Finance Director

Job Description

Job Description

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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.