Definition
Under general direction, performs responsible management, administrative and technical
duties; oversees/manages the General Ledger and all subsidiary ledgers; supervises various
work units of the Finance department on a day-to-day basis as assigned by department head, (such
as business license, payroll, or budget); functions as department head in the absence of the
department head; and does related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from all other professional accountant classes by
its management and supervisory responsibilities, and by the expectation that an incumbent
in this classification has a highly developed analytical capability to review the
general ledger and other accounting records at both a high level and by researching the details.
Incumbents at this classification would be able to fill in for the Department Head as needed.
Ability to review and improve internal controls, set workplans for subordinates, and monitor
progress.
Typical and Important Duties
1. Assists in the development and implementation of departmental policies, goals, and
objectives.
2. Plans, directs, reviews and coordinates work performed by departmental work units,
as assigned, including, at a minimum, general ledger/accounting, payroll, business
license, mail delivery, records retention, purchasing, treasury, and may also include
budget.
3. Coordinates and oversees information systems activities performed by contract staff.
4. Participates in the performance of professional duties in connection with
accounting operations, including r e v i e w i n g a n d im proving internal
controls, p r o c e d u r e s , maintenance and year-end closing of the general ledger;
audits; and preparation of the annual financial report.
5. Prepares revenue projections and assists in the budget process;
participates in budget review meetings, development of applicable rate information,
provides technical support to departments, and ensures that proposed changes to the budget are
entered into the computerized budget system.
6. Reviews and approves all purchase orders, ensuring conformance with
applicable policies and procedures.
7. Supervises staff assigned, including scheduling, assigning, prioritizing, and
reviewing work; training and evaluating staff; approving time off; and developing effective
recommendations on all employee actions.
8. Develops record maintenance systems, procedures, and training necessary for maintaining
effective liaison with other City departments.
9. Serves as department head in the absence of the director, including attending and
participating in City Council and department head meetings.
10. Serves on City and inter-agency committees
11. Plans, organizes, evaluates, trains, directs or performs, if required, the work of accountants
in the various systems.
12. Analyzes existing accounting procedures and prepares recommendations for their
revision when necessary.
13. Ensures accuracy and timely submittal of special accounting records for City, State and
Federal grant programs; prepares related reports and reimbursement claims.
14. Ensures the maintenance of City’s bank account records and related documents.
15. Ensures proper maintenance of the City’s fixed asset system.
16. Oversees the development and installation of accounting and fiscal procedures
and internal controls and methods, monitors and evaluates those procedures and methods,
and recommends changes when needed.
17. Assures completion of work in a timely and accurate manner.
18. Assigns and reviews work of staff.
19. Manages the annual independent financial audit and special audits by other governmental
agencies, and takes a lead role in overseeing the work of other finance staff in meeting audit and year-end financial reporting deadlines.
20. Manages the implementation of audit findings with operating departments, including
collaboratively developing improved financial procedures.
21. Manages the work of professional accounting staff.
22. Prepares or assists in preparation of performance evaluations of assigned staff.
23. Manages operations with other divisions or City departments.
24. Attend meetings and make presentations to management and City Council.
25. Prepare staff reports that communicate financial results in a manner that can be understood by
laypersons.
26. Perform other duties as assigned.
Job-related Qualifications
Knowledge of:
• Generally accepted accounting principles, fund accounting as related to governmental
accounting.
• Cost accounting principles.
• Ability to grasp the big picture financially from looking at financial data and able to
explain that financial information to a non-accountant clearly, either verbally or in writing.
• Ability to analyze financial information for trends, deviations, problems, and recommend a
course of action to correct.
• General applications of information technology systems to accounting and analysis.
• Concepts and techniques of costing services and/or products.
• Principles, methods and practices of municipal finance.
• Budgeting, purchasing and fiscal record keeping.
• Principles of management, supervision, training, and employee development.
• Principles and practices of public administration and human resources as applied to
function, including basic employee-relations concepts.
• Principles of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting.
• Applicable laws and regulations.
• Computer systems and their applications to fiscal analysis and record keeping.
Ability to:
• Acquire a thorough knowledge of applicable City policies and department procedures.
• Analyze and/or prepare complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Develop and implement accounting procedures and systems.
• Effectively supervise assigned personnel.
• Interpret and accurately apply rules and regulations regarding accounting, purchasing and
auditing practices.
• Evaluate internal controls and modify procedures if needed.
• Prepare clear and effective financial, statistical, and narrative reports, correspondence,
informational materials, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand, and
convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions.
• Represent the City, the department, or the organizational unit effectively in
contacts with representatives of other agencies, City departments, and the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of
the work.
• Take a proactive approach to customer services issues.
• Make process improvement changes to streamline procedures.
• Work in a safe manner modeling correct City safety practices and procedures; coach others and
enforce adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Skill in:
• Operating a personal computer and associated applications.
• Word processing and database management at a speed and accuracy sufficient to perform assigned
work.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and
abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would
be:
Experience: Four years of progressively more responsible professional experience in municipal
finance, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
Training: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major
coursework in accounting, business administration, or a related field. A CPA certificate is
preferred.
Licenses and Certificates
All licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid appropriate California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Physical Skills: Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk,
kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated or
standing position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a
computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and to make
public presentations; lift and carry 35 pound boxes, files, and materials.
Work Environment: Mobility to work in a typical office and/or field setting.
Ability to: Travel to different sites and locations; drive safely to different sites and locations;
maintain a safe driving record; work protracted and irregular hours and evening meetings
or off-shift work for meeting attendance or participation in specific projects or programs; available for evening meetings.