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Director of Finance

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Director of Finance

$196,190.28 - $239,039.06 Annually

THE POSITION:


Director of Finance description image

THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you interested in a meaningful career managing the Agency's Finance Department? Do you want to work with a team of finance, accounting, and contracts & procurement professionals dedicated to ensuring the Agency's strong financial standing? The Agency is seeking a strategic, innovative, and influential leader to serve as its next Director of Finance. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, a great mentor, and an accomplished collaborator with proven competence engaging with internal and external stakeholders. The Director will also have demonstrated political acumen and the ability to present financial information to a wide variety of organizations, experts, and members of the public.
 

Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. To ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.

Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:

  • A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules available
  • Competitive vacation and sick time in addition to 9 agency paid holidays
  • 10 Floating Holidays per fiscal year (prorated upon hire)
  • $400 Monthly Vehicle Allowance
  • Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
  • Professional Development Stipend of $1,000 per fiscal year
  • Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
  • Basic life Insurance Coverage provided
  • 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
  • Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000
  • A pension through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance

Key Objectives:
The Director of Finance will be expected to accomplish the following priorities within the first 12 months: 

  • Continual work with departments on improved processes related to objectives in the following Finance areas:
    • Accounts payable
    • Contracts and procurement
    • Asset management
  • Work with Internal Audit to complete past audit comments and close items related to past audits, review of contracts and associated contract language, small business program related to procurement, SOPs for all functions.
  • Completion of the Annual Audit.



This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Monday, July 3, 2023.  Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.  This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline. 

There is one (1) vacancy in the Finance Department.
 
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range: UN 195
FLSA: Exempt
Probationary Period: At-Will

Under policy direction, from the Assistant General Manager, plans, organizes, integrates, and directs the work of the Accounting Unit, Contract and Procurement Unit, and the Finance section. The incumbent oversees all financial activities for the Agency and Joint Powers Authority (JPA), to ensure strong financial standing, develops and implement financial policies, provides general guidance for the preparation, maintenance and interpretation of financial records, offers direction in the preparation of financial budgets for capital projects and operating activities, formulates strategies for rate setting and fees, cost containment and long-term fiscal sustainability.  The Director of Finance oversees the implementation of enhancements and updates in the financial systems, leads the issuance of new debt, provides expert professional assistance and guidance to the leadership team on public financing, accounting and investments, oversees overall departments performance and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 
The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing, directing, controlling and integrating a wide range of complex financial services functions including Agency and JPA financial record­keeping, analysis and reporting, grant compliance, treasury operations, operational and capital budgeting and financial planning. Work is broad in scope and requires seasoned judgment and a high degree of initiative and independence.
 
The incumbent in this class typically reports to the Assistant General Manager and directs management level staff such as the Budget Officer, Treasurer, Controller, and Manager of Contracts and Procurement.


EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Provides leadership and direction to Department staff ensuring a high-performance, service-oriented environment that aligns with the Agency’s mission, vision, goals, values, and organizational culture attributes.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the department; with unit managers, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; develops and monitors performance against the annual department budget; manages and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

Oversees the performance of department staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coach­ing for performance improvement and develop­ment; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to Assistant General Manager concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides strategic leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the departments and the Agency’s mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Formulates and implements department policy, plans, and strategy: leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the develop­ment and applica­tion of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in department work processes.

Through subordinate managers, directs and oversees the analysis, development, implementation and monitoring of monthly and annual financial statements and schedules including Agency and JPA  Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs), operating budgets and capital budgets; supervises the preparation and review of budget and financial reports and schedules; prepares Board letters and attends Board meetings to provide explanations and answer questions; directs month-end, quarterly and year-end closing processes; directs and manages treasury activities including cash management, debt administration and investment management.

Through subordinate managers, directs and oversees the analysis of financing and investment strategy; Agency investment portfolios; analyzes debt financing, debt administration, debt servicing and the compliance and investment of bond proceeds; directs the complex process of identifying, applying and negotiating for low-interest loans, and oversees the tracking, reporting, payment, develops strategies to minimize risk and financial exposure.

Analyzes and updates Agency financial systems and controls, practices, procedures and policies; coordinates internal, independent, federal and state audits of the Agency’s and JPA’s financial statements and systems and develops remedies for audit discrepancies; reviews and ensures adequate internal controls for all areas of direct responsibility and the Agency as a whole.

Plans, directs and participates in the development of financial analyses, forecasts and scenarios used in the development of mid and long-range financial, rate, resource and capital improvement plans; directs and advises staff on applications of the Agency’s financial forecasting model and the resolution of difficult analytical problems; reviews data, assumptions, forecasts and scenarios with manage­ment and the Board; makes presentations to advisory and decision-making bodies; oversees development of alternative 10, 30 and 50-year forecasts and rate impacts based on alternative resource, transmission, distribution and financing scenarios.

Prepares and coordinates a variety of work reports and records; attends meetings; ensures the Agency’s safety program and goals are implemented and carried out in the assigned areas of responsibility.

Interprets direction and assignments from the Assistant General Manager, General Manager, and board of directors; interprets Agency rules/policies and applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance within assigned areas of accountability.

Represents the Agency in negotiations and interactions with board members, member agencies and other industry and governmental agencies and professional organizations; serves as the Agency’s representative to professional, industry groups, community groups, customers, regulators and other agencies.

Represents the Agency in a variety of public forums including business, financial and community events and with federal, state and local governmental bodies; stays abreast of new trends and innovations and develops opportunities for new sources of funding.


QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

Education, Training and Experience: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in finance, accounting, business or public administration or a closely related field, and at least ten years of progressively responsible experi­ence in demonstrating strategic leadership of financial initiatives and a comprehensive understanding of financial operations, at least three of which were at a management or supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A master’s degree in business administration or public administration and experience in a public agency are preferred.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 
A valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency’s vehicle insurance program.
 
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, a master’s in public administration and a Certified Public Finance Officer certification from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), are highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and practices of strategic enterprise planning and financial planning.

Advanced governmental accounting theory, practices and financial statement preparation.

Advanced principles, practices and techniques of grant development and administration including contract monitoring and financial/program reporting.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) accounting standards and requirements applicable to public agencies.

Internal control and audit principles and practices.

Agency policies, procedures and practices regarding financial operations.

Principles, practices, laws and regulations governing the investment and management of public funds.

Organization and functions of an elected board of directors; the Brown Act and other laws and regula­tions governing the conduct of public meetings.

Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to the financial administration of a public agency.

Federal and state grant funding agencies, regulations and requirements related to management and compliance expectations.

Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.

Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.

Principles and practices of effective management with an organization-wide perspective.

Basic principles and practices of organization and culture change.

Principles and practices of sound business communications.

Agency human resources policies and labor contract provisions.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

ABILITY TO:
Lead people in a manner that promotes accountability, employee engagement, staff development, respect, and collaboration.

Manage the performance of staff by coaching for performance.

Effectively and professionally work with a diverse group of staff and community members.

Plan, control, direct and integrate the activities of a financial management, accounting, and treasury.

Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations on complex financial, budgetary and investment issues in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.

Work collaboratively with other managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.

Be present onsite at Agency locations during the normal business hours

Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite

Organize, set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive financial and investment statements, compliance reports and other written materials.

Develop and implement sound internal control procedures and practices.

Evaluate complex investment strategies and vehicles and make sound, prudent investment decisions.

Understand, interpret, explain and apply complex documents applicable to Agency debt financing and other financial issues.

Select appropriate methodologies and perform complicated mathematical calculations and financial analyses.

Negotiate effectively on behalf of the Agency.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Represent the Agency effectively in financial interactions with grantors, the financial and investment community and Agency partners.

Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.

Operate a computer and spreadsheet, word processing, financial modeling and other standard software.

Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.



SELECTION PROCESS:


All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
 
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
 
"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences"



Agency
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Address
6075 Kimball Ave.

Chino, California, 91708
Phone
909-993-1600


Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Function : Services

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