Financial Services Specialist I

County of Alameda•Oakland, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, to provide professional-level financial services in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, and grants management to County departments and agencies; to conduct a variety of studies and inquiries and perform financial analytic and administrative work; and to do related work as required. Financial Services Specialist I/II is a flexibly-staffed class series with the work normally performed at the II level, but with initial selection possible at the I or entry level. Incumbents hired at the I level will be expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the II level after the equivalent of two years full time service. If proficient, incumbents will be eligible to be flexibly promoted to the II level after the equivalent of one year. Appointment at the I level will not be extended beyond two years. Positions in this class series are normally found in County departments with multiple budgets and funding sources and/or with extensive contracting with service providers or community-based organizations. In addition to the provision of financial services, responsibilities also include performing general administrative services work, planning and conducting analytical studies and overseeing support functions and staff. Although the work is diverse, all positions are typically characterized by all the following elements: Independent decision-making. Capacity to present clear oral and written reports to senior managers. Knowledge of governmental financial processes and systems. Ability to conduct financial analysis and formulate financial recommendations. Limited availability or nature of supervision. This series is distinguished from the Administrative Specialist class series, which has primary responsibility for the provision of more general administrative services in such areas as personnel, purchasing, contracting, budgeting and departmental communications. It is further distinguished from Senior Financial Services Specialist, which is a skilled, technical specialist class with a primary role in financial strategic planning and policy development.

Requirements

Equivalent to three years of full-time experience at a level of or higher than the class of Accounting Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service.
Completion of the Alameda County Management Academy “Management & Supervision Certificate Program” may substitute for six (6) months of the required qualifying experience.
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, accounting, economics, financial planning or a field related to the work.
Additional paraprofessional financial planning and support equivalent to the County’s classification of Accounting Specialist I may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Financial recordkeeping or technical support work in a fiscal or accounting area is desirable.
Principles and practices of governmental budget development and administration.
Principles and practices of contract and grant administration.
Financial record-keeping and auditing practices.
Practices and techniques of administrative analysis and report preparation.
Applicable federal, state and local policies and regulations.
Computer applications related to the work, such as word processing, data bases and spreadsheets.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
Develop and administer multiple budgets.
Monitor fiscal transactions and audit fiscal records and documentation.
Plan and conduct administrative and operational studies.
Interpret, explain and apply financial regulations, policies and procedures.
Direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.
Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
Represent the department and the County in meetings with others.
Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
Maintain accurate financial records and audit data.
Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Clearly and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; write contract documents, electronic mail, and Board letters to the Board of Supervisors at a professional skill level.
Communicate fluently using the English language to present and request information to/from internal and external customers effectively by phone or in person.

Nice To Haves

Be a motivated, self-directed professional with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, a commitment to quality, and exceptional attention to detail.
Demonstrate strong analytical skills, including the ability to identify and understand complex issues, apply logical reasoning, and use quantitative methods to gather, analyze, and interpret information.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and prepare clear, accurate, and well-organized reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
Build and maintain productive relationships with staff, departmental leadership, and key stakeholders to provide financial guidance, support budget development and management, and obtain necessary information.
Effectively plan, organize, and manage multiple projects while maintaining productivity and adaptability in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Proactively identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes that enhance financial processes, procedures, and operational efficiency.
Be proficient in financial and information systems, including the ability to develop financial reports and spreadsheets, maintain data models, and perform financial analyses.
Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands and consistently meet critical deadlines.
Interpret, explain, and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Provide professional-level financial services in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, and grants management to County departments and agencies.
Conduct a variety of studies and inquiries and perform financial analytic and administrative work.
Perform general administrative services work.
Plan and conduct analytical studies.
Oversee support functions and staff.

Benefits

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program
Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)
12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Management Paid Leave
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1 st United Credit Union