Accounting & Budget Manager

Under general direction, manages the day-to-day general accounting functions of the Finance Division (general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and fixed assets), auditing, and analysis of accounting systems; financial reporting; prepares and manages special projects as required; and supervises accounting personnel. The position involves a wide variety of professional administrative, analytical and technical duties, including financial review and budgetary analysis; participation in the preparation and implementation of financial goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; and performs other duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate knows and understands Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and auditing principles, governmental accounting standards and have strong communication and computer application skills. The individual will have experience in a wide variety of accounting functions including payroll, general ledger, accounts payable and purchasing. The ideal applicant will be knowledgeable in the preparation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, State and Federal reporting requirements and grant financial management. The ideal candidate will have sound time management skills in order to meet deadlines while maintaining excellent customer service.  The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work with wide variety of people (both internal and external customers), build and maintain productive working relationships and be a positive contributor to the team oriented office.
    DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  This is an advanced financial management position that requires a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, state financial reporting requirements, and performs the full range of professional accounting and budgeting work in the City. The incumbent is expected to have a thorough knowledge of accounting systems/procedures, supervision, and the ability to exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures. Successful performance of the work requires a high degree of professional independence and financial judgment. The incumbent receives direction from the Director on administrative policy and major projects.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The following duties are typical of this classification and are intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed, the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s), and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification, or is similar or closely related to another duty statement to address business needs and changing business practices.   Plans and organizes the day-to-day activities of the general accounting functions; directs the maintenance of records and preparation of periodic financial reports; develops and implements financial goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, to include the research, development, recommendation, and implementation of accounting procedures; analyzes and develops changes in policies and procedures for greater efficiency and internal control; supervises, selects, trains, and evaluates accounting clerical and technical employees; assists in the preparation of the comprehensive annual financial report pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and prepares any Federal or State reports; coordinates internal/external audits, including assisting independent auditors with year-end reviews; prepares, monitors, and controls the Finance Division budget and assists in the preparation of  the citywide budget; may make presentations before elected bodies and community groups; and makes every reasonable effort to continually improve the manner in which the job is performed and increase the quality of service to the outside departments; and performs other duties as assigned .  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in accounting. A Master's Degree in Business Administration or a related field, or CPA is highly desirable.

Experience:
Four years of responsible professional experience in accounting, preferably in a local government or public accounting setting. Two years supervisory experience.

OR any combination of education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the above minimum requirements.

Knowledge of:
General accounting and auditing principles; governmental accounting and budgeting; ordinances, resolutions and laws affecting municipal financial operations; financial analysis and research procedures; principles and practices of effective administration, budget, accounting, information technology, management, supervision, evaluation and training; teamwork and developing consensus; word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, and accounting applications; principles and practices of exemplary customer service.

Ability to:
Supervise and perform accounting and financial record keeping to meet quality standards and rigid deadlines; collaborate with a variety of diverse interest groups in reaching a consensus for the betterment of the community; prepare clear, concise reports; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; select, train, evaluate, attend work, as scheduled, on a regular basis, to effectively perform the position's required duties and responsibilities; and effectively supervise subordinate staff; provide exemplary customer service; take a proactive approach to problem solving; learn the organization, procedures, and operating details of the City department to which assigned; establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community, practice and exemplify the City of Santa Maria's Mission Statement.

License:
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and be insurable to operate City vehicles.