Finance Manager - Accounting

The City of Menlo Park is recruiting for the exciting and challenging position of Finance Manager. As a member of theAdministrative Services team, the incumbent will plan, organize, manage, and oversee the City’s general accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, financial close, and related accounting operations. This position will oversee accounting systems and financial data integrity and direct the preparation of financial statements and fiscal reports, ensuring adherence to applicable governmental accounting principles, professional standards, and financial reporting requirements.

The Finance Manager is responsible forcoordinatingthe City’s annual financial statement preparation and external audit activitiesand providingcomplex financial analysis and recommendations to management. This position works collaboratively with City departments and staff, including payroll and accounts payable, to support the reliability and integrity of the City’s financial standing.

Examples of essential job functions:

• Plans, organizes, manages, and oversees the City’s general accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, financial close, and related accounting operations.
• Oversees accounting systems and financial data integrity and ensures the timely and accurate completion of accounting activities and financial reporting requirements.
• Directs the preparation of, and participates in developing, financial statements and fiscal reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, as well as the City’s annual financial reporting documents.
• Coordinates the City’s annual financial statement preparation and external audit activities and ensures adherence to applicable governmental accounting principles, financial reporting requirements, and professional standards.
• Evaluates accounting processes and internal controls and implements improvements as needed.
• Provides complex financial analysis and recommendations to management and prepares clear, comprehensive, and concise accounting, financial, and statistical reports.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff and provides or coordinates staff training.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls.

Requires knowledge of:

• Governmental accounting, fund accounting, and municipal financial reporting.
• GAAP and GASB standards applicable to municipal governments.
• General ledger, reconciliation, year-end closing, and financial statement preparation.
• Internal controls, auditing, and financial compliance.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of financial services programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.

As part of the Administrative Services Department, we believe that it is our people and the power of teamwork that enable us to succeed. We believe that how we get our work done is as important as getting the job done. Our values guide how we behave as a team each day, acting with:

• Humility – Sharing credit and defining success collectively rather than individually, jumping in to help where we are needed, and putting the needs of the team ahead of our own self-interest.
• Emotional Intelligence – Understanding the impact that our words and actions have on one another, knowing when to listen and when to share our perspective, and striving to include everyone by respecting, listening to, helping, and appreciating one another.
• Passion – Showing initiative and enthusiasm in our work, delivering outstanding, data-based results, and having a can-do, find-a-way attitude.
• Integrity – Doing what we say we are going to do, communicating clearly and openly, and holding ourselves accountable for the work we do in our respective roles.

The City offers hybrid and flexible schedule options. This positionis eligible for a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off) and working from home 1-2 days per week.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a highly skilled governmental accounting professional who pairs deep technical expertise with practical management skill. They bring extensive experience in general ledger maintenance, account reconciliation, financial forecast, and public-sector financial reporting, along with a strong command of GAAP, GASB standards, internal controls, and audit requirements. Municipal or public agency experience is highly desirable.

They lead by example, setting clear expectations, training staff in sound procedures, and overseeing accounting operations to ensure the timely and accurate completion of the close, financial statements, and the annual audit. Analytical and detail-oriented, they are skilled at resolving complex accounting issues and identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls.

The ideal candidate communicates complex financial information clearly through comprehensive and concise reports and well-reasoned recommendations that hold up to scrutiny from auditors, legal counsel, and the public. A collaborative partner, they establish effective working relationships with City departments, help colleagues meet their goals within policy, and bring tact and composure to sensitive situations. Above all, they are committed to the reliability and integrity of the City's financial standing and the responsible stewardship of public funds.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliation, governmental fund accounting, and preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards. This must include two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. Public agency experience is highly desirable.
• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate is highly desirable.