Finance Director

About the Organization
Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.

DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.

Please note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in CalPERS retirement system.

EOE Statement
***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.


We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt

Hourly/Salary Range
$144,277.23 - $180,182.49

Close Date
10/2/2026

Description

Click here for Recruitment Brochure

DEFINITION: Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Finance Department, including accounting, purchasing, billing; directs and administers the fiscal operations and activities of the District, which include budgeting, investments, financial projections/forecasting, financial transaction processing, record keeping and reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among District departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the General Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives administrative direction of the General Manager. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS : This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Finance Department, including short- and long-term planning, development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the General Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering District goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Finance Department programs, services, and activities, including finance, accounting, purchasing, billing and customer service activities.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within District policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and District needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Coordinates and directs the development and administration of the District's annual budget; works with executives and management to provide technical expertise on budget related matters and to ensure that the budget is completed in a timely manner; provides for financial forecasting and planning; tracks the adopted budget and prepares periodic budget reviews for submission to District departments.
• Oversees preparation of the Annual Financial Report and the annual financial audit.
• Oversees management of the District's investment portfolio; ensures that investments meet the District's policy guidelines and that adequate cash is available to meet obligations; prepares periodic reports regarding investments to the Board of Directors and General Manager.
• Monitors legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine District needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Represents the department to other District departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Directors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of finance.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the General Manager.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the Finance Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, District-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, reconciliation; municipal taxation and revenue management.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a special district setting.
• Investment principles and practices.
• Debt management principles and practices.
• Functions, authority and responsibilities of an elected Board.
• Funding sources for special district government services.
• Public agency contract administration principles.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Finance Department.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Effectively represent the District and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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:

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, economics, business or public administration, or a related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible government finance experience, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 10 pounds or heavier weights of up to 50 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

This position is currently accepting applications.