Salary: $78,448.20 - $97,738.14 (DOE/DOQ, salary under review) + Excellent Benefits
The City of Willits is on U.S. Highway 101, approximately 140 miles north of San Francisco adjacent to the beautiful Eel River watershed. Willits embraces its identity as a historic, yet eclectic community of individualists. With almost 5,000 people in city limits and an additional 10,000 in the surrounding trade area, it is the home of popular attractions such as Seabiscuit’s home, the famous Skunk Train and Frontier Days Rodeo, the longest continuous running rodeo in the state of California. Still home to two thriving lumber mills, a new state-of-the-art hospital, countless businesses that reflect the unique spirit of the community, and more artists and musicians per capita than most cities, Willits is proud to be known as the Heart of Mendocino County and the Gateway to the Redwoods. With a median home price of less than $300,000, Willits remains an affordable, livable, walkable community.
Mendocino County offers an array of hiking and camping opportunities within breathtaking ancient redwood groves, including Montgomery Woods and the Jackson Demonstration State forest, all within about 15-25 miles from Willits. After the winter rains and before the summer doldrums, the Eel River offers great kayaking and rafting opportunities for skilled outdoor enthusiasts. A popular run from Dos Rios (35 minutes north of Willits) to Alder Point covers 12 miles of river and includes Class II and III rapids. A short drive down Highway 20 brings you to the rugged Mendocino Coastline and the cities of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, with surfing, fishing and other ocean sport opportunities.
Willits is currently a City in transition, as Highway 101 no longer passes through Main Street, and heavy industry and lumber mills are giving way to new twenty-first century economies. Well-positioned for economic growth, Willits is seeking a talented Finance Director/City Treasurer to manage all of the City’s fiscal activities, under the direction of the City Manager.
The Finance Director/City Treasurer position is an executive management position overseeing the Finance Department, responsible for budgeting, financial planning, accounting operations, and financial reporting. The various funds being managed include the general fund, special revenue funds, debt services funds, capital improvement funds, enterprise funds, and trust/agency funds. The Finance Director/City Treasurer is also responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of the City’s water and wastewater utilities. Daily activities of the department include oversight of utility billing; accounts receivable; accounts payable; payroll; general ledger; cash management; and account analysis, and budgetary and accounting control.
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or other closely related field; and five or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government finance. The successful candidate will have strong finance skills, be an effective leader, and possess a positive attitude. The City Manager will depend upon the Finance Director/City Treasurer to participate in City Council meetings when required; actively guide staff through the budgeting and funds management process; demonstrate a commitment to the community; and to be progressive-minded and a team player.
The City of Willits offers a 9/80 work schedule, a comprehensive benefits package including enrollment in the CalPERS retirement system with 2.7%@55 for Classic employees; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; eleven (11) paid holidays; three (3) floating holidays; and nine (9) management leave days. Work culture is casual and friendly, but with pride in excellence and commitment to the community.
Applications for this position will be accepted on a continuous basis, with initial review on August 10th. For additional information or to obtain application materials, please contact Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Analyst, at (707) 459-7176 or [email protected].
A complete application packet must include a completed City of Willits job application; a résumé inclusive of at least three (3) professional references; and a cover letter detailing experience, qualifications, and why you believe you are the best candidate for the position. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a comprehensive background investigation. The City of Willits is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.