Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services (MM)

Description

Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Executive Director of Finance and Management Services in overseeing the operations of the Finance and Management Services Agency, which may include Budget, Accounting, Treasury, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Central Services.

We seek candidates that possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial analysis/reporting, budgeting, bond financing, and cash management, at least three years of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity. Bachelors’ degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is also required. Ideal candidates will possess experience with municipal government finance administration. L icensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is desired, but not required.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Sun day , August 17, 2025 . Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. 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.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Assists in overseeing services and activities relating to the development of the City’s budget.
• Directs activities that maintain the City’s forecast and cash flow position.
• Ensures that the budget is integrated with the accounting ledger, including its financial computer system.
• Assists with the preparation of annual financial statements, and coordination of external auditors, City staff, and responses.
• Interprets and applies legal and administrative concepts to various functions, including payroll, purchasing, and treasury.
• Ensures citywide budget adherence, and coordinates with the Accounting Division in managing and administering citywide grants.
• Assists in coordinating and conducting public presentations as it relates to the City’s Sunshine Ordinance (information transparency).
• Selects, supervises, and evaluates agency personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with staff to correct deficiencies; and implements discipline processes, when appropriate.
• Assists in developing and implementing goals related to the City’s adopted strategic plan; evaluating service delivery methods and procedures, and identifying and implementing opportunities for improvement; and developing appropriate reserve levels across funds.
• Conducts and coordinates studies; and recommends modifications to programs and procedures, as appropriate.
• Provides technical assistance to other departments on accounting and budgetary matters; and serves as the Finance and Management Services Agency liaison regarding personnel and employee relations matters.
• Serves as a team member on all bond financing related issues.
• May assist with managing system implementations.
• Supervises and assists with debt management, including continuing disclosure.
• Prepares complex reports and makes presentations to City Management, City Council, and City staff.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Executive Director of Finance and Management Services in the incumbent’s absence.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial analysis/reporting, budgeting, bond financing, and cash management, preferably in local government, at least three years of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity. Bachelors’ degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of: principles and practices of municipal finance and governmental accounting and their application to a wide variety of financial transactions and issues; and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including Financial Accounting Standards and general audit standards.

Knowledge of : principles and practices of a municipal budget and administration; accounting systems, payroll, accounts payable, and treasury; pertinent computer systems and software applications for financial management; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances relating to municipal jurisdictions; and theory and techniques of management analysis and organizational design.

Skill in : conducting financial and economic research and analysis; managing differing operations; and the use of a personal computer and business software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and financial system software.

Ability to : Make presentations to the public, City management, and City Council; manage in a high paced transparent environment; analyze and make concise recommendations; administer and complete multiple priorities; guide and motivate professional and technical personnel; provide administrative and professional leadership and direction; develop and implement goals and objectives; analyze data and make sound recommendations; utilize technology as a means to improve operational practices; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with a variety of City and other officials and the general public.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Designation as a certified public accountant (CPA) is highly desirable.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide .

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Writing Skills Examination : (Qualifying) will evaluate the candidate's analytical and writing aptitude. The areas that will be evaluated may include: demonstrated subject matter knowledge, analytical thought process and proper English and grammar usage, clarity, conciseness, organization, content, and logical progression from one idea to the next. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to continue in the selection process.

Oral Interview Examination : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components above. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SAMA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

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