Finance Director

Salary : $156,970.20 - $190,798.20 AnnuallyLocation : Paramount, CAJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 25-031Department: FinanceOpening Date: 02122025Closing Date: 3132025 11:59 PM Pacific DescriptionTHE CITYParamount is a unique place, known for its successful transformation from what was once a blighted suburb to an attractive small town graced by tree-lined neighborhoods, white picket fences, public art, pocket parks, and landscaped boulevards. Located in the gateway to the Los Angeles metropolis, the 4.8 sq. mile City offers a secure quality of life to nearly 53,000 residents and a business-friendly attitude that has created a growing retail and services sector, with a thriving Downtown.The City was incorporated in 1957. The history of Paramount has in many ways followed a path typical of its Southeast Los Angeles County neighbors. Agricultural beginnings early in the 20th century followed by relatively uncontrolled growth and an overbuilt environment. By the 1970s, much of Paramount had degenerated into blight. Rather than sink under the weight of its problems, Paramount chose a proactive course to meet them head on. Through the dedicated efforts of government officials, residents, the faith-based community, law enforcement, and businesses, the City made incredible strides in renewal.Paramount has a distinctive look due to continual investment in its infrastructure and a long-time emphasis on code enforcement and assistance programs that have helped residents and businesses upgrade and maintain their properties. The municipal government is a stable, innovative, and financially conservative organization, with an emphasis on maintaining the quality of life for residents, all of which have established a town that people are proud to call home.THE ORGANIZATIONParamount is a General Law city that operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The governing body consists of five City Councilmembers elected at large. Each year, the elected Councilmembers choose one member to serve as Mayor and another to serve as Vice Mayor. Each member of the Council serves a four-year term.The City is operated by six departments: Administrative Services, Planning, Public Safety, Public Works, Community Services, and Finance. The City's FY 2024-25 Adopted Operating Budget is $79 million ($45 million General Fund), plus an additional $55 million in CIPs.THE FINANCE DEPARTMENTThe Finance Department consists of 17 staff, including 11 full-time and 6 part-time staff. The Finance Department coordinates the day-to-day financial transactions of the City and is responsible for all accounting, cashiering, financial reporting, financial planning, and investment activities of the City. The department administers various internal operations such as budget, contract management, grant management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and capital improvement programming. The department also processes the City's business and animal licenses, water utility billing and customer service, management of fixed assets, various permits, parking citations and all daily incoming and outgoing mail.The City of Paramount, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Human Resources Division at least three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled examinationinterview date.IDEAL CANDIDATEThe City of Paramount is looking for a highly skilled individual with extensive local government accounting experience to take on this role. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, a deep understanding of finance, and the ability to mentor and inspire our talented team in the Finance Department. We seek a kind person who is an experienced, innovative, and customer-focused finance professional who excels at management and setting a positive example for staff.The successful candidate will be a proven project leader who fosters collaboration, builds rapport across departments, and promotes a cohesive work environment. Known for integrity, sound judgment, and efficiency, the selected candidate will have a strong track record of delivering accounting and finance projects on time. They will also have the vision to develop both short- and long-term strategies for the department's growth.The ideal candidate will be a hands-on visionary, committed to improving and advancing the Finance Department and the organization by implementing best practices and establishing strong financial goals. This candidate will have exceptional problem-solving, supervisory, and customer service skills, as well as the ability to build strong relationships. The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator, capable of translating complex materials and ideas into simple and actionable information. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills are essential. Examples of DutiesUnder the direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director will:Assume full responsibility for managing all activities and services of the Finance Department.Direct personnel and resources, providing strategic financial guidance to the City Manager, City Council, and department heads.Developing, administering and evaluating projects and procedures to meet best practices, organizational needs, and efficiency.Directing the preparation and administration of the City's Annual Budget.Oversees financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable receivable, and internal control while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.Manage revenue forecasting and enhancements and updating long-term financial plans.Administers the City's investment portfolio and cash management.Develops and manages the City's capital financing strategies, including bond issuances, lease financing, and other debt instruments to fund infrastructure projects.Ensures efficient procurement practices.Direct and approve various personnel actions, including selection, promotion, performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.Perform other related duties as assigned. UPCOMING PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIESSelection and Implementation of new ERP systemPension Obligation Bond IssuanceNew Centralized Purchasing System5-year Water Rate Adjustment Minimum QualificationsWORK AND EXPERIENCEExperience:Five (5) years of public sector managerial experience, including responsibility for developing, directing and supervising the staff and activities of a major program or operation focused on municipal finance or a related area. Experience in multiple program areas is desirable.Training:Bachelor's degree with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field is required. A master's degree in a similar field is highly desirable.License or Certificate:Valid Class C California Driver License and acceptable driving record.Knowledge of:Working in a team environment at a Managerial or Executive level.Delivering financial presentations and guidance to fellow executives and the City Council.Advanced principles, practices, procedures and techniques of public administration, including those related to government accounting, budgeting, project management, human resources management and customer service.Principles, methods and requirements specific to finance-related program areas in a municipal organization.Laws, regulations, standards and requirements applicable to local and state standards, requirements and resources related to financial programs and functions.Policies, objectives, operations and organizational structures common to City governments, including those using a contract cities model.Advanced principles and practices of employee supervision and training, including effective staff selection, motivation, direction, mentoring and performance evaluation.Methods for organizing, developing, implementing and directing departmental programs, projects, functions, services, goals, objectives, systems and activities.Terminology, concepts, methods, and procedures associated with the management of assigned departments and programs.Public speaking and public relations techniques.Skill to:Effectively utilize modern office equipment, including personal computers and standard business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite.Safely operate one or more types of vehicles as required by assignments. Ability to:Direct the development and implementation of financial programs, projects, functions, services, goals, objectives, systems and work plans; plan, organize, control and direct all assigned departmental activities and operations; provide direction to managers and staff on systems development, budget and policy issues coordinate and direct personnel, resources, fiscal activities and communications to meet City needs and ensure smooth and efficient activities.Provide consultation and technical expertise concerning Finance Department operations and activities; interpret, apply and explain applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Monitor, analyze and recommend modifications to policies, procedures and programs to enhance the City's financial effectiveness, operational efficiency and capacity to meet public needs.Plan, direct and supervise the work of subordinate managers and supervisors, as well as professional, technical and clerical staff.Represent the City at various meetings and events. Direct and participate in the development of assigned budgets.Direct the investigation of, and ensure the proper and timely resolution of, issues and disputes related to areas of assignment.Obtain accurate information through interviews and observation.Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations.Research complex information from various sources and prepare comprehensive statistical and narrative reports.Direct the preparation and maintenance of records and files related to assigned municate effectively, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Supplemental InformationEssential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:PHYSICAL DEMANDSWork is primarily performed in a standard office setting and requires: the use of standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; the ability to perform work that is primarily sedentary, although standing in and walking between work areas may be required; finger dexterity to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.Environmental ElementsWork is primarily performed with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; may require interacting with upset staff andor public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental and City policies and procedures. SELECTION PROCEDURE:Completed job application must be returned by the filing deadline listed above. Application packets will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job announcement. Applicants with qualifications and experience that best relate to the position will be invited to participate in the recruitment process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an invitation to the recruitment process. The selection process will include an oral interview and may include other testing processes to predict successful job performance. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin maybe modified or revoked without notice. The City may change the duties of the position at any time. The City reserves the right to change the duties of the position at any time. The City reserves the right to change any of the selection procedures or cancel the recruitment entirely.Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Communication regarding your application andor status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.Equal Opportunity Employer Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.EMPLOYEE BENEFITSCAR ALLOWANCE$300 per month.VACATION LEAVE80 hours per year for first five years, 120 hours per year after five years, 160 hours per year after ten years. Vacation leave in accumulation in excess of 180 hours is paid directly to the employee as a cash benefit at the end of each year at the rate of 100% of the employee's current pay rate.SICK LEAVE96 hours per year. Sick leave accumulation in excess of 480 hours is paid directly to the employee as a cash benefit at the end of each year at the rate of 50% of employee's current pay rate.EXECUTIVE LEAVE40 hours of paid time off per fiscal year.CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE$75 per month.BILINGUAL PAYThe City pays $75 per month for job related bilingual pay.MENTAL HEALTH DAYAll regular full-time employees shall be granted one (1) mental health day every year. HOLIDAYS12 paid holidays per year, plus 1 Mental Health Day.HEALTH INSURANCE85% paid medical for employee and dependents. Coverage effective the first day of the month following the date of hire. Employees who are able to provide proof of other group insurance coverage may elect to opt-out of the City Health benefits and receive a monthly payment in the amount of $750 in lieu of coverage.DENTALVISION INSURANCE100% dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire. DISABILITY INSURANCEThe City pays 100% of the short-term and long-term insurance plan.RETIREMENT2.5 % at 55 retirement formula for "Classic" CalPERS members covered under pre-2013 rules. PERS retirement - 2% at 62 retirement formula for new "PEPRA" CalPERS members.LIFETIME MEDICAL EXPENSES PAIDEmployees who retire from the City are entitled to 85% of the medical premium including any dependents on the plan.LIFE INSURANCECoverage is equal to 100% of annual salary, up to $200,000.DEFERRED COMPENSATIONAn optional plan is available at employee's cost.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMAn Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to provide help to employees and members of their families who are experiencing personal problems.EDUCATIONREIMBURSEMENTThe City encourages employees to develop their knowledge and abilities by offering a variety of reimbursements for job-related education.WORK SCHEDULE & TELECOMMUTINGFull-time employees for the City of Paramount are on a "980" work schedule, working nine hours per day from Monday through Thursday and 8 hours every other Friday, with every other Friday off. Telecommuting (up to 2 days per week) may be available after the successful candidate has acclimated to the role and is subject to the approval of the City Manager based on operational needs and performance considerations.01 Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field? Yes No 02 Do you possess at least five (5) years of responsible public sector finance experience? Yes No 03 How many years of supervisory experience do you possess? None 1 - 2 years 3 - 4 years 5+ years Required Question

Created: 2025-02-17