Assistant Finance Director

Assistant Finance Director

Salary

$134,748.00 - $171,972.00 Annually

Location

City of Westminster, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-20

Department

Finance

Opening Date

05/05/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Do spreadsheets, budgets, audits, and financial strategy make your heart race just a little? Do you love turning complex numbers into smart decisions that keep an organization running smoothly? If so, the City is looking for a dynamic finance professional to help lead the team that keeps everything balanced, funded, and moving forward.

As the Assistant Finance Director, you'll be a key player behind the scenes of City operations - helping oversee major Finance Department functions like financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and strategic financial operations. You'll work alongside department leaders across the organization, collaborate with outside agencies and community partners, and help guide the City's financial future with confidence, creativity, and a sharp eye for detail.

This is more than balancing budgets and reviewing reports (although you'll definitely do that too). It's an opportunity to help shape policy, improve processes, solve problems, and support projects that make a real impact on the community every day.

In this role, you'll help plan, organize, and manage key Finance Department activities while providing leadership, guidance, and high-level professional support to the Finance Director. You'll build strong partnerships across departments, support strategic initiatives, and help ensure the City's financial operations remain accurate, efficient, and transparent. When the Finance Director is away, you'll confidently step in to lead the department and keep everything running smoothly.

The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist, collaborator, problem-solver, and finance expert - someone who can dive into detailed financial analysis one minute and help lead big-picture planning the next. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy improving systems and processes, and want a career where your work truly matters, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Come help us make numbers meaningful and public service impactful. Apply at Assistant Finance Director or Governmentjobs.com link

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Finance Director. Exercises general and direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is an Assistant Department Director classification in the Finance Department. The incumbent oversees, directs, and participates in major activities and programs of the Finance Department, including financial reporting, utilities and accounts receivable, and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Finance Director in a variety of areas. Assists in short- and long-term planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies. Responsibilities include performing and directing many of the departments day-to-day administrative functions. This class is distinguished from the Finance Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all finance programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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.

• Assists in planning, directing, and coordinating the Finance Departments work plan; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Prepare, analyze, and present complex financial reports, including the annual budget, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and grant reports.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs and projects.
• Participates in the development and administration of department budget.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, projects, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; directs and coordinates the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of the Citys Capital Improvement Program budget, including identifying and forecasting revenues, analyzing capital requests, projecting year-end balances, and preparing the year-end plan.
• Coordinates the design, implementation, and control of City-wide automated financial management information systems and related control and reporting procedures; coordinates various upgrade, implementation, and conversion projects; performs audits of accounting functions; conducts fiscal analyses and studies.
• Reviews, develops, and modifies accounting and control methods to improve existing procedures; ensures conformity to policy and increases effectiveness.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of various financial statements, records, and reports, and performs operational auditing of other City departments.
• Responds to requests for information and advises City departments, governmental agencies, and the public of City financial and accounting policies.
• Interfaces with City and outside attorneys on legal matters related to departmental operations.
• Serves as a liaison for the department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings in various locations; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces; participates in community events and workshops that provide public information regarding departmental programs, projects, and services.
• Participates in the preparation and review of the Citys water rate studies; responds to inquiries and provides information to consultants.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates on and makes presentations to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Acts as the Finance Director in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governmental agencies, particularly those promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
• GAAP financial statements for a governmental entity, including an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Best practices in managerial accounting and budgeting.
• Day-to-day operations of, and best practices in, accounts payable, payroll, general accounting, budget development and management, and enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems.
• Generally accepted governmental auditing standards.
• Grant accounting and financial management.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Principles and practices of finance program development, implementation, and management in a municipal setting.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of finance projects.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to municipal financial operations.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Prepare, analyze, and present complex financial reports the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and grant reports.
• Assist in preparing and administering large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of finance programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• 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.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

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 finance, accounting, economics, business or public administration, or a related field (proof required)*.

Five (5) years of management and/or administrative experience in municipal finance and accounting.

Licenses and Certifications:.

• Possessing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is also strongly preferred.

Supplemental Information

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 City 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 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.

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package to full time employees, including:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The Citys contract provides for the following retirement tiers:

Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after July 28, 2011): 2.0% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.

Tier 3/PEPRA (New Members hired on or after January 1, 2013): 2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute 8.25% of salary towards retirement costs.

The City of Westminster does not participate in Social Security.

INSURANCE BENEFITS: Effective January 1, 2024, the Citys cafeteria benefits plan provides $1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in a Family plan will receive an additional $400 per month towards the purchase of medical benefits (total of $2,000 per month).

Medical insurance is provided through the Cal-PERS health insurance program. Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefit of 66.6% of salary to a maximum of $10,000 per month; the City also provides a paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

VACATION: Employees earn 120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five (5) years. Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service. Employees are permitted to cash out accrued unused vacation hours a maximum of 2 times per calendar year.

HOLIDAYS: Employees receive eleven (11) paid City 9-hour fixed holidays, and an additional 27 hours of floating holiday time annually to be used at the employees discretion.

HOLIDAY FURLOUGH: City offices are closed between Christmas and New Years Day. Employees may use accumulated leave banks or elect leave without pay during the furlough.

SICK LEAVE: Employees earn 96 hours of paid sick leave per year. Employees may elect to cash out sick leave earned during the previous year at the rate of 50% of total value.

WORK SCHEDULE: The City offers flexible work schedules. Employees will have the option to work a 9/80, 4/10, or 5/8/40 work schedule. The City does not offer a Hybrid work schedule at this time.

LONGEVITY PAY: As an incentive for continuous service, employees are entitled to longevity pay at completion of the following service intervals:

• 21 years of service = 2.0% longevity pay
• 22 years of service = 4.0% longevity pay
• 23 years of service = 6.0% longevity pay
• 24 years of service = 8.0% longevity pay
• 25 years of service = 10.0% longevity pay

CELL PHONE / DATA PLAN REIMBURSEMENT: Employees who use their personal cell phone for business-related purposes may qualify for up to $60 per month reimbursement.

BILINGUAL PAY: The City provides $150 per month for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages including Spanish and Vietnamese.

For a more detailed overview of the benefits, please refer to the Resolution covering Management, Administrative, and Confidential Employees at: City Compensation/MOUs

01

Please describe your government/ municipal finance experience.

02

How many years of accounting experience do you have?

03

Do you have a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Please briefly describe your qualifications in terms of your education and experience as it relates to the City of Westminsters Assistant Finance Director position.

Required Question

Employer City of Westminster

Address 8200 Westminster Blvd.

Westminster, California, 92683

Phone 714-548-3244

Website http://www.westminster-ca.gov/