About the Department
*OPEN ONLY TO CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED AN INITIAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
Plans, organizes, directs, manages and develops a department’s administrative, financial, purchasing, accounting, budget, payroll, and financial analysis/reporting functions as well as developing funding strategies and grants administration for the department. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative and financial management support to the department head. Directs, manages, and supervises integrated communications and customer service strategy. Assumes responsibility for a full range of complex and sensitive administrative projects.
SUPERVISION
Works under direction of a department director or designee, planning and arranging their own work. Instructions are occasionally provided and work is periodically reviewed. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over division staff, outlining work assignments, frequently reviewing work in progress, and reviewing completed work.
Position Duties
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities for a department’s administrative division.
Evaluates division plans, policies and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
Develops and manages personnel planning activities, responds and resolves personnel issues and problems, provides direction to division managers on personnel regulations, MOU administration within the divisions, as well as guidance on City/State/Federal laws, regulations and code.
Provides strategic planning by developing and implementing short and long term financial planning, financial forecasting, projection and analysis.
Develops and manages a citywide comprehensive multi-year capital improvement project (CIP) budget.
Develops procurement policies and procedures for the Department. Ensures compliance of procurement processes and administers contracts.
Monitors the procurement process to ensure fair competition for vendors and bidders.
Administers, manages and directs the full range of activities related to general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable and the tracking and accounting of fixed assets.
Coaches staff for improvement and development, trains, assigns, reviews and evaluates work performance, maintains standards, allocates personnel, selects new employees, acts on employee problems and recommends and implements employee discipline.
Directs the collection and recording of any cash revenues including revenue analysis and reconciliation.
Manages and participates in fee and cost allocation studies.
Directs, manages, and supervises the departments communications and customer service strategies.
Directs and coordinates the full range of analysis and reporting activities including financial analysis and financial performance monitoring. Oversees the development and administration of external and internal reporting, including but not limited federal and state reviews, quarterly reporting and monthly management reports.
Represents the department before City Council, boards and commissions, professional groups, at community meetings, and on inter-departmental working groups; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the Finance and Administrative fields.
May assume the duties of the department director in their absence.
Performs other duties, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and methods of municipal accounting, finance and public administration
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
Ability to:
Plan, manage and coordinate financial operations
Select, supervise and evaluate staff
Delegate, coach, motivate and counsel staff
Analyze and recommend solutions to complex financial problems and issues
Prepare, develop and administer complex budgets
Maintain accurate records
Exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions consistent with departmental goals and values
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Promote and implement the department’s vision, values, mission, plans and goals
Keep abreast of current industry developments and relevant legislation
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of individuals and community groups, City staff and the general public
Provide effective customer service
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a
variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Acknowledge, value and support diversity of thought, opinion and approach with customers and colleagues regardless of background, culture and organizational level
Execute work that adheres to the City’s stated principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion including, but not limited to, your “duty to act” to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons and historically underrepresented groups
Skill in:
Leadership, management and supervision
Effective written and verbal communication
Financial analysis
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications
Contract negotiation and administration
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required work experience.
Eight years of recent, paid and progressively responsible operational and administrative work experience in public finance operations. At least four years of the recent paid work experience must have included supervisory and management responsibilities. Public sector experience is desirable.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily indoors in a home office or work office environment, in accordance with the City’s Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy. Office work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen, with many interruptions and tight, frequently changing deadlines. Physical demands may include walking, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching and grasping. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.
Other Qualifications
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so will result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.
Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applications will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:
- Evaluation of Qualifications
- Oral Interview - 90%
- Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Seniority - 10%
Note: Applicants must have completed an initial probationary period by the filing date and have permanent status with the City of Santa Monica.
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.