets, makes forecasts of projected revenues and expenditures, approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments, reports quarterly to Chief Administrative Officer on budgetary status.
• Directs all financial reporting and comprehensive annual financial statement (CAFR) preparation and presentation. Serves as management liaison to independent auditors. Performs all legal and functional duties of the District Treasurer, including cash flow analysis and investment policy development and implementation.
• Performs strategic financial analysis for debt management. Manages all phases of debt financing, including bond sizing, debt structure and official statement preparations; coordinates legal and disclosure compliance review processes.
• Provides staff assistance and consultation to the Chief Administrative Officer and technical direction and guidance to Finance staff on financial matters, fiscal policy, and best practices.
• Reviews and prepares staff reports regarding fiscal impact of recommended Board actions. Assumes full management responsibility for all Finance Division services and activities including financial planning, cash management, debt management, revenue administration and collection, purchasing, accounts payable, grant administration, and payroll; ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws related to payroll, banking, debt covenants, investing, financial reporting.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Establishes, within CSD policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, internal controls and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate level staff, the Finance Division’s work plans; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the division budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Provides technical direction and guidance to Finance staff on financial matters; advises staff on sound fiscal policy, best practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Oversees the procurement function, ensuring compliance with ordinances and policies. Additionally, administers the fiscal service provider contracts.
• Coordinates grants reporting, management and compliance processes.
• Directs financial reporting and annual financial statement preparation and presentation. Serve as management’s liaison with auditors.
• Determines analytical techniques and information gathering processes and obtains required information and data for analysis; analyzes alternatives and makes recommendations for CFD districts, annexation studies, and others.
• Performs strategic financial analysis for debt management. Manages all phases of debt financing including bond sizing, debt structure, official statement preparation, development, and review of legal compliance.
• Secure the CSD’s cash and other assets through banking, investing, reporting and auditing measures.
• Provides staff assistance to the Chief Administrative Officer; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the Finance Division to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Participates and/or leads a variety of committees.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the financial field; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.
FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
• Understands, interprets, and applies accounting and auditing principles
• Designs and implements financial systems and methods
• Reads, analyzes prepares and monitors budgets, fiscal and accounting data, financial statements and other complex and sensitive data
• Conducts research and feasibility studies
• Performs financial and organizational analysis involving statistics and service delivery systems
• Prepares and presents a variety of reports and studies
• Interprets and applies appropriate policies and procedures
• Provides training and advice
• Organizes and coordinating work to meet deadlines
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Uses good judgment and decision making
• Establishes and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted during work
• Develops, implementing, interpreting and applying policies, standards, and procedures
• Analyzes complex issues, identifying alternative solutions, quantifying impacts of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of District objectives
• Uses computer software for the successful and efficient completion of assigned responsibilities
• Uses tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines
• Coordinates activities with other District departments and agencies as required
• Maintains mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities
LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES/PRACTICES
• Oversees the preparation and administration of bid packages and contracts for development and revitalization projects; coordinates work with other public agencies;
• Reviews proposed and new legislation and determines impact to Division activities; keeps informed of changing laws, rules, regulations as related to the Division; ensures compliance with all Federal, State, and local rules and regulations and ensures compliance with applicable codes, design and construction standards.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT
• Supervises personnel including training, assigning and reviewing work, planning, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, recruiting and recommending or approving the hire of new employees, or promotions/salary increases; enacting discipline when appropriate.
• Conducts performance evaluations of assigned personnel at periodic intervals.
• Ensures that all personnel are informed of CSD and Department policies and works through subordinate management chain to ensure adherence to policies.
Qualifications
Education and Training:
• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, economics or public administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in governmental financial management and fund management; three (3) years in a responsible management capacity.
Or
• Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in public accounting or municipal finance, including three years of management and administrative responsibility.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Possession of a master’s degree in finance, business, public administration, or a closely related field and/or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) certification is highly desirable.
Special Requirements:
• Must possess a valid California class “C” driver’s license, with a clean driving record and maintain it throughout employment.
Knowledge of:
• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive finance program. Advanced principles and practices of program development.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development.
• Principles and practices of modern public administration and municipal bond issuance.
• Financing instruments, derivative products, and credit enhancements.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of financial management, governmental accounting, auditing, and cash management.
• Generally Accepted Governmental Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and Yellow Book.
• Principles and practices of cost accounting.
• Principles and practices of internal control and auditing.
• Practices and methods of public agency financing.
• Principles, practices, laws, and regulations governing the investment and management of public funds.
• CSD functions and associated financial management issues.
• Finance and governmental accounting theory, concepts, procedures, and techniques.
• Principles and procedures of cash management.
• Principles, procedures, and techniques of financial analyses.
• Methods and techniques of analysis and investigation.
• Principles and practices of grants administration.
• Principles of financial analysis, research methods and reporting techniques.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Principles and practices of financial record keeping, control, and reporting.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
• Manage and direct a comprehensive Finance Division including financial planning, cash management, debt management, revenue administration and collection, purchasing, accounts payable, grant administration, and payroll programs.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• 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.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ensure adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Evaluate financial data and provide strategic direction on financial programs.
• Develop and implement financial procedures and controls.
• Perform complex accounting and financial analysis.
• Identify and respond to community and Board of Director issues, concerns, and needs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Supplemental Information
THE PROCESS:
Application Review- Applications will be reviewed for possession of minimum qualifications and evaluated according to the essential functions of the job, and other needs of the position. All applicants will be notified as to the status of their application after review of all applications has been completed. Please allow one week for review.
First Oral Panel Interview- The most qualified candidates from the review will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview.
Second Oral Panel Interview– The most qualified candidates from the first oral panel Interview will be invited to participate in the second oral panel interview.
Conditional Offer Procedures- Candidates selected from the process may receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of the following:
- Background Check: A State of California, Department of Justice criminal background check;
- Driving Record: A State of California, DMV driving record printout will be required.
Appointment Procedures-Upon successful completion of the background check, candidates must complete the following before final appointment:
- Medical: A clear physical, drug screening and tuberculosis screen will be required.
- Work Eligibility: The District participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the US.
Probationary Period: A probationary period of one (1) year is the final phase of the selection process.
Benefits For Full-Time Employees:
Full-time employees receive generous medical, dental, life, disability and vision benefits. The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New members in the CalPERS system will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 62. Applicants who meet the CalPERS requirements for a “classic member” will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 55. All employees of the District participate in the Medicare portion of Social Security. Full-time employees receive generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave allowances.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Cosumnes CSD is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetics, covered veteran/military status, marital status or any other status protected by federal or state law.