Finance Manager

The Position:

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION


Under general direction, plans, organizes, develops, coordinates, and executes strategies consistent with the mission and purpose of the Finance Department, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting functions. The position provides highly responsible and complex assistance to the Director of Finance in areas of expertise; performs related duties, as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification that oversees, manages, and assists with management of the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as the development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Finance Director in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, District functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Directors, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas, as well as working collaboratively and constructively with others inside and outside the organization. The incumbent is accountable for working with the Finance Director to accomplish departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and to further the District’s goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within the first 3 months, assume oversight of the Finance and Accounting department functions, activities and services; become familiar with processes, responsibilities, due dates and management responsibilities; familiarize yourself with department staff
• Within the first 6 months, Manage department personnel and assigned department responsibilities; evaluate and review work for acceptable performance making recommendation for changes when needed; providing support to the Director of Finance as needed.
• Within the first 12 months, oversee financial statement preparation, including ACFR; prepare staff reports and presentations to the Board for assigned projects, manage transactions for the GL, cash management, banking services, debt and investment management and provide high level technical support to the Director of Finance.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible and diversified experience in special district, county, municipal, accounting and financial management including two (2) years of management or supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• The ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities:

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes oversight for Accounting Department programs, services, and activities including finance, accounting and budget.
• Develops, manages, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within District policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; assists with the forecasting of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; manages the monitoring of and approves expenditures; assist with budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
• Manage department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement; assists with the implementation of change initiatives.
• Provide guidance on matters relating to the stewardship of District funds and assets, recording of accounting transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), maintenance of the financial accounting system, and ensuring District policy is followed in compliance with internal controls.
• Manages and provides oversight of the general ledger, cash management and banking services, and audit programs, projects, and activities; reviews and approves all journal entry adjustments.
• Oversees the preparation of financial reports, provides strategic input on financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), complex financial analyses, and ensures compliance with accounting standards.
• Develops comprehensive long-term financial plans and forecasts for the District’s General Fund and other funding sources, integrating revenue projections, expenditure trends, and strategic priorities to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with the District’s goals.
• Prepares and delivers clear, concise, and accurate agenda items, financial updates, and presentations to Board of Directors, commissions, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with District policies and priorities, and stakeholder needs.
• Addresses and resolves complex financial issues and stakeholder concerns professionally and promptly. Works with the District’s credit agencies by performing credit reviews as necessary and providing updated financial information to maintain or enhance the District’s credit ratings.
• Works collaboratively with consultants to update and review the District’s rate models, cost of services studies, drought rates and penalties, fee programs, and long-term financial forecast models; reviews and comments on draft study reports; makes recommendations to management and the Board on rate and fee adjustments.
• Ensures proper internal controls are designed and working as prescribed to prevent and/or mitigate fraud or errors.
• Assists in community facilities district (CFD) formation; reviews CFD transactions and general ledger/financial reporting; works collaboratively with bond counsel, financial advisors, and tax consultants.
• Represents the department to other District departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental, organizational, and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of finance and accounting.
• Performs related duties as required.

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for “Classic” Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for “New/PEPRA” Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
• Employees accrue vacation at a rate of 3.08 hours per two-week pay period for the first 4 years of employment; 4.62 hours for years 5-9; 6.16 hours for years 10-14; 6.47 hours for years 15-19; and 6.78 for 20+ years of service.
• Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. This position will be openeded until filled, with a first review on Tuesday, Apirl 1, 2025.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

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• Water Employee Services Authority

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