Assistant Finance Director

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Downey is seeking motivated professional seeking to develop a career enhancing experience base as our next Assistant Finance Director. The next Assistant Finance Director will be an effective communicator and creative problem solver with critical thinking skills and sound judgment. The ideal candidate will serve as a critical partner with the Director of Finance in all internal fiscal matters but must also keep a close relationship with the City Management, as well as a pulse of other agency partners and service providers.

In addition to pay, the City offers competitive benefits including 100% City paid medical insurance coverage up to the CalPERS Kaiser Plan (2024 rates) valued from $866/single to $2,250 per month, a generous tuition reimbursement program, and a "9/80" work schedule.

Note: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. The first review date of submitted applications will be Friday, October 6, 2023. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

Under general direction from the Director of Finance, supervises and manages the Finance Department's day-to-day operations; assists in developing and implementing financial planning, investment, budget preparation and budgeting procedures; evaluates, develops and implements accounting systems and procedures; and provides direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical personnel as assigned.

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2024, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase. Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2025 .

This position is FLSA exempt, non-represented, and serves in an "at will" capacity. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, Confidential/Exempt.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist/manages in the financial activities of the City including budget planning and financial policy determination, cost allocation and user fee studies, economic forecasting, financial reporting and audit compliance, the development and implementation of goals, accounting, payroll, and revenue; supervise a staff of clerical, technical and professional accounting personnel involved in payroll, accounts receivable and payable, general ledger posting and related work
• Supervise and participate in the preparation of accounting and financial reports including the ACFR
• Assist outside auditors including reviewing the work prepared by auditors; supervise and participate in month-end and year-end closing
• Assist/manages the City's cash management and investment program as directed by the Finance Director
• Assist/manages the preparation of the City's annual operating and capital improvements budgets
• Supervise the collection of business license taxes, transient occupancy taxes and the billing and collection of water utility accounts, and accounts receivable
• Review and recommend improvements to accounting, budgeting and reporting procedures
• Implement new procedures
• Respond to requests for information and advises City departments, governmental agencies and the public of City finance and accounting policies
• Analyze the financial information needs of City departments and develop financial systems to fulfill those needs
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current systems and procedures
• Assist in the oversight of IT functions
• Coordinate financial record keeping and reporting activities with the IT staff
• Develop systems, procedures, policies and programs to reduce risk exposure
• Review/explains financial reports with departmental personnel for their information and clarification
• Identify/prepares training opportunities for assigned staff
• Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of training materials, training presentation for City staff
• May provide presentations for the City Council and other appointed bodies
• Select, supervise, train and evaluates subordinate personnel
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Business Administration, or Public Administration. Recent experience in municipal accounting highly desired. CPA designation preferred.

Experience: Five (5) full-time years of progressively responsible and professional work experience in municipal and or public accounting and financial work including at least two years of direct supervisory experience over professional and technical staff.

Knowledge of: Principles and methods of accounting and auditing; principles and practices of financial administration including budgeting and reporting; modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment; laws regulating public finance; budget preparation, program analysis and revenue forecasting; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; complex financial reports and analysis; data processing systems and practices; principles and practices of risk management.

Ability to: Analyze, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; develop, revise and install accounting systems and procedures; prepare varied financial statements, reports and analyses; supervise, train and evaluate professional, technical and clerical personnel.

License: A valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office equipment including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer.

An incumbent must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to lift files and reports from counter tops or file drawers and withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from a computer.

Selection/Testing Process: All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. 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" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the employment application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.

Those applicants who most closely match the qualifications will be invited to participate in the testing/selection process which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority. An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a Livescan fingerprint check. A pre-placement medical exam, including drug screen will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.Closing Date/Time: