Finance Director

Salary: $145,872 - $223,860 DOE/DOQ (Salary range effective July 1, 2024 – PLUS Fringe Benefits Package Totaling up to $40,000!)

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a strategic leader with a strong municipal finance background to serve as their next Finance Director! The successful candidate will manage the Finance Department’s 10 staff and a departmental budget of approximately $2.5 million, and develop the City’s total budget of approximately $145 million.

The Finance Director will oversee the City's financial operations, including accounting, payroll, revenue collection, audits and financial reporting, as well as the City’s budget process. A key responsibility is leading the Department’s implementation of a new ERP system, scheduled to go live in phases beginning this Summer. The preferred candidate for this position will have a keen understanding of government accounting practices, experience in a full-service City, and a foundational understanding of software conversions. Ensuring accurate and timely preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and presenting financial projections and reports to the City Council, addressing both short-term and long-term financial questions, are critical aspects of this role. The Director will collaborate cross-departmentally on large-scale projects and funding initiatives and further the City’s strategic goals with long-range financial planning, while building a supportive culture for Department staff and modernizing the City’s financial processes. Shape the future of Laguna Beach by driving the city's financial operations and initiatives – apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/6b81fd07-bee9-40af-9047-6d2e917abe57

THE JOB:

Reporting to the City Manager, the Finance Director's primary responsibility will be to manage all aspects of the City's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and payroll management for a full-service city that encompasses police, fire, and public safety departments. They will oversee the Finance Department’s 10 staff, and develop and monitor the City’s $145 million budget. Another significant aspect of this role is collaboration on the implementation of a new ERP system, which will begin this Summer and continue into 2025. This system conversion is crucial for modernizing financial infrastructure and creating more efficient processes for staff, and the Finance Director will support a smooth and effective operational transition.

The Finance Director will be responsible for preparing and presenting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other detailed financial reports to City Council. The Finance Director will also be expected to provide clear and insightful financial guidance, including both short-term and long-term financial projections, to the Council and other stakeholders, ensuring that all financial decisions are well-informed and strategically sound.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The Finance Director will hold a deep understanding of government finance operations and will ideally have experience in managing finances for full-service cities. Capable of handling complex financial systems and processes, this seasoned professional will demonstrate strong technical skills in process improvement and financial system implementations. A strong background in process improvement, prior experience overseeing preparation of annual financial reports, and ability to manage outside firms and vendors, are crucial for success in this role.

The next Finance Director will be a strategic partner to City Management, with the ability to present complex financial concepts with ease and understanding. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator and relationship builder, comfortable speaking and presenting in front of City Council and engaging with department heads and stakeholders. They will also demonstrate enthusiasm for mentoring staff in their careers, recognize staff strengths, and encourage collaboration and team development to create an exceptional departmental culture.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities is described below:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience: Six (6) years of considerable, progressively responsible experience in local California government covering a wide array of functions, with specific knowledge and experience in the areas of municipal finance, budgeting, and accounting services.
• License/Certificate Requirements: A valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Desired:

• Master’s degree.
• Public sector experience, preferably in a full-service city.
• Financial certifications to aid in the ability to do the work, such as a CPA or CFA.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• An annual salary of Salary of $145,872 - $223,860 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.
• This Fringe Benefits Package Totals up to $40,000!

HOW TO APPLY:

• For first consideration, apply by July 8th at: wbcpinc.com/job-board/

SAVE THE DATES:

• Round one interviews will take place virtually on July 29th. Finalists will move forward to in-person interviews on August 5th. Selected candidates should be available for both dates. Interested applicants with a date conflict must contact your recruiter directly.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson:

• Email: lauren@wbcpinc.com
• Phone: 541-664-0376