Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Financial Services Specialist II

Recruitment #RT-0214-04

Introduction

This is a reinstatement, transfer or voluntary demotion opportunity for current and former regularly appointed employees of Alameda County.

Reinstatement:
Pursuant to Civil Service Rule 1744: On the request of a department head and approval of the Commission, a regularly appointed employee who resigned in good standing may, within three years after the effective date of his/her resignation, be reinstated in a position in the class from which he/she resigned or in a position in another class for which he/she may be eligible as determined by the Commission. Appointments by reinstatement following resignation are subject to the probationary period established for the class. You must have been a classified County employee in the same job code or in a job code at the same salary maximum and left the County in good standing. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Transfer:
You must be a current County classified employee in the same job code or in a job code with the same salary maximum for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Voluntary Demotion:
You must be a current County classified employee in a job code which is at a higher salary maximum than the vacancy for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

DESCRIPTION

THE DEPARTMENT
Our mission is to zealously protect and defend the rights of our clients through compassionate and inspired legal representation of the highest quality, in pursuit of a fair and unbiased system of justice for all. We were the second public defender’s office created in California, chartered in 1927 by Earl Warren. He would later go on to become Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. During its first year, our office employed two lawyers.

Today, there are 100 attorneys, 18 investigators and a support staff of 40, who together handle approximately 40,000 cases a year. In 2012, the office was named the "Best Law Firm" in the East Bay by the Alameda County Bar Association. Within the pages of this website, you will find information regarding the role, functions, and services of the Public Defender, the history of the Office, answers to frequently asked questions, a directory of our law office locations, and employment information.

To learn more, visit http://acgov.org/defender/

THE POSITION
Under direction, to provide professional-level financial services in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, and grants management to County departments and agencies; to conduct a variety of studies and inquiries and perform financial analytic and administrative work; and to do related work as required.

Positions in this class series are normally found in County departments with multiple budgets and funding sources and/or with extensive contracting with service providers or community-based organizations. In addition to the provision of financial services, responsibilities also include performing general administrative services work, planning and conducting analytical studies and overseeing support functions and staff. Although the work is diverse, all positions are typically characterized by all of the following elements:

1. Independent decision-making.

2. Knowledge of governmental financial processes and systems.

3. Ability to conduct financial analysis and formulate financial recommendations; and

4. Limited availability or nature of supervision.

TYPICAL DUTIES

NOTE: The following are duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Makes revenue and expenditure projections for one or multiple budgets; compiles figures, prepares justifications and participates in the annual budget development process.

2. Prepares and reviews claims for reimbursement and cost reports prior to submission to funding agencies for completeness, accuracy and compliance with regulations, policies and procedures; monitor and reconciles received grant funds; contacts claim originators if questions or issues arise; makes required corrections so as to maximize legitimate reimbursable claims.

3. Acts as fiscal liaison between the department and the County with direct service providers and Community Based Organizations (CBO's); provides technical assistance to such individuals and groups to ensure that program guidelines are being fulfilled; and manages CBO contracts

4. Prepares grant requests and implementation documents after award; maintains records and submits reports to the funding agencies or organizations; answers questions and provides information during the auditing process.

5. Administers or coordinates the administration of service provision, construction, personal service or consultant contracts; prepares contract documents; reviews requests for payment and ensures that contract provisions are met and that appropriate approvals are received.

6. Monitors departmental revenues and expenditures; reviews and approves invoices for payment; ensures proper allocation of expenditures to the appropriate fund and the availability of funds; reviews revenue and expenditure reports, prepares tracking and summary reports and transfers funds as required.

7. Plans and conducts fiscal, administrative or operational studies; determines information gathering processes; obtains required information for analysis; evaluates alternatives and makes recommendations; prepares reports and makes presentations.

8. Acts as liaison for the unit to which assigned with other County departments, representatives of other organizations, program participants and the public; serves on a variety of committees and task forces.

9. Interprets and applies a variety of policies, rules and regulations; provides information which may require tact and judgment to employees and others.

10. Performs such general administrative tasks as drafting and modifying policies and procedures, preparing letters to the Board of Supervisors, Financial Recommendation and Budget Tracking form for the Board letter, assisting with personnel, purchasing and other functions and coordinating activities of the unit with those of other departments.

11. Plans, assigns, provides work direction to and reviews the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.

12. Prepares a variety of correspondence, periodic and special reports, procedures and other written materials; may access varied data bases or use information from various sources to prepare such materials; uses computer software to develop and maintain databases and spreadsheets.

13. Maintains accurate records and files related to work performed.

14. Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a word processor and/or computer; may drive a County or personal vehicle to attend meetings.

15. Develops and manages contract process for RFPs, RFQs, IRFQs including all master documents, bid processes, meetings and board letters.

16. Provides routine review and analysis of budget expenses and projections to keep the department on track including BUES reviews and budget adjustments.

17. Develops the annual budget documents and presentation and prepares other required budgetary documents for the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Financial Services Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II


Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, accounting, economics, financial planning or a field related to the work. (Additional professional financial planning and support experience equivalent to the County’s classification of Financial Services Specialist I may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

And

Experience:

Equivalent to one year of full-time professional-level experience in areas of budget development and processing, contract negotiation and administration, financial planning and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, grant management or similar financial services equivalent to that performed by the Alameda County classified service of Financial Services Specialist I.

Licenses: Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of governmental budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract and grant administration.
• Financial record-keeping and auditing practices.
• Practices and techniques of administrative analysis and report preparation.
• Applicable federal, state and local policies and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work, such as word processing, data bases and spreadsheets. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.

Ability to:

• Develop and administer multiple budgets.
• Monitor fiscal transactions and audit fiscal records and documentation.
• Plan and conduct administrative and operational studies.
• Interpret, explain and apply financial regulations, policies and procedures.
• Direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate financial records and audit data.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Clearly and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; write contract documents, electronic mail, and Board letters to the Board of Supervisors at a professional skill level.
• Communicate fluently using the English language to present and request information to/from internal and external customers effectively by phone or in person.

Selection Plan

To apply please contact Desiree Sellati (510) 272-6621 or desiree.sellati@acgov.org to apply.

You are encouraged to apply immediately as this posting is open until filled and may close at anytime.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Welfare Benefits

  • Medical – HMO & PPO Insurance
  • Dental – PPO & DHMO Insurance  
  • Vision
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage) 
  • County Allowance (Employer Credit)
  • Health Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
  • Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan

For your Work/Life Balance

  • 11 paid holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Management Paid Leave**
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Group Legal
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
  • Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
  • Child Care Resources
  • 1st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.