Job Category
Work Schedule
Full-time
Employer
City of Clearlake
Job Open until Filled
Job Closing Date
Email
Website
Phone
707-994-8201
Fax
707-995-2653
THE COMMUNITY
The City of Clearlake, with a population of approximately 15,250 is located in Lake County, Northern California, on the shore of Clear Lake. Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake located completely in California. Popular for bass fishing, water skiing and boating, Lake County also has a burgeoning wine scene.
THE ORGANIZATION
Rich in history and heritage, Clearlake was incorporated in 1980. The City Council is comprised of five directly elected officials. Clearlake has a Council/City Manager form of government and is a general law city. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney, as well as various commission, board, and committee members. The Mayor's position is rotated annually by selection of the City Council. The City Council is the policy-making body of the City of Clearlake and, in that capacity, approves and adopts ordinances and resolutions and acts on other policy matters to provide community leadership.
The Clearlake Finance Department plans, directs, and coordinates the fiscal activities of the City of Clearlake in accordance with specific objectives established under the law or under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governmental agencies. This includes:
Accounts and loans receivable, administering and collecting transient occupancy, business licenses, and sales taxes
Accounts payable, payroll and benefits, fixed assets, management of the city's financial accounting software, investments, and cash management
Budget, debt administration, cost, and revenue accounting
The department is also responsible for handling the financial and administrative work of the Redevelopment Successor Agency and working with the city's outside CPA firm on the annual audit and annual financial report.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction, the Finance Director would: plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Finance Department including accounting, collections, billing, data processing, purchasing; coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and provide responsible administrative support to the City Manager and City Council.
Essential duties include the following:
Assumes management responsibility for all Finance Department services and activities including the areas of accounting, collections, data processing, purchasing; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Manages the development and implementation of Finance Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
Plans, directs, and coordinates the Finance Department’s work plan; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the City budgets; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approve expenditures; directs the preparation of and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Coordinates Finance Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Develops and implements accounting and fiscal control systems and procedures; reviews, develops, and modifies accounting methods to improve existing procedures, to ensure conformity to policy and to increase effectiveness; ensures compliance with sound accounting practices and applicable regulations.
Provides financial and budgetary planning assistance to City departments; assists in analyzing accounting and other procedures; recommends improvements in forms and procedures used.
Researches, analyzes, and recommends revenue-generating and cost-reducing proposals for capital and operating programs; prepares long-range financial projections.
Supervises the City’s investment program; participates and assists in determining investment options for City funds; manages the City’s investment portfolio to maximize interest earnings.
Oversees and coordinates business licensing policy and regulations development for new revenue sources, cost recovery systems, legislation analysis and efficiency.
Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Clearlake is seeking a highly experienced, tech-savvy candidate for this position who has the strength of character and depth of knowledge to inspire and lead the Finance Division staff. The Finance Director must have the technical and analytical skills to ensure the City’s continuing financial stability and the management ability to ensure the continued effectiveness of Finance staff.
The City is committed to facilitating workplace arrangements that support a variety of operational, professional, and personal needs. The City is open to discussion of a remote work arrangement that allows the chosen candidate to work at home during a pre-approved length of time on a consistent or occasional basis.
The chosen candidate will exhibit the ability to address issues and challenges, providing citywide leadership tactfully and diplomatically by example in tackling difficult or controversial matters head-on and encouraging open discussion that is respectful of others’ roles, responsibilities, and points of view. Candidates should have governmental accounting experience.
The City recently transitioned to a new enterprise resource planning system, Tyler InCode 10. The ideal candidate will have experience with an ERP system and will have the opportunity to maximize effective use of the new system, including development of updated policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a commitment to developing strong, positive working relationships not only with the City manager but with Finance staff, and entirety of the management team. A candidate who exhibits patience, transparency, and a commitment to teamwork will be valued, as will one who is able to work both collaboratively and assertively. Candidates must exhibit excellent communication and presentation skills, as well as political acumen.
Candidates for this position will be expected to have knowledge operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal finance planning and development program; financial management and public financing techniques; organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; modern and complex principles and practices of fiscal management program development and administration; theory and practices of modern governmental accounting; principles and practices of treasury management; internal audit procedures and practices; data processing systems and practices; advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; and pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Qualified candidates will possess equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration or a related field; five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in governmental accounting, financial planning and administration, including two (2) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Applicants with a Certified Public Accountant certification are preferred.
THE COMPENSATION
The salary range for the incoming Finance Director is $97,627.80 - $118,667.20, dependent upon qualifications. The City also offers an attractive benefits package including:
Sign-On Bonus: A negotiable sign-on bonus for a Certified Public Accountant certification is available.
Relocation Assistance: Relocation reimbursement is available for home-finding trips, home search assistance, up to thirty days of temporary living accommodations, and other expenses.
Medical/Dental/Vision and Life Insurance: The City provides one hundred (100%) of the monthly medical/dental/vision premium for the employee and dependents and a $50,000 life insurance policy for the employee with an option for the employee to purchase an additional policy.
Retirement Contribution: All employees pay 100% of the employee’s share of the Public Employees Retirement System.
Executive Leave Account: 80 hours per year.
Sick Leave: Each employee accrues sick leave at the rate of eight hours per month.
Vacation: Begins at 96 hours per year and increases with years of service.
Holidays: 11 paid holidays.
Disability Plan: City provides a disability indemnity plan through State Disability and offers the option to purchase additional benefits through several providers.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.clearlake.ca.us to apply online.
First Review of Applications will take place on April 20th, 2021.
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the Finance Director. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call City Manager Alan Flora at (707) 994-8201.
The City of Clearlake, with a population of approximately 15,250 is located in Lake County, Northern California, on the shore of Clear Lake. Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake located completely in California. Popular for bass fishing, water skiing and boating, Lake County also has a burgeoning wine scene.
THE ORGANIZATION
Rich in history and heritage, Clearlake was incorporated in 1980. The City Council is comprised of five directly elected officials. Clearlake has a Council/City Manager form of government and is a general law city. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney, as well as various commission, board, and committee members. The Mayor's position is rotated annually by selection of the City Council. The City Council is the policy-making body of the City of Clearlake and, in that capacity, approves and adopts ordinances and resolutions and acts on other policy matters to provide community leadership.
The Clearlake Finance Department plans, directs, and coordinates the fiscal activities of the City of Clearlake in accordance with specific objectives established under the law or under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governmental agencies. This includes:
Accounts and loans receivable, administering and collecting transient occupancy, business licenses, and sales taxes
Accounts payable, payroll and benefits, fixed assets, management of the city's financial accounting software, investments, and cash management
Budget, debt administration, cost, and revenue accounting
The department is also responsible for handling the financial and administrative work of the Redevelopment Successor Agency and working with the city's outside CPA firm on the annual audit and annual financial report.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction, the Finance Director would: plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Finance Department including accounting, collections, billing, data processing, purchasing; coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and provide responsible administrative support to the City Manager and City Council.
Essential duties include the following:
Assumes management responsibility for all Finance Department services and activities including the areas of accounting, collections, data processing, purchasing; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Manages the development and implementation of Finance Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
Plans, directs, and coordinates the Finance Department’s work plan; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the City budgets; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approve expenditures; directs the preparation of and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Coordinates Finance Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Develops and implements accounting and fiscal control systems and procedures; reviews, develops, and modifies accounting methods to improve existing procedures, to ensure conformity to policy and to increase effectiveness; ensures compliance with sound accounting practices and applicable regulations.
Provides financial and budgetary planning assistance to City departments; assists in analyzing accounting and other procedures; recommends improvements in forms and procedures used.
Researches, analyzes, and recommends revenue-generating and cost-reducing proposals for capital and operating programs; prepares long-range financial projections.
Supervises the City’s investment program; participates and assists in determining investment options for City funds; manages the City’s investment portfolio to maximize interest earnings.
Oversees and coordinates business licensing policy and regulations development for new revenue sources, cost recovery systems, legislation analysis and efficiency.
Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Clearlake is seeking a highly experienced, tech-savvy candidate for this position who has the strength of character and depth of knowledge to inspire and lead the Finance Division staff. The Finance Director must have the technical and analytical skills to ensure the City’s continuing financial stability and the management ability to ensure the continued effectiveness of Finance staff.
The City is committed to facilitating workplace arrangements that support a variety of operational, professional, and personal needs. The City is open to discussion of a remote work arrangement that allows the chosen candidate to work at home during a pre-approved length of time on a consistent or occasional basis.
The chosen candidate will exhibit the ability to address issues and challenges, providing citywide leadership tactfully and diplomatically by example in tackling difficult or controversial matters head-on and encouraging open discussion that is respectful of others’ roles, responsibilities, and points of view. Candidates should have governmental accounting experience.
The City recently transitioned to a new enterprise resource planning system, Tyler InCode 10. The ideal candidate will have experience with an ERP system and will have the opportunity to maximize effective use of the new system, including development of updated policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a commitment to developing strong, positive working relationships not only with the City manager but with Finance staff, and entirety of the management team. A candidate who exhibits patience, transparency, and a commitment to teamwork will be valued, as will one who is able to work both collaboratively and assertively. Candidates must exhibit excellent communication and presentation skills, as well as political acumen.
Candidates for this position will be expected to have knowledge operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal finance planning and development program; financial management and public financing techniques; organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; modern and complex principles and practices of fiscal management program development and administration; theory and practices of modern governmental accounting; principles and practices of treasury management; internal audit procedures and practices; data processing systems and practices; advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; and pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Qualified candidates will possess equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration or a related field; five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in governmental accounting, financial planning and administration, including two (2) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Applicants with a Certified Public Accountant certification are preferred.
THE COMPENSATION
The salary range for the incoming Finance Director is $97,627.80 - $118,667.20, dependent upon qualifications. The City also offers an attractive benefits package including:
Sign-On Bonus: A negotiable sign-on bonus for a Certified Public Accountant certification is available.
Relocation Assistance: Relocation reimbursement is available for home-finding trips, home search assistance, up to thirty days of temporary living accommodations, and other expenses.
Medical/Dental/Vision and Life Insurance: The City provides one hundred (100%) of the monthly medical/dental/vision premium for the employee and dependents and a $50,000 life insurance policy for the employee with an option for the employee to purchase an additional policy.
Retirement Contribution: All employees pay 100% of the employee’s share of the Public Employees Retirement System.
Executive Leave Account: 80 hours per year.
Sick Leave: Each employee accrues sick leave at the rate of eight hours per month.
Vacation: Begins at 96 hours per year and increases with years of service.
Holidays: 11 paid holidays.
Disability Plan: City provides a disability indemnity plan through State Disability and offers the option to purchase additional benefits through several providers.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.clearlake.ca.us to apply online.
First Review of Applications will take place on April 20th, 2021.
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the Finance Director. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call City Manager Alan Flora at (707) 994-8201.