FINANCE MANAGER I
Direct, plan and organize fiscal and accounting operations for a small department or large and complex division in Monterey County, working under the general direction of the department or division head. This position administers or performs a combination of budgeting, grant accounting, billing and fiscal management functions; directs the operations of the accounting section; provides budgetary and fiscal advice to management; and oversees the integrity of all financial transactions.
This classification may be found in small departments or large divisions with complex financial activities or large departments that also have a Finance Manager II or III. Positions in this classification function independently with broad authority to carry out financial operations and exercise judgment based on guidelines and policies. Incumbents are accountable to the department or division head for the quality and technical accuracy of the fiscal program, including activities such as financial planning, developing budgets with multiple cost centers, preparing the budgets, managing costs, preparing cost reports, classifying costs, developing and overseeing billing systems, conducting audits, interpreting state and federal regulations for financial reporting, preparing reports, and participating in the business operation of the unit.
This class differs from the next lower class of Senior Accountant-Auditor in that the latter performs detailed accounting and auditing work, typically serves in the capacity of lead worker and section head within a division, and functions with less independence and authority.
This class is distinguished from the higher class of Finance Manager II in that the latter has responsibility for the fiscal management of departments with medium sized budgets involving more complex funding sources and financial activities.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
1. Plans, develops, and coordinates fiscal management policies, goals, objectives, procedures, standards and programs with the management team; implements and evaluates departmental fiscal management policies and procedures.
2. Plans, implements, organizes, directs and monitors departmental fiscal systems, financial controls and accounting operations including general ledger and cost accounting, budgeting, program billings, contractor payments, financial reporting and internal auditing.
3. Analyzes departmental financial needs and develop systems for controlling expenditures.
4. Communicates and interprets fiscal management goals, objectives, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services to departmental management and support staff.
5. Develops quality standards and continually evaluates departmental accounting, billing, financial reporting and auditing systems to insure compliance with sound accounting principles and local, State and Federal policies and guidelines.
6. Researches and interprets legislation to ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations which fiscally impact departmental programs.
7. Provides training and supervision to professional, technical and clerical staff in the areas of accounting applications, budget administration, application of the law, and other fiscal and administrative support as necessary.
8. Assures that the department’s fiscal program meets standards and stands up to State and Federal audits.
9. Prepares responses to disputed State and Federal audits and prepares material for appeals as appropriate.
10. Prepares technical financial reports.
11. Prepares budget for the department or a portion related to the major area of responsibility.
12. Identifies computerized accounting, budgeting, billing, program management and other management information system requirements and works with management team to design and implement the requirements.
13. Designs and participates in quantitative analysis of systems and programs, analyzes cost experience and projected trends and prepares financial reports, rate studies and project plans.
14. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with departmental management and staff, other County departments, outside agencies, vendors and State and Federal program auditors.
The knowledge and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of experience, education or training. Typical ways to acquire the required knowledges and abilities are listed below:
Equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, Finance or a related field with course work in Accounting, Finance and Business Administration.