Assists and supports the Director of Finance in managing the operations and activities of the Finance department. Plans, organizes, and manages the work of financial services personnel, and other related activities and functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Work is performed in a standard office environment. 

Light physical demands; frequent use of a personal computer and standard office equipment.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

• Develops, reviews, recommends, and implements policies, plans, and strategies to meet financial goals and objectives, resolve financial issues, determine resource requirements, and program deliverables; determines scope and priorities of projects and develops programs and policies to support present and future financial needs. 
• Exercises independent judgment within general policy guidelines to meet established departmental goals, objectives, and directives; establishes and communicates performance standards and objectives to meet performance targets and assure deadlines and standards are met; directs the continuous improvement of work products to assure the overall integrity of the support and functionality of Department products and services.
• Meets regularly with staff to review work in progress, discuss and resolve administrative, workload, and technical issues, and to prioritize and assign tasks and projects; evaluates and analyzes functions, resources, processes, and procedures to identify issues and recommend changes for improvement; interprets applicable rules and regulations to provide leadership and guidance in developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures. 
• Manages staff through proper delegation and work supervision to provide appropriate levels of service and resources; coordinates and manages various special and recurring projects, monitors work, evaluates performance, trains, counsels, coaches, and instructs employees in order to meet established goals and objectives; ensures adherence to established policies and procedures to remain in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Works with other departments, agencies, management, and elected officials to provide accurate and timely information related to assigned functions; keeps current on financial regulations, and legislative issues to identify areas of concern for management. 
• Develops, implements, and monitors department budget, approves budget expenditures; prepares and reviews operational analyses of program costs, revenue streams, fees, and revenue enhancement opportunities; prepares and presents special and recurring reports; prepares financial reports to City management and Council; reviews and approves reports to state and federal agencies and ensure compliance with the monitoring and handling of local, state and federal funds. 
• Coordinates and participates in the work of staff engaged in booking financial transactions and maintenance of the general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and other accounting records; oversees the reconciliation of accounts and records; maintains specialized accounting and financial record.
• Provides professional recommendations on complex situations involving the booking of expenses; provides direction on difficult and unusual accounting and reporting issues; audits and monitors City accounting activities to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and mandates.
• Manages, supervises, and participates in preparation of interim and annual financial statements, schedules, working papers, and notes; supervises and prepares periodic financial reports to departments, City management, City Council, and other organizations; performs a variety of complex financial and accounting analyses, including cost accounting analyses for specific programs and operations.
• Formulates and implements, or recommends, accounting "best practice" policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure the integrity of the City's financial operations and compliance with all legal requirements in coordination with the Director of Finance.
• Reviews, monitors, and analyzes investment portfolio; checks and reviews daily, monthly, and annual cash flow while monitoring investment policy compliance.
• Participates on various City committees, offering financial expertise and knowledge; coordinates activities among various divisions of the Finance Department.
• Acts for the Director of Finance in the event of absence.

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field AND five (5) years of progressively responsible professional finance or accounting experience in municipal agency with at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.