ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Applications will be accepted and continually reviewed until a sufficient number of
qualified applications has been received or the position is filled.
Apply by December 13, 2023 for first consideration.

THE TOWN:
 The award-winning Town of Windsor is located in Sonoma County and offers the highly acclaimed wine country experience, along with economic opportunity, temperate weather, safe and well-maintained streets and parks, and a beautiful location.  The Town has a population of 28,565 and is situated 60 miles north of San Francisco, 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, and 8 miles northwest of the County Seat in Santa Rosa. Incorporated as a common law city in July 1992, Windsor provides a modern, relaxed lifestyle with a growing retail and industrial center for the North County.  The Town is currently on a 4/10 work schedule from Monday through Thursday, and is closed on Friday, allowing employees more time to enjoy a work-life balance.

Telework and scheduling flexibility options available.

DEFINITION

This position plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of accounting staff that are responsible for processing financial transactions, preparing accounting records, reconciling reports and creating various financial reports. The Accounting Manager performs professional accounting work to ensure regulatory compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and all other governmental laws and regulations. Maintains and enhances the Town’s financial, accounting and reporting systems, administers general accounting activities and reporting compliance, manages the effective use of department resources to improve departmental productivity and customer service, and performs all other accounting and audit-related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general oversight and direction from the Administrative Services Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over technical and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This position is a management classification that has direct management and supervision of the Town’s accounting staff responsible for all accounting activities in the Accounting Division. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day financial activities including processing, reporting, and record-keeping activities, performs diverse accounting-related work involving decision-making responsibility and provides professional-level support to the Town. Requires a thorough understanding, knowledge and application of accounting principles, best practices, rules and compliance standards. This position is distinguished from the Administrative Services Director in that the latter has management responsibility for all Finance-related programs, policies and services, incorporation of those policies and activities Town-wide and setting operational goals and objectives that further the Town’s goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Accounting Division including financial reporting, auditing, accounting system management, account reconciliations, journal entries, general accounting entries, record-keeping and all other accounting-related functions.
• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services and programs; identifies resource needs; researches, recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures for assigned staff functions.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsel employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; may assist in selection and promotion process.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures; implements procedures and standards.
• Manages assigned personnel including selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; works with employees on performance issues and implements disciplinary actions, as appropriate and in accordance with the Town’s rules, requirements, and regulations.
• Provides oversight for all audits including the annual financial statement audit, State Controller’s report, other recurring annual audits and any mandated, agency, governmental or legal audits that are required by the Town.
• Performs general management for all audit-related activities including scheduling audit visits, coordinates meetings across departments, prepares audit reports, pulls records, provides onsite oversight and centralized communication with auditors, coordinates communication with departments, and reports all progress, issues, updates and findings.
• Participates in the development of the Town Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports, statements, and schedules for internal and external reporting, including audits and other government mandates.
• Implements standard operating procedures and identifies methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures.
• Assesses and monitors workload of the division, staff, accounting, financial, and reporting systems, and internal reporting including identifying opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations.
• Prepares, administers, and manages divisional budget, goals, objectives and priorities including maintaining adequate service and staffing levels.
• Assists in the preparation of agenda items related to the Town’s financials for Town Council review.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect assigned functions and operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Participates in the development, maintenance, interpretation and enforcement of policies and procedures governing fiscal matters.
• Provides, facilitates, and trains departments and staff regarding financials, policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of accounting and governmental accounting to include GAAP, GASB and public agency finance, rules and regulations.
• Experience with conducting, participating in and oversight of internal and external audits.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to financial operations and municipalities.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the assigned division.
• Advanced use of technologies and programs to be used for effective and efficient management of Town financials.
• Administrative principles and practices including goal setting, program development, implementation, and project management.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and advanced knowledge of computer equipment and applications related to the work performed.
• Techniques for providing high level customer service for both internal and external customers.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Establish, maintain, and foster collaborative, supportive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, and in alignment with the Town’s vision and values.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on time, and within budget.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Implement improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present financial information and in an effective and comprehensible manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the Town in meetings with Town Council, governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

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

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. A minimum of five (5) years of professional or governmental accounting experience and a minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various Town and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:


Search Schedule
Job Open: November 21, 2023
First Review of Applications: December 13, 2023
Virtual Oral Board Interviews: January 3, 2024
Second Round Interviews: January 10, 2024
 
A completed Town of Windsor application and supplemental questionnaire are required. Applications can be submitted through our website www.townofwindsor.com. Resumes will not be accepted without an application. For questions contact Human Resources at (707) 838-5310.
 
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for a practical exam, an oral interview or both.  Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion in the selection process. Once the recruitment has closed, please check your e-mail for any updates on your status in the interview process.
 
The Town of Windsor Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified disabled applicants.  Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Division in writing by the final filing date.
 
 
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Employment offers are normally made following reference and background checks and are always contingent upon fingerprint clearance and successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination given by a Town-designated physician.
 
Employment is contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Information contained in this announcement does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.  These provisions are subject to change.  All appointments are subject to the Town Manager's approval.
 
The Town of Windsor is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $106,365 - $132,844