Description

Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and supervises the District’s financial processing, reporting, and recordkeeping activities within the Finance Department, including the general ledger, accounts payable, fixed assets, accounts receivable, and related fiscal support services including; coordinates District accounting activities with other divisions and departments; and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Finance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full supervisory responsibilities for a section, unit or division as identified by the District, including hiring, planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates, issuing discipline and are responsible for a program area within a division or work unit, within a department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management staff and/or the Director of Finance. Responsibilities include full supervisory authority over subordinate staff including, professional, technical and support positions.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
 The duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. 

• Develops and implements divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures; assists Department Director with department-wide goals and objectives.
  Plans, organizes, supervises and reviews the work of staff involved in the performance of professional and technical accounting duties, including but not limited to general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and associated fiscal reconciliation and reporting.
• Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the accounting unit work plan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Provides training and mentoring to staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Recommends to the Department Director the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the division.
• Oversees and participates in the annual financial audit including development of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and various other operating statements and financial reports pursuant to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Participates in District financial activities, including Districtwide enterprise resources planning system; participate in upgrades to such system(s). Participate in the implementation of new systems, procedures, policies and practices.
• Coordinates, plans, participates in, and implements various accounting projects and programs, including but not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and reconciliation of transactions and/or related accounting records.  
• Provides administrative support related to accounting information relevant to the preparation of District fiscal reporting as well as other technical accounting reports.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of the District’s accounting policies and procedures and assures District compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). Review and analyze departmental accounting procedures for appropriateness, impact and conformity to District priorities, policies and strategic goals.
• Supervises month-end and year-end closing processes; prepares and reviews monthly financial statements.
• Assists the General Manager, Board of Directors, and department directors with the analysis and interpretation of various technical reports related to accounting activities and prepares technical reports as requested.
• Coordinates with staff regarding activities associated with accounting functions and administration. Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports; prepares written correspondence.
• Represents the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:
Principles of Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution. Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws. Governmental accounting practices. Modern office procedures and computer equipment. Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.  Fiscal reporting requirements. Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Skill/Ability to:
Organize, implement and supervise professional accounting and fiscal analysis activities. Analyze and interpret complex technical accounting reports and documentation according to GAAP standards.  Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.  Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.   Interpret and apply local, State Federal, District and department laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and rules. Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance subject to applicable medical and disability leave laws. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.   On a continuous basis, analyze accounting, general ledger, reconciliation and/or other technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various personnel rules; and explain and interpret policy.  On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 20 pounds or less.

Experience and Education:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible experience that involved professional accounting activities; including one year at a functional supervisory and/or lead role. Accounting experience in a public utility is highly desired.

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business or public administration or a related field.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
License and Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment.   Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Possession of a current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is highly desirable.