City of Torrance
Salary
$209,604.00 – $310,152.00 Annually
Closing Date
12/11/2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Why Torrance?
Torrance California, the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, is a vibrant coastal city situated in the South Bay region of Southern California. With nearly 150,000 residents and a peak daytime population that grows to 250,000 or more, Torrance spans an area of almost 22 square miles, including a picturesque mile of beach. Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, boasting a rich history, an array of parks, excellent schools, and a thriving business sector. The City of Torrance is governed by the Mayor-Council-City Manager form of government with an elected Mayor and six Council Members who appoint a City Manager, a City Attorney, and members of 14 advisory commissions, boards, and council. The Executive team works under the direction of the City Manager based on merit principles. Torrance is a full-service city with an annual operating budget of $525.4 million, capital improvement plan of 182.1 million and a staff of over 1,600 organized in14 departments.
The Department
The Finance Department is responsible for maintaining the City’s financial health and monitors and reports on the City’s financial position. The Finance Department serves as an internal fiscal consultant and works in collaboration with other City departments to meet their service objectives and financial goals. The Department has five (5) divisions, which includes the following responsibilities and functions:
The Position
Accounting, Accounts Payable, Administration, Billing/Collection, Business License, Operating and Capital Budget, Financial Reporting, Internal Audits, Legislative Analysis, Payroll, Purchasing, Revenue Forecasting, Risk Management, Workers Compensation
Under administrative direction from the City Manager, the Finance Director manages all activities and operations of the Finance Department. As part of the City’s Executive Staff team, the Finance Director is responsible for all financial activities including accounting, auditing, business licensing, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting, revenue collection, risk management and workers’ compensation.
This role also provides strategic, professional, and technical assistance to the City Council and staff. As a representative of the City, the Finance Director often interfaces with and presents financial information to the community of Torrance in a public setting. This role involves monitoring status and forecasting City revenues, expenditures, and fund balances as well as identifying opportunities and introducing policy and procedural improvements within the organization, including recommending changes to systems for compliance with accounting regulations and procedures.
The Finance Director is responsible for selecting, developing, and supervising professional staff while providing leadership and overall direction.
Ideal Candidate
The City of Torrance is seeking a successful Finance Director who is a leader, strategist, expert communicator, and an authority regarding financial operations and risk management. As a vibrant community committed to financial and economic growth, Torrance needs a self-motivated leader committed to building trust and creating a shared vision and strategy
The Finance Director will be an experienced finance professional with a team-oriented approach and mentoring management style. This strategic leader will have experience providing responsive support, accurate information, and advice to a governing body. Knowledgeable in best practices, this accomplished professional will be adept at streamlining processes and procedures and automating manual efforts and transactions to increase efficiency. Additionally, it is essential that the incumbent have working knowledge of information technology security risks and cybersecurity reviews. A successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of building and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers (peers and subordinates), elected officials, citizens, and consultants. As a member of the Executive Management Team, the Finance Director will collaborate with team members to achieve the City’s short-term and long-term goals.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary range for the Finance Director is $209,604.00 – $310,152.00 per year. Placement within this range is dependent on experience and qualifications. The City also offers an excellent benefits package including:
Medical – The City contributes up to $1,595.96 monthly toward medical benefits.
Dental – Delta Dental PPO or Delta Care (DHMO).
Vision – Anthem Vision or Anthem Vision Buy-UP
Flexible Spending Account
CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members – 2% @ 55. New Member – 2% @ 62
Reimbursable Expenses – Up to $1,500 a year
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) for employee and household members
Life, Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, and Accidental
Death & Dismemberment Insurance Car Allowance – $716 per month.
Cell Phone Allowance – Issuance of city cell phone.
Admin Leave – 8 days per fiscal year.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field, and; eight years of progressively responsible financial experience in accounting, budgeting, or auditing, preferably in a governmental agency which includes at least three years of management experience of a major financial function or division, or in the management of financial audits of local government entities.
Possession of a Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration or a Certified Public Accountant may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Licenses and Certificates:
Valid California Class C Drivers’ License.
Certification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Management Accountant; or Graduate Degree in related field is desirable.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
The application filing period begins Wednesday, November 20, 2024, and closes Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Apply today at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Only those candidates who best meet the Department’s and City’s requirements will be invited to participate in the examination process.
The tentative examination timeline is as follows:
First Round of Interviews: December 18, 2024
Final Round of Interviews: January 8, 2025
Interested candidates are required to complete an online application and a resume that clearly demonstrates that qualifications have been met. Resumes must include start and end dates reported by month and year for each position held.
If you have any questions about the application/selection process, please contact Hedieh Khajavi, Human Resources Director, at (310) 618-2959 or HKhajavi@TorranceCA.Gov.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources before the examination date(s).
SPECIAL NOTES
Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions:
Requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as computers and calculators. Tasks require sound and visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communications ability. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting. Work involves frequently changing work priorities and the ability to meet deadlines. There will be off-site assignments and attendance at off-site meetings and conferences. Work may be required on evenings and weekends as needed.