Deputy Finance Director
City of Riverside, CA
The City of Riverside is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Finance Director to fill one (1) vacancy.
The City is governed by a seven-member City Council / City Manager form of government and is a full-service city providing public safety, utility (electric, water, wastewater and refuse), community services, and much more. With a budget of $1.4 billion and over 2,700 employees, the City provides services to more than 319,000 residents and is an ideal location for those looking to receive a quality education, start a career, become an innovator or entrepreneur, volunteer in the community, build and expand a business, raise a family, or retire.
The Finance Department, composed of 77+ full-time employees, administers the financial and treasury affairs of the City of Riverside and oversees other centralized services such as purchasing, risk management, budget, business tax, payroll, debt and treasury, central stores, and general accounting. The department manages the City’s revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, accounting, budgeting, and debt portfolio. As such, the department provides the City’s departments and residents with dependable and efficient quality services in billing and collection of City services, cash management, and other fiscal functions in accordance with legal and professional standards.
Reporting to the Finance Director, this position plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in the collection, custody, investment, and disbursement of City funds to oversee and ensure accurate and efficient financial operations, financial reporting, and participates in the development and execution of comprehensive financial strategies. It is imperative for the success of the department to collaborate with executive leadership to drive financial sustainability and optimize long-term fiscal outcomes. The Deputy Finance Director will provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to division managers within the Finance Department.
*This position is designated as non-classified and is exempt from the classified service. The Incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager.
Department goals are to:
• Ensure the safety and security of the City’s assets
• Develop sound financial strategies for business decisions
• Provide the financial and accounting resources necessary to support goals and operations of City departments
• Actively support the local business economy
Work Performed:
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Supervise, train, and evaluate office and field personnel; provide technical guidance and/or direction to subordinate staff; and provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to Division Managers within the Finance Department.
Supervise the Finance Department’s day-to-day operations in the accounting, purchasing, treasury, and business tax divisions, providing financial expertise and guidance to division managers; developing and ensuring efficient and effective processes; and ensuring exemplary customer service to City staff and external parties.
Supervise the Finance Department’s budget, debt, and treasury functions focusing on sound financial planning, analysis and decision making, timely and transparent financial reporting, and revenue optimization; provide financial expertise and guidance to division managers; and participate in the evaluation of debt financing strategies and proposals.
Supervise the Finance Department’s risk management division; provide financial expertise and guidance to division manager; develop comprehensive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies; monitor and report on the citywide risk profile; and emphasize cross-departmental collaboration and cohesion with workers’ compensation, safety, and claims functions.
Oversee the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with accounting pronouncements and various mandates; and providing accurate and timely financial reports, presentations, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Oversee the preparation of the City's annual budget and capital improvement programs; develop, implement, and maintain dynamic and adaptable financial forecasting, modeling, analysis, and reporting tools that facilitate financial decision-making and reporting; monitor the regional economic landscape and variables influencing City finances and strategic planning; and assess and report on compliance with applicable financial planning and reserve policies.
Participate in strategic planning and analysis activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct cost-benefit analyses, assess return on investment, and perform financial feasibility assessments for proposed projects, initiatives, and potential revenue-generating opportunities.
Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and automation within the Finance Department, leveraging inter-departmental collaboration to optimize financial operations and enhance efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal control systems to safeguard municipal assets, prevent fraud; and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including accounting pronouncements and debt covenants, the City’s municipal code, state and federal laws, and various mandates.
Assist in managing staffing levels, develop and oversee staff development programs and cross-training initiatives, and recommend succession planning strategies to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce in the Finance Department.
Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting on Finance Department operational goals, performance measures, and key performance indicators.
Supervise the administration and maintenance of the City's financial management computer systems and reports.
Prepare, present, and approve Department, City Council, Committee, and Board reports and presentations as required.
Serve as Finance Director in the Finance Director's absence.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications:
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field.
Experience: At least seven years of professional experience in governmental accounting, budget management, debt administration, or finance, including at least five years in a supervisory capacity.
Highly Desired Qualifications:
Financial audit experience
California licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Master's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or Public Administration.