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Santa Margarita Water District

Controller

Santa Margarita Water District, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, United States, 92688


Salary :

$174,627.83 - $240,726.39 Annually

Location :

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Job Type:

Full-Time Non Represented

Job Number:

2024-39

Department:

Finance

Opening Date:

10/03/2024

Closing Date:

Continuous

Job Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions.

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking an experienced and strategic Controller to oversee the financial operations of one of California's leading water and wastewater agencies. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to support critical water and wastewater services while shaping the financial integrity and sustainability of the District. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will lead a talented team and champion financial excellence.

The Controller is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the work of the accounting team, which includes budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, and contract administration. This role is vital in ensuring compliance, maintaining financial records, and preparing accurate reports for the District and its Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs).

At Santa Margarita Water District, we are dedicated to delivering reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services to our community. By joining our team, you'll play a crucial role in safeguarding our financial health and supporting innovative projects that make a lasting impact on the environment and the people we serve.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction, plans, organizes and manages the work of accounting staff responsible for the financial services of the District including accounting, budget preparation, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and contract administration; bond and grant accounting and reporting; participates in the preparation, maintenance and interpretation of financial records for the District and Joint Powers Authority (JPA); manages the District's financial budgets for capital projects and operating activities; ensures proper system of internal controls is in place; provides professional assistance and guidance to the District's managers and supervisors in areas of expertise.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Controller is responsible for the maintenance of the District's accounting records, including the general ledger, and prepares periodic and annual financial statements and reports of accounting and financial transactions, activities and funds. The incumbent manages the work of professional and technical accounting staff engaged in processing accounting transactions to the general ledger, reconciling accounts and preparing adjustments, and preparing and monitoring operational and capital budgets. The incumbent performs specialized and complex financial and cost accounting analyses and participates in the audit of District financial records. Work requires seasoned judgment and a high degree of initiative and independence.

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and directs the work of the accounting, budget, forecasting, payroll, and purchasing staff. This class is distinguished from the Chief Financial Officer in that the latter has overall management responsibility for all functions of the Finance Department and for developing, implementing and interpreting public policy.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Plans, directs, participates, organizes, controls, integrates and reviews/evaluates the work of the assigned section; with subordinate supervisors and/or staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budgets and forecasts; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards. Manages the performance of section staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to management concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with District human resources policies and labor contract agreements. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and the District's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility. Participates in the formulation and implementation of departmental policy, planning and strategic development; leads and directs staff in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality automation and innovation in department work processes. Through subordinate supervisors and/or staff, oversees the analysis, development, implementation and monitoring of monthly and annual financial statements and schedules including District and JPA CAFRs; supervises the preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, financial reports and schedules; prepares Board letters and attends Board meetings to provide explanations and answer questions; oversees and directs month-end, quarterly and year-end closing processes. Researches and works with department heads and other staff to resolve accounting and reporting problems and discrepancies; performs a variety of complex financial and accounting analyses including cost accounting analyses for specific programs and operations; participates in preparation of the annual CAFR. Oversees the preparation of and administers the annual budget and advises departments or JPA of budget-related policies and procedures, timelines, budget issues, policies and procedures, assists in the maintenance of proper budgetary controls; assists in the development and implementation of new revenue opportunities and cost-recovery programs; ensures compliance with debt covenants; establishes accounts and monitors revenue coverage and reserves for compliance; assists with the evaluation and implementation of improvements to the District's administrative and financial internal control systems and procedures. Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, presentations and other materials, such as detailed accounting analyses, statistical compilations and narrative reports for the purposes of disclosing and presenting information to District management, the Board of Directors and the public. Presents financial information, including audit results, to the Board of Directors. Participates in complex administrative or management studies relating to District activities regarding such areas as organizational structure, staffing space requirements, cost analysis, productivity, policy or procedure modifications; identifies problems, determines analytical approach, obtains and analyzes necessary information; evaluates alternative courses of action and makes recommendations; prepares reports of study conclusions; assists in the development of implementation plans and the implementation of policy and procedural modifications. Recommends and ensures compliance with accounting policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure the integrity of District financial operations and compliance with all legal requirements. Coordinates the annual independent financial audit and responds to inquiries. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, methods and techniques of public finance administration including goal setting and the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs of the assigned section. Principles and practices of budget development, revenue forecasting, budget development, administration and accountability. Principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures. Strong technical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Principles and practices of financial information systems and software and their application to District operations. Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, budgeting, forecasting, purchasing and maintaining public records. Research methods and statistical analysis techniques. Familiarity with water rate financial concepts. Principles and practices of effective management and supervision. Principles and practices of sound business communications. District human resources policies and labor contract provisions. Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work. Ability to:

Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review and evaluate a variety of finance-related programs. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies. Establish and manage the maintenance of municipal financial systems. Prepare complex financial, economic, statistical and administrative reports and analyses. Administer programs and the work of staff directly and through subordinate levels of supervision. Analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner. Make accurate arithmetic, financial and statistical computations. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner. Conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports. Exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances. Represent the District effectively in dealings with governmental agencies, professional groups and regulatory and legislative organizations. Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of software programs and databases related to area of assignment. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Additional Information

QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting or related field and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, including two years at a supervisory or managerial capacity.

Public agency experience, particularly in water or wastewater agencies, is preferred.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.

Possession of a California Board of Accountancy (CPA) License is required.

Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM:

As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment with full-time status.

DENTAL INSURANCE:

The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

VISION INSURANCE:

The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT:

The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through Lincoln Financial with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):

The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.

GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL:

General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries. First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours. Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours. Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours. Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period. DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates. HOLIDAYS:

The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.

FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT:

Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.

LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:

A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional well-being.

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT:

All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.

The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.

01

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting or related field from a four-year college or university?

Yes No

02

Do you have a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience, at a supervisory or managerial level, providing direction and oversight for financial services and managing staff in a public agency or corporate finance environment.

Yes No

03

Do you possess certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

Yes No

04

If yes, what is your CPA license number?

05

Describe your experience supervising and evaluating the work of others.

06

Describe your overall leadership style.

07

Describe your experience with writing reports to or presenting financial data to other departments, board of directors, or external parties.

Required Question