Financial Services Manager in Gardena, California at City of Gardena

Under general direction, plans, organizes and supervises the work of staff assigned to grants, revenue collection, budget, procurement, payroll, accounting support and other financial and administrative functions of the City's Transportation Department, Gardena Transit (GTrans).
Representative Duties
Plans, organizes, supervises, prioritizes, monitors and evaluates the work of staff engaged in transit related administrative duties including preparing and negotiating transit contracts, DBE/EEO plan requirements, operating and funding contracts, grants, fiscal planning, budgets expenditures, accounting support, financial progress reports, service and needs assessments, internal control and audit activities.

Researches, analyzes and identifies applicable grant funding sources for GTrans from local, state, federal government and private foundation programs. Develops reporting schedules for each grant received to ensure timeliness of required program and financial reports.

Prepares and presents grant proposal recommendations to department management for approval. Prepares grant applications following the specific requirements of each grant program.

Gathers all grant data and prepares report submissions and requests for revenues. Maintains accurate and updated records on grant revenues and makes recommendations for improvement to GTrans grant tracking procedures.

Develops and implements proposals for transit system service improvements and modification; develops effectiveness and efficiency measures to accomplish strategic goals; ensures compliance with federal and state requirements and contract provisions.

Monitors legislative and regulatory activities related to grant funding and transit/transportation programs. Consults and works closely with appropriate division staff on legislative and regulatory issues.

Responsible for reporting, agency-wide compliance (i.e. FTA Tri-Annual Review, NTD reporting, State Controller).

Prepares, maintains and updates the Transportation Development Act/State Transit Assistance Claim on a timely basis. Negotiates and prepares the Memorandum of Understanding agreements with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Association for funding sources received by GTrans. Provides accurate and timely information on the funding and programming of Local Return programs to ensure that no funding is lost due to lapsing of funds.

Prepares, maintains and updates the annual Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) forms.

Proactively identifies risks and ensures consistent and appropriate controls and safeguards on all financial and administrative activities including accounting, budgeting, purchasing, cash handling, deposits and investments, contract documentation, records retention, etc.

Plans, organizes and oversees the production and management of the department's annual operating and capital improvement budgets.

Develops and provides appropriate processes for managing finances of projects. Monitors compliance and troubleshoots as needed.

Develops long range financial plans, scenarios and forecasts including preparation of financial and statistical reports.

Oversees coordination of all audit process.

Prepares and presents written and verbal reports, including staff reports to City Council.

Assists with the drafting and issuance of Request for Proposal's (RFP's).

Conducts complex analyses, researches projects, and studies and reviews analytical and financial activities within the department.

Monitors revenue collection and establishes and maintains cash handling internal procedures.

Investigates personnel actions, incidents and grievances; evaluates performance, counsels subordinates and recommends disciplinary action.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities
The Financial Services Manager (FSM) reports to the Transit Administrative Officer and oversees administrative staff assigned to the Administrative and Finance Division. The FSM provides technical support to the Transportation Director.

Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or closely related field.

Five (5) years of recent, paid progressively responsible and varied professional work experience in public transit finance, grant oversight, maintenance of accounting and fiscal records. At least three (3) years of the recent paid work experience must have included supervisory and management responsibilities. A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required work experience. Experience in a transit agency is desirable.

Knowledge
Must have knowledge of: principles, practices, and techniques of accounting; finance and public administration; Federal and State procurement practices and principles; generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); inventory control practices and procedures; laws, regulations and reporting requirements pertaining to municipal finance administration; principles, practices and techniques of capital and operating budget processes and contract negotiation and management; effective metrics and/or performance based management measurement techniques; principles of leadership, supervision and personnel management; advanced principles and methods of research, analysis and reporting; effective customer service techniques, public transit agencies, organizations programs and activities; of purchasing methods and procedures; of techniques of effective record keeping and report writing; of computer applications and software related to accounting and fiscal management; of budget development, forecast modeling and expenditure control.

Abilities
Must have the ability to: manage and coordinate the financial operations of a public transit organization; select, supervise and evaluate staff; delegate, coach, motivate and counsel staff; analyze and recommend solutions to complex financial problems and issues; read, write and effectively communicate in English; to supervise, plan, organize and evaluate the work of subordinates; to meet schedules and time lines; to use a personal computer and applicable software applications; to develop a budget and prepare reports; to interpret and apply policies, laws and regulations and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, City Ordinances and Council Directives; to effectively represent the fiscal functions of the department with concerned management staff, agencies, individuals, and community organizations; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with the public, City departments and City boards; and to provide effective customer service.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors within a busy office environment and will involve sitting, standing, walking, twisting (neck & waist), driving, listening, writing, grasping, holding, reaching, and bending (neck & waist). Offsite work may occasionally be required.

License
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.

Special Conditions
Designated Management-level position;
Must file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) with the City Clerk;
Subject to background checks and verifications;
Must be able to pass a job related medical exam, which includes drug and alcohol testing;
Must be at least 21 years of age.

Testing Process

• Minimum Qualifications Screening - Pass/Fail
• Supplemental Questions - Pass/Fail
• Oral Interview - 100% of total score

*Testing process is subject to change
Candidates must pass all examinations to be placed on the eligible list.

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the next step in the selection process. All candidate materials will be carefully evaluated and only those considered best qualified will be invited to the next step in the selection process