Department Mission Statement: Protect the City's assets while providing and supporting the Torrance Community with sound financial advice in a timely, cost effective, and professional manner.
 
Monthly Salary RangeThis position is on a merit pay plan which is based on performance. During the first year of employment, meritorious work may be recognized with a special wage adjustment up to a maximum of 10% outside of the merit pool upon approval by the City Manager.
The Department
The Finance Department is a dynamic organization whose mission is to protect the City’s assets while providing and supporting the Torrance community with sound financial advice in a timely, cost effective and professional manner. The Finance department manages a citywide budget of $469 million ($296.0 million General Fund), and day to day operations is skillfully executed by 40 staff members. The Finance Director assists the City Manager in the Operating and Capital Improvement budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and Investment Committee, presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City’s financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Responsibilities of the Finance Department includes:
Responsibilities of the Finance Department includes:

• Accounting
• Accounts Payable
• Administration
• Billing/Collection
• Business License
• Capital Budget
• Financial Reporting
• Internal Audits
• Legislative Analysis
• Operating Budget
• Payroll
• Purchasing
• Revenue Forecasting
• Risk Management
• Workers’ Compensation
• Utility Billing

The Position
The Assistant Finance Director will report directly to and be responsible for assisting the Finance Director with planning, directing, and coordinating the fiscal management of the City of Torrance. This position provides support for the development and implementation of sound fiscal management policies and procedures across the City ensuring that management, regulatory, and other financial reporting requirements are met and all fiscal obligations are fulfilled. In addition, the Assistant Finance Director contributes to the management of department activities and services, coordinates work plans and personnel needs, and oversees various accounting and financial management functions.
For a full job description, click here.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 an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field; and five years of progressively responsible financial experience in accounting, budgeting, or auditing, preferably in a governmental agency which includes at least three years of experience supervising 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.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate possesses:

• Thorough knowledge of municipal financial practices and procedures, management and accounting practices and principles, and internal control techniques;
• CertificationasCertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA),CertifiedManagementAccountant,orGraduateDegreeina related field is desirable;
• Team player orientation with solid managerial skills;
• Proven problem solving skills;
• Ability to follow and/or prepare complex oral and written procedures.
• Strong oral communication and public speaking skills

Interested candidates are required to complete an online application with responses to the supplemental questions 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.
Key Dates
The application filing period is November 28, 2023 to December 27, 2023. 
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2023. The examination will consist of a qualifying application review and an oral interview (weighted 100%).
Only those candidates who best meet the Department's and City's requirements will be invited to participate in the examination process.The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative 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. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. For further information, click here.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and may be subject to a pre-employment medical examination.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.