Assistant Finance Director

Salary: $169,509.86 - $282,516.26 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 25-00076
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

OPPORTUNITY
ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

Anticipated Hiring Range - $169,000 - $190,000 ANNUALLY

Tentative Oral Board Date: TBD

The City of Santa Maria is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Finance Director. The Assistant Finance Director plays a key leadership role assisting in overseeing financial operations within a highly skilled team of professionals that values teamwork, trust, and integrity in order to provide the highest quality service in the most efficient, cost-effective and courteous manner.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The ideal candidate will have the knowledge, skills and experience to act as assistant department director in the Finance Department and assist the Finance Director in managing and directing the Finance Department including treasury, accounting, payroll, business license, utility billing, long-term debt issuance and administration, purchasing, grants, and budgeting. They will also be expected to plan, organize and direct the activities of the Finance Department; and will assist in providing highly complex strategic guidance, analytical support, and leadership for the City's financial health. This position may act as Department Director in the absence of the Finance Director.

This position is situated in the Organizational /Enterprise Leader broadband job classification, with differing levels of skills and expertise encompassed within. Incumbents in this classification possess and exhibit Strategic Leader Core competencies. This is an at-will executive leadership classification that could function as an assistant department head or lead major enterprise projects or programs that have city wide impact. Incumbents could lead other managers and model behaviors that exemplify a global visionary mindset; risk-taking; provide effective and ethical leadership; creative thinking, develop, and implement programs that use human and financial resources to achieve results; are accountable for strategy and goal formation consistent with the city's mission and key business objectives; engage stakeholders; communicate and collaborate effectively at multiple levels; develop employees; foster good working relationships within the department and organization, analyze issues and data; and efficiently use public resources.

The Finance Department is in the midst of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation and is seeking the next forward-thinking Finance professional to assist in leading the Department into the next phase of operations.

WHO WE ARE:
The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees, an annual budget of approximately $300 million, and serves approximately 110,000 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS (in addition to a completing the online application form):

• Resume
• Cover Letter

DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and nature of the assignment and the following are examples of duties:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, manages, leads, and evaluates the overall operations of the department in the absence of the department director or major programs or projects. Has authority over department or program staff and/or leads multiple programs and/or divisions within a department or city-wide.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental standards, policies, goals, and outcomes.
• Prioritizes and allocates resources within the department or city-wide; oversees the development of the department and/or city budget; and balances fiscal priorities among divisions, projects, and programs.
• Leads multi-disciplinary teams with team membership from multiple departments, labor organizations, the community, and/or other governmental agencies.
• Coordinates resources and decision making with other departments and/or City Manager's office.
• Exercises a high level of independent action and decision making over department or city-wide operations.
• Assist the Finance Director in managing and directing the Finance Department.
• Assist in developing department goals and objectives; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct the activities and operations of the Finance Department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting, payroll, purchasing, business license, utility billing, and customer service.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Finance Department work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepare the Finance Department budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Perform advanced accounting and financial analysis; provide technical assistance to staff and other City departments.
• Direct the development and implementation of accounting and financial systems.
• Oversee and review the preparation of financial statements; prepare reports related to the financial activities of the City for the Finance Director, City Manager, City Council and general public.
• Oversee selection, configuration and implementation of computer software systems and related equipment used in Finance Department and City-wide financial operations and reporting.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit, and State Controllers report.
• Represent the department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
Assistant Finance Director -
Full Salary Range of broadband job class: $169,509.86 - $282,516.26

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and/or education directly related to the level of leadership and the scope of organizational authority/responsibility required by the position. Specific qualifications for this position is:

Possession of the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master's degree is desirable.

Six years of increasingly responsible experience in management of accounting, and budgeting activities in a municipal or governmental environment, including three years of supervisor responsibility.

Possession of a CPA or GFOA-CPFO or certification as a Local Government Finance Officer are desirable.

Mastery of the core competencies listed below and the ability to immediately demonstrate these competencies consistent with the position's level in the leadership series and the specific work assignment.

Current technical/professional knowledge of the complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a financial professional with knowledge of the principal listed below:

a) Principles and practices of municipal finance including governmental fund accounting, budget, auditing, and/or billing operations and applicable computer software management and reporting systems.

b) Principles and practices of general fund and government accounting.

DESIRED CORE COMPETENCIES:
Strategic Leader
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor, Front Line Supervisor and Middle Manager core competencies identified by the organization,

• Mission Focus - understand and support the organization's mission, believe in it, value it, and display commitment.
• Visioning - imaginative, able to create a vision of the future, communicate it clearly and enthusiastically to others.
• Strategic Thinking - act with the future in mind, understand the factors influencing strategy, and consider future impact when weighing decisions.
• Business Thinking - see the organization as integrated and interlocking; understand the impacts of changes.
• Diplomacy - work within the organization's power network; recognize personal agendas, balance internal politics, and work well with elected officials.
• Global Mindset - see their city role in a larger context within the community, region, and beyond; value diversity and other points of view, identify partnership opportunities, and exhibit coalition-building skills.
• Risk Taking - willingness to take calculated chances to achieve goals; gracefully accept failure, learn, & move forward.
• Leadership Identification - identify with leaders and enjoy positions of responsibility and authority.
• Presentation Skills - comfortable and confident in front of an audience; effectively deliver messages and engage with the public and stakeholders.

SELECTION PROCESS
The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and electronic attachments of a cover letter and resume. If a cover letter and resume are not attached, your application will be considered incomplete. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral board interview (virtual or in person). Finalist will be invited for a final selection interview.

Those applicants invited to the oral board and the finalist interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment.

The selected candidate must undergo a background check to the satisfaction of the City.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per
bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.

Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members.Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.