Deputy Director of Finance

We are currently seeking an exceptional Deputy Director of Finance to join our dynamic team. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to an evolving Finance Department and play an essential role in supporting our Department’s continued development and progress. As a member of our Finance team, you will help lead change, build upon process improvements, and coach and mentor staff. If you are an experienced finance professional with a passion for public service, strong organizational and management abilities, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and are committed to excellence, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Make a difference today by becoming a part of our team!  Apply now for the Deputy Director of Finance position with the City of Novato.  You can apply for this exciting opportunity at novato.org/jobs.

DEFINITION

Under direction from the Finance Director, lead and manage while performing management, administrative and technical duties, manages special projects and studies, supervises all work units of the department on a day-to-day basis, to provide complex and administrative and management support to the Finance Director, and to represent the Department head in the absence of the Director; and does related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics 

This classification is distinguished from the Finance Manager and all other professional accountant classes by its responsibility for managing departmental operations across multiple divisions and work units.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Finance Director.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned division and its technical staff; and functional supervision over certain other divisions as assigned.

Leads and manages the day-to-day accounting and financial management activities in coordination with the work units within the Department and across other departments, when applicable.

Coordinates projects and activities as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS–Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Direct and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities related to the assigned divisions.

Coordinate with assigned divisions for day-to-day follow through; and coordinate with other divisions to maximize service effectiveness and quality.

Essential Functions:

Assists in the development and implementation of departmental policies, goals, procedures and objectives.

Plans, directs, and coordinates work performed by multiple work units, including, general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivables, purchasing, treasury, audit, and financial reporting.

Oversees accounting operations, including year-end closing of the general ledger and preparation of the annual financial report.

Reviews, evaluates, and recommends improvements to Citywide financial internal controls and systems and procedures; coordinates audit activities for all City departments with external auditors.

Assist in the preparation of the budget of the Finance division; participate in the forecast of additional funds, prioritization of expenditures; and oversee the administration of the budget of the assigned division.

Supervises staff assigned, including scheduling, assigning, prioritizing, delegating and reviewing work; training and evaluating staff; developing effective recommendations on all employee actions such as goal setting, mentoring, performance management, discipline and other issues involving personnel.

Provide administrative and management support to the Director; assist with the management of special projects as assigned; prepare complex reports and analyses; and may oversee the work of consultants engaged in project delivery.

Serves as department head in the absence of the director, including attending and participating in City Council, citizen committee, and department head meetings.

Serves on City and inter-agency committees.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods and practices of municipal finance.
Budgeting, accounting, purchasing and fiscal record keeping.
Principles of management, supervision, training, and employee development.
Principles of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting.
Applicable laws and regulations.
Computer systems and their applications to fiscal analysis and record keeping.

Ability to: 

Identify, coordinate, and resolve a variety of accounting and financial functions and activities.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.  Supervise and coordinate the work of subordinate employees and project teams.
Prepare complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
Prepare and administer a department and City-wide budget.
Develop and implement accounting procedures and systems.
Interpret and accurately apply rules and regulations regarding accounting, purchasing and auditing practices.
Prepare clear and effective financial, statistical, and narrative reports, correspondence, informational materials, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand, and convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions.
Represent the City and the department effectively in contacts with elected representatives of other agencies, City departments, and the public.
Establish and maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships through discussion and persuasion with those contacted in the course of the work.
Take a proactive and positive approach to customer services issues.
Make process improvement changes to streamline procedures when applicable and necessary.
Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Work in a safe manner modeling correct City safety practices and procedures; coach others and enforce adherence to safety policies and procedures.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound judgment and decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid appropriate California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Experience:
Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal finance, with at least three years in a supervisory capacity.

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

Certified Local Government Finance Officer or GFOA Certified Public Finance Officer or Certified Public Accountant is desirable.