Director of Finance

CAREER DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Open to the Public

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS have been met. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

DESCRIPTION:
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! We are now accepting online applications to fill the position of Director of Finance.

WHO WE ARE: Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 54,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $25 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here .

Mission:

OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision:
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values:

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY:

OCERS is seeking a Director of Finance to plan, organize and lead the Finance Division, ensuring the integrity of financial transactions, investment accounting, record keeping, and financial reporting. The Director fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by leveraging modern technologies - including AI, machine learning (ML) and data analytics - to enhance financial transparency, operational efficiency, and strategic insight. This position serves as a strategic financial advisor to executive leadership and plays a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance, financial sustainability and organizational excellence.

Reporting to the Assistant CEO, Finance and Internal Operations, the Director of Finance is a vital member of OCERS’ executive leadership team. This position is responsible for strategic oversight and management of general and investment accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable, contributions, and retirement payroll. The Director serves as a trusted partner to the Board of Retirement and Senior Executives, delivering data-informed financial insights to support sound decision-making. The role ensures all fiscal operations uphold OCERS’ fiduciary responsibilities, comply with applicable laws and standards and align with public pension governance best practices.

PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES:

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Finance Division, including general ledger, investment accounting, retirement payroll, contributions, and accounts payable.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, federal and state regulations, relevant accounting standards (GAAP, GASB) and OCERS policies.
• Champion innovation and process improvement, modernizing workflows through automation, AI, and other digital tools.
• Oversee the evolution and effectiveness of financial systems and controls: recommend and implement enhancements to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
• Promote data-driven decision-making through the development of dynamic financial reporting tools and dashboards (e.g. Power BI).
• Lead the preparation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), annual budget and other statutory and ad hoc financial reports.
• Mentor and manage professional accounting staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify talent needs and develop team capabilities to meet future operational and strategic demands.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to asses, adopt and implement financial technologies that reduce risk and improve service delivery.
• Analyze financial implications of legislative and regulatory changes: develop and execute strategies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Serve as liaison to external auditors, actuaries, bank custodians, and investment consultants and managers to address complex financial matters.
• Actively contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives as part of the executive leadership team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
• Completion of upper-division or graduate-level coursework in accounting, including intermediate and advanced accounting, cost or managerial accounting, governmental accounting, and auditing.
• At least five years of progressively responsible management experience in accounting or finance, preferably in a government or pension system environment with experience leading fiscal operations.
• A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of experience.

Special Notes, Licenses, or Requirements:

• A valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange timely transportation as required.
• May be required to use personal vehicle.
• A full background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify applicants.

Key Competencies:

• Inspire, develop and retain high-performing financial staff.
• Represent Senior Executives as needed and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive initiatives aligned with OCERS’ strategic and business plans.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats with diverse audiences.
• Model OCERS’ values and commitment to excellence, innovation and integrity.
• Maintain accountability and focus on long-term strategic goals.
• Anticipate future challenges and proactively develop solutions.
• Set clear expectations for personal growth and team development.

Strategic & Technological Leadership:

• Serve as a catalyst for digital transformation with the Finance Division.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies - including AI, ML, and automation - to optimize operations.
• Develop and maintain a roadmap for modernizing financial systems and reporting capabilities.
• Guide staff in adapting to new tools, data practices, and innovative service delivery models.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Please click here for additional details about the Director of Finance classification.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of public sector financial leadership and pension system operations.
• Governmental and investment accounting standards and practices (GAAP, GASB, FASB, GAAS).
• Federal, State, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Actuarial principles and regulatory frameworks, including the 1937 Act.
• Federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Functions of a custodial bank.
• Supervision and training principles, practices, and techniques.
• Professional business acumen.
• Financial technologies (ERP, data visualization tools, RPA, cloud-based accounting platforms).
• Internal controls, risk management, and cybersecurity related to financial systems.

Skills/Ability to:

• Analyze complex financial and regulatory information to support sound decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity in all financial practices.
• Lead and implement change management and digital transformation initiatives.
• Use data analytics and visualization tools to communicate financial performance.
• Build high-performing teams that embrace innovation and accountability.
• Apply general and governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Interpret and apply the provisions of the 1937 County Employees Retirement Law and Board policies and procedures.
• Perform job functions independently, ethically, and objectively.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with members of the Retirement Board, members of the retirement system, public officials, staff, consultants, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Make effective oral presentations to individuals and groups.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to speak, hear, and read in English clearly.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use standard office equipment and perform data entry.
• Mental stamina to interact with members of the Board of Retirement, stakeholders, and staff with professionalism.
• Visual ability to read detailed financial reports and computer screens.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting with standard equipment.
• Moderate noise level from office devices.
• Frequent interaction with government officials, consultants, and the public.
• Occasional travel may be required for conferences and meetings.

BENEFITS:
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

For additional information and details about the OCERS pension and benefits offered, please click here .

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE:

OCERS' Human Resources Department will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified via e-mail of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Applications Appraisal Panel (AAP) | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer):
A panel of job knowledge experts will screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related education and experience as described above. Please be thorough in your responses to supplemental questions as each will be evaluated and rated accordingly. Additionally, please be thorough in aligning your education and work experience to the competencies and qualifications listed in this bulletin. Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation. This is a competitive process and only the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview:
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

HOW TO APPLY:

You may apply to this position online via the OCERS Job Board . Only online applications with completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your online application. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sarah Abrahamson at (714) 569-4818 or email sabrahamson@ocers.org .

Please do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification throughout the recruitment process. Please ensure that you include your correct email address in the application and that you use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Please note, the information provided in your application may be shared internally within OCERS to evaluate your qualifications for potential opportunities in other teams or departments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:

• Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
  http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information.
• Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
• Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
• Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
• Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
• 457 Defined Contribution Program

*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of Orange

• 714.834.5315

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