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The City of Sausalito is seeking qualified candidates for the Position of

Payroll Specialist

36 hours/4 days a week work schedule

This position is located in the City offices.

This is not remote/hybrid work.

Open until filled. First screening will occur April 22, 2024.  

Second screening will occur May 13, 2024.

Join our collaborative team today as a Payroll Specialist! Under general direction from the Finance Director, this position performs a variety of technical and professional payroll functions.

The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the Finance team, ensuring the City’s payroll operations meet all federal and state tax filing requirements and will be adept at managing tax withholdings, filings, and reporting. Duties include the processing and maintenance of the City's payroll, maintenance of employee payroll and leave records, preparing payroll reports, providing information to employees, and performing other related tasks to support the Finance Department.

The next challenging career opportunity awaits you! The Accountant position is an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated and skilled professional with experience in performing journey to complex accounting finance work preferably in a municipal setting. Competitive candidates will possess the ability to prepare, maintain, analyze, verify and reconcile complex financial transactions, statements, records and reports; maintain accuracy of the City’s ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; assists in the preparation of assigned budgets, annual audit, and year end closing; and provide staff assistance to management staff.   

Summary Description

Under direction, performs a variety of professional level accounting duties involved in preparing, maintaining, analyzing, verifying, and reconciling complex financial transactions, statements, records, and reports; maintains the accuracy of the City’s ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; assists in the preparation of assigned budgets, annual audit, and year end closing; and provides highly responsible staff assistance to assigned management staff.

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1.      Perform a variety of professional accounting functions supporting City-wide operations; maintain accuracy of general, revenue, and expenditure ledgers and subsidiary financial systems.

2.      Reconcile financial ledgers and records; prepare financial statements and reports, general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules; research and resolve discrepancies.

3.      Review and audit all accounts payable, purchase orders, cash receipts, business licenses, payroll, utility billing, and other accounting records and transactions; ensure money is posted to correct accounts and that all accounts balance.

4.      Provide assistance in the development of the annual budget; assist in the review and validation of the annual City budget; create a variety of spreadsheets, documents, and graphs; assist in preparing the final budget document for approval by City Council.

5.      Prepare bank reconciliations and related journal entries for a variety of accounts.

6.      Prepare a variety of monthly, periodic, and annual financial and statistical reports and account summaries; prepare treasurer reports; prepare and file annual State Controllers Report.

7.      Assist in preparation of year end closings and accompanying financial reports.

8.      Perform grant accounting work related to federal, state or grant agency funding; maintain records for audit purposes.

9.      Maintain and track fixed asset inventory control records for the City.

10.   Participate in the year-end audit; compile and prepare supporting schedules, work papers, and financial reports as requested by auditors.

11.   Prepare property tax remittances for payment.

12.   Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve issues in an efficient and timely manner.

13.   Provide responsible staff assistance to management staff; perform special department projects as assigned.

14.   Serve as department liaison to various City committees as necessary.

15.   Perform related duties as required.

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, manages and directs the Accounting Division of the Finance Department, including the budget development process and preparation of the budget book; budget monitoring, analysis and reporting; short- and long-range fiscal forecasting; ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures; and capital planning.  The Accounting Manager trains and evaluates assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

This is a single position classification at the managerial level in the Finance Department responsible for managing the budget and accounting functions. The Accounting Manager has a broad range of independence within policy and procedural limitations and works under minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable to the Finance Director for the quality and efficiency of services directed.  The Accounting Manager is expected to provide resources, system support, and oversight to all subordinate professional and paraprofessional staff. This position is responsible for the successful planning and implementation of the citywide budget process and the day-to-day accounting operations.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the activities of the Accounting Division including general accounting, accounts payable and payroll.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; work with employees on performance issues; and implement disciplinary procedures.
• Prepare, review and maintain journal entries and general ledger postings and supporting financial records and supervise the maintenance of the General Ledger.           

• Conduct and coordinate the annual audit and serve as the liaison between the City and the external auditors, provide requested information and necessary documentation for completion of the audit, and ensure timely completion of the audit, State Controller’s Office reports and other compliance reports as required.
• Oversee reconciliations of the City’s financial activities including bank accounts and investments, month-end and year-end close processes and prepare related reports.
• Plan and implement citywide budget process and related fiscal programs.
• Effectively communicate budget preparation calendar and information needs, capabilities, and limitations as well as budget policies, procedures and outcomes to departments, city officials, citizens, and other interested parties.
• Project citywide personnel costs on an annual basis and as needed.
• Monitor the City’s budget, perform budget analysis, prepare quarterly budget status reports, develop financial and capital plans, and prepare short- and long-range financial forecasts.
• Research and implement new budget initiatives that increase the usefulness and clarity of budget presentations and maximize staff efficiency.
• Conduct a variety of special studies; prepare and present various analyses, statistical compilations, and reports to City staff, City Council, or the public.
• Assist in the management of the City’s capital financing programs, including debt issuance.
• Facilitate development and implementation of improved processes and standard procedures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Department goals, policies, and priorities.
• Assist in operational administration of risk management activities as assigned.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled- Apply Immediately 

Interviews: TBD

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services, the Assistant Director serves as part of the management team of this municipal department and assists with planning, directing, coordinating and administering the functions of accounting, budgeting, and a wide range of support services including business licensing, payroll, utility billing, information technology and other functional areas of the Finance Department.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Responsibilities may involve direct or indirect supervision of any or all of the above functions with primary emphasis on accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, payroll, and information technology. 

The Assistant Director plays a critical role in the management of accounting functions and preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; development of City operating and capital budgets including preparing complex financial analyses, working with contract financial consultants and actuaries, developing payroll projections and providing support to labor negotiations, developing strategies to improve workflow and service delivery, and overseeing the internal service fund financial management and cost allocation.

The Assistant Director also plays a key role in evaluation of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system, including evaluation of the current and any future system, working with Finance staff in accounting, payroll, and information technology as well as Human Resources staff to ensure efficient implementation of all aspects of the system.

In addition, the Assistant Director prepares complex reports and presentations before the City Council and the public, represents the department in various meetings, resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, and serves as acting Director in the absence of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:   Current principles, practices and techniques of organization, administration, supervision, training, personnel management; principles of accounting and finance, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial management, revenue forecasting, risk management, automated financial information systems; and advanced applications of modern office software including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Ability to:  Prepare timely and accurate accounting and financial reports; analyze accounting systems and internal control procedures; recommend and implement changes for improvement; prepare computer spreadsheets, narrative reports and presentations; effectively supervise, train and coordinate the work of subordinate personnel; set goals and objectives for the work unit and ensure that they are carried out; develop performance criteria for the work unit and use the information collected to improve efficiency and effectiveness; interact positively with co-workers; deal tactfully, effectively and cooperatively with the public, elected officials and City employees; work independently and exercise sound judgment; interpret rules, policies and procedures; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations in support of organizational goals; and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Experience:  Six years of increasingly responsible experience in accounting, budgeting and management experience in a public agency, including four years in a supervisory capacity.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related fields. Additional certifications (e.g. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or advanced degrees) are desirable.

License:  Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

Senior Management Analyst I/II

Finance Department

Level I:  $7,985 - $9,705 per month

Level II:  $9,507 - $11,555 per month

Plus excellent benefits

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Friday, February 16, 2024, for first consideration

The City of San Rafael is recruiting to fill a Senior Management Analyst vacancy within the Finance Department.  This position will report directly to the Finance Director.   The Senior Management Analyst I/II will support the city-wide budget process, including operating and capital budgets as well as long-term financial planning/forecasting.  You will perform fiscal and policy analysis of city-run programs and services. As a critical member of the Finance team, you will evaluate opportunities for regional inter-governmental collaborations for improved service delivery or efficiencies, participate in inter-departmental teams on priority special projects (such as Enterprise Resource Planning-ERP-system participation), and review financial policies and procedures to ensure alignment with industry best practices. 

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION:

This position provides advanced staff level assistance to executive or other management level staff, performs a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative and analytic duties, including providing information to the public and communicating Department and City activities and programs. 

You will join a team of analysts across the City who are assigned to different departments but work together as a team on the important management, budget, communications, and analytic functions for the City. 

This position is part of the Unrepresented Mid-Managers group and is “at will”.  Employment may be terminated with or without cause or notice, at any time by the City of San Rafael. 

Senior Management Analyst I – this is the entry-level classification.  Initially incumbents perform the more routine administrative analysis on new and current projects while learning City policies and procedures and gaining specialized knowledge related to the area of assignment.  As experienced is gained, there is a greater independence of action within established guidelines. 

Senior Management Analyst II – this class is the full journey level class and is experienced to work independently in identifying the need for and developing changes to operating practices, systems, programs and policies.  Incumbents perform the full array of duties within the area of assignment, including complex analytical projects and providing staff support to department administration and city officials as well as working with high degree of independence in interacting with all levels of city employees, managers, elected officials, community groups, and other governmental agencies and the public. 

This position performs the following essential job duties (including but not limited to):

• Assists or leads projects, tasks, and assignments that are priorities for the senior management staff.
• Assumes direct responsibility for managing a variety of projects and programs; oversee assigned administrative support functions including budget.
• Supervises, plans, organizes, and reviews the work of lower level technical and clerical staff.
• Leads departmental communication efforts, providing information to the pubic and interacting with media on issues pertaining to the functions and issues of the Department and City.
• Participating in drafting and implementing Department and/or City-wide goals, policies, and procedures.
• Manages or participates in special projects, including complex research of new programs and services, budget analysis and preparation, and feasibility analyses; prepare and present reports; participates in a variety of Department operations.
• Reviews council reports to ensure financial information is accurate and that policy issues have been addressed in advance.
• Tracks the impact of State and Federal legislation on the Department or city and make recommendations regarding City positions. 
• Prepares and monitors department annual and capital budgets, mid-year budget review, work plans and periodic forecasts; provides complete analysis of revenues and expenditures for each program, re-forecasts and develops new budgets.
• Compiles narrative, fiscal and status reports on department, division, project and fund revenues and expenditures and assists with necessary adjustments.
• Compiles narrative, fiscal and status reports on department, division, project and fund revenues and expenditures and assists with necessary adjustments. 
• Prepares and administers various grants for the department; monitors active grants to ensure that all stipulations and regulations regarding the use of funds are met; and maintains required records to ensure compliance.
• Participates in the public information functions of the City’s Emergency Operation Center.
• Prepares City Council agenda reports.
• Acts as staff to City Advisory Committees as directed by senior executive staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

To be eligible for this position, you must have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of local government and public administration.
• Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation.
• State legislative procedures.
• Communication strategies.
• Public relations and relationship building.
• Negotiations.
• Computer skills including graphics software.
• Municipal budget development and administration.
• Grant writing and management.

To be eligible for this position, you must have the ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with management, staff, and the public.
• Evaluate program policy and practice.
• Plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of staff.
• Compile, organize and analyze complex statistical data.
• Prepare clear and concise analytical and financial reports.
• Prioritize and meet multiple, frequently changing deadlines.
• Work independently and collaboratively to resolve issues and reach consensus.
• Interpret, apply and communicate policies, procedures and regulations.
• Make oral presentations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.  A typical way to obtain these would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a related field.
• A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or business administration is highly desirable.

Senior Management Analyst I:

• Three to four years of progressively responsible analytical experience.

Senior Management Analyst II (in addition to the requirements for the Senior Management Analyst I, this level requires):

• Five years or more of experience performing increasingly complex, professional analytical work with a high degree of autonomy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license

See complete Senior Management Analyst I/II Job Description here.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is

required to use hands to finger coordination, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to video display and regularly works in inside environmental conditions.  The employee frequently works in evenings or weekends.  The employee occasionally works with use of personal vehicle.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application.  The examination process may include the following application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%.  Note:  Prior to appointment, candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background check/fingerprinting, and driving record.  To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Follow this link to submit your application:  https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20464983.

For more information about the City of San Rafael, please visit www.cityofsanrafael.org. 

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant.