FINANCE MANAGER

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates accounting and budgeting operations within the Finance Department including general accounting functions, payroll, accounts payable and the capital improvement program; oversees and coordinates the preparation and maintenance of the annual operating budget; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Finance and Deputy City Manager.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the City’s accounting and budget operations including general accounting functions, payroll, accounts payable and the capital improvement program.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of assigned Division’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Oversees and evaluates current accounting systems and procedures; develops and implements enhancements to current accounting practices.
• Researches and resolves a variety of complex accounting issues and problems identified by subordinate staff.
• Assumes responsibility for the City’s annual operating budget preparation process; sets budget preparation schedule; analyzes expenditures and revenues for budgetary purposes; prepares and presents projected budgets to management staff and the City Manager; prepares presentations for City Council.
• Assists the Director of Finance in overseeing and coordinating the preparation of the City’s 5-year capital improvement program.
• Participates in various financial reporting duties; oversees and coordinates the annual financial statement preparation process; reviews and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for management and Council and presents mid-year and year end review reports to Council.
• Assists in monitoring and maintaining the City’s computerized PeopleS oft accounting and financial reporting system; maintains chart of accounts; performs year-end close; analyzes and creates financial software set-ups; implements corrections and enhancements to the system as necessary.
• Coordinates year-end audits; assigns tasks to staff; reviews work submitted; meets with outside auditors to answer questions and resolve problems.
• Directs the preparation of a variety of financial reports; prepares and presents various financial reports and analyses requested by management and City Council.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Finance and Deputy City Manager; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as the liaison for assigned Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance and accounting.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a municipal finance program particularly in the areas of municipal accounting and budgeting.
• Advanced principles and practices of budgeting and accounting.
• Principles of municipal fund accounting.
• Methods and techniques of revenue forecasting.
• Generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive municipal finance and accounting program.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Analyze financial information and identify potential problems.
• Prepare various financial analyses.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Prepare and present clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Understand and maintain financial software set-ups, troubleshoot problems, and identify possible enhancements.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in accounting and financial work including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates