Public Utilities Finance Manager

City of Clovis, California•Clovis, CA

About The Position

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and manages the Public Utilities Department’s financial activities, systems, and programs, including general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, auditing, grants administration, and fund balance management. Directs assigned operations, advises the Public Utilities Director and Department Management on financial programs and accounts, performs the department’s most complex financial work, and performs related work as required. Reporting to the Public Utilities Director or their designee, this managerial-level position performs difficult professional finance and accounting work and directly supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff. The incumbent sets priorities, assigns work, trains employees, and reviews their work. The position exercises substantial independence, resolving most matters through judgment and precedent and referring matters involving new procedures or conflicts with departmental policy to a supervisor. The position oversees fiscal activities, financial reporting, budgets and forecasts, grants, audits, financial models, revenue projections, general ledger maintenance, and compliance. It also coordinates with the City’s Finance Department on bonds and other financing mechanisms, provides complex management assistance to executive staff, reviews departmental agenda items for financial and strategic alignment, and monitors relevant legislation and accounting standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Four years of professional-level experience performing accounting, financial analysis, and auditing for a municipality or a business of comparable complexity.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Valid California Driver’s License and a good driving record.
Knowledge of public finance administration, including accounting, budgeting, and auditing; municipal revenue and accounting; GAAP and GASB practices; internal controls; applicable laws and regulations; budgeting and forecasting; financial reporting; financial analysis and research; data processing for financial records; report writing; supervision and personnel management; leadership and conflict resolution; business mathematics and statistics; customer service; and safety procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies to financial situations; organize and direct financial operations; analyze accounting systems and budgets; and use computer programs to analyze data and build forecasting models.
Ability to evaluate and reconcile complex financial data and records, recommend accounting treatments, prepare clear financial reports, and perform statistical analysis and auditing.
Ability to organize, supervise, train, evaluate, and assign work to staff; set priorities; and recommend discipline.
Ability to communicate clearly, follow oral and written instructions, maintain effective working relationships, and protect confidential information.
Ability to operate a vehicle using legal and defensive driving practices, operate a computer terminal accurately and efficiently, and operate a calculator by touch.
Attend periodic evening meetings and travel within and outside the City to attend meetings.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate fiscal activities, including budget management, grant administration, and financial reporting.
Provide highly complex management assistance to executive staff.
Develop and administer financial resources, spreadsheets, and databases for Public Utilities programs and financial structures, including Community Facilities Districts, Landscape Maintenance Districts, Fleet Renewal Funds, financial forecasting, and rate payment structures.
Coordinate and support the City’s Finance Department in issuing, administering, and ensuring compliance with bonds and other financing mechanisms.
Develop financial models to support rate adjustments and long-term financial sustainability.
Analyze customer consumption trends and revenue projections to support rate studies, budget development, and operational planning.
Oversee maintenance of the Public Utilities General Ledger and processing of journal entries; monitor transactions for accuracy and correct records as needed.
Review and track the collection of revenues due to the City.
Coordinate and participate in preparing and analyzing financial statements, schedules, reports, budgets, and forecasts; prepare adjustments, schedules, and footnotes.
Develop short- and long-term financial forecasts and prepare budget-to-actual revenue and expenditure reports.
Analyze significant variances, communicate financial information to Department management, and support budget activities.
Review departmental agenda items for appropriateness, impact, cost, effectiveness, and consistency with the City’s and Department’s budgets, priorities, and strategic goals.
Oversee audits of financial records and procedures and maintain fiscal accountability, including grant and miscellaneous-fund compliance monitoring.
Conduct advanced and highly technical research, prepare findings, and recommend corrective action.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, and work standards for the assigned area; recommend staffing needs and participate in recruitment and selection.
Supervise, train, and evaluate staff; address performance deficiencies and implement discipline procedures as required.
Prioritize division work, ensure deadlines are met, and review work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable policies, rules, and regulations.
Monitor legislation affecting division and department operations, evaluate its impact, make recommendations, and implement new or revised laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
Answer questions and provide information to the public, investigate complaints, and recommend corrective actions.
Perform related duties as assigned.