Director of Finance

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under policy direction, from the General Manager and general direction of the Assistant General Manager, plans, organizes, controls, directs, integrates and evaluates the operations and activities of the Finance Department; provides professional, confidential, complex, and high-level supervision and coordination of Encina’s financial programs and assistance to the General Manager; plans, manages, organizes, and directs the implementation of financial strategies, financial affairs, financial planning, budgeting, accounting, cash management, procurement, inventory control and contracting; provides tactical support and consultation to other departments, Encina’s management team, and the Board of Directors on a broad range of issues; ensures financial operations and functions comply with applicable laws and regulations; serves as an execu­tive member of Encina; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides direct and indirect supervision to Finance Department staff.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of the Finance Department through executive practices that reflect Encina’s vision and values; develops, implements, and monitors tactical plan objectives that support the organization’s Strategic Plan and Mission; provides day-to-day leadership to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports and promotes Encina’s mission, vision, and values.

• Plans, organizes, and directs Encina’s financial programs and activities including general accounting, budget management, financial information processing and reporting, billing, cash management, inventory management, pension plan management, Other Post Employment Plan and trust-fund management, grant administration, and contract administration.

• Establishes Finance Department goals and evaluates the effectiveness of work processes, systems, and procedures; works with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and staff to establish Encina’s annual tactical goals, objectives, service needs, and potential solutions to issues.

• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates department staff; establishes and monitors performance standards and performance development targets; actively engages in succession management to include leading the department’s workforce planning efforts and encouraging related staff development through appropriate development activities; implements personnel policies and procedures in accordance with Encina’s Human Resources Policy Manual. 

• Plans, organizes, and directs Encina’s budget preparation and administration including the forecast of anticipated revenues and expenses, assimilation and analysis of departmental expenditure requests, preparation of long-term projections, and budget presentation preparation and approach; presents budget to Encina’s Executive Team, committees, and the Board of Directors; conducts complex cost and member-agency capacity analyses of ownership and allocation issues for budget preparation.

• Oversees the disbursement of all monies and controls all expenditures to ensure budget appropriations are not exceeded.

• Plans, directs and oversees accounting functions according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and standards issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); prepares and supervises the preparation of reports to various county, state and federal agencies as required; oversees Encina’s annual audit process; manages the year-end closing process to meet critical deadlines regarding annual disclosure requirements; ensures compliance with Encina’s federal and state grant funding requirements, grant payments, grant reporting and grant audit compliance.

• Plans, organizes and directs the production of all external financial reporting requirements, including quarterly and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); prepares and supervises the preparation of reports to the State Controller. 

• Plans, organizes, directs, and develops Encina’s accounting information system, related internal control permissions, processing workflow structure, and system maintenance.

• Continuously monitors and evaluates Encina’s financial position and seeks opportunities to enhance and strengthen its position by proposing strategies and restructuring programs to improve revenue including billing rates, rate structure, and billing practices; reduces operating expenses and optimizes reporting and processing practices.

• Analyzes, develops, and reviews reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations involving a broad range of revenue, financing, and financial management issues; monitors developments related to finance and funding matters and evaluates their impact on Encina operations and financial programs; recommends policy and procedural improvements. 

• Prepares and presents financial reports, both orally and in writing, to Encina’s management group, the Board of Directors, Board subcommittees and Member Agency Managers.

• Consults with and provides technical support to other department managers and staff on financial operational, organizational, and administrative issues; participates in the development of annual work plans, long-range planning objectives, feasibility studies, master plans and other technical studies, agenda materials/strategies, operational policies, and procedures. 

• Coordinates interdepartmental projects, implementation of policy and changes in service levels and delivery systems; provides consultative direction to managers on organizational matters and/or operational effectiveness. 

• Represents and promotes Encina’s positions at local, state, and federal forums.

• Ensures confidentiality of personnel information.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Wastewater resource and project planning, financial accounting auditing, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, contract administration, and inventory control principles.

• Joint Power Authority’s public administration policies, practices, procedures, laws, and ordinances.

• Advanced governmental accounting theory, practices and financial statement preparation, as well as state and federal grants management and fund management.

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting and financial reporting standards and their application, disclosure, and reporting in a public agency setting.

• Budgeting, internal control and audit principles and practices.

• Principles, practices, laws and regulations governing the investment and management of public funds.

• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to the financial administration of a public agency.

• Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, contracting, purchasing and maintaining public records.

• Principles and practices of internal consulting, customer service, training, facilitation and conflict resolution. 

• Principles and practices of labor management relations, including negotiation techniques and the development of employer related policies and practices.

• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision with an organization-wide perspective.

• Principles and practices of organization, leadership, and culture change.

• Principles and practices of sound business communication.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan and direct the highly varied and complex functions of the Finance Department including financial and budgetary management, financial reporting and compliance, contract administration, procurement and inventory management.

• Analyze short- and long-term financing requirements and develop financing priorities and strategies.

• Evaluate investment vehicles and strategies and make sound, prudent investment decisions that maximize financial return while safeguarding Encina’s assets.

• Understand, interpret, explain and apply Encina, state and federal policy, laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility.

• Work collaboratively with Encina’s management, staff, the Board of Directors, Board subcommittees and Member Agency Managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.

• Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with financial best practices and applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies.

• Communicate effectively, make presentations and represent Encina in negotiations and dealings with a variety of stakeholders.

• Conduct research, interpret data and present reports, proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Select, motivate and evaluate managers and staff and provide for their training and professional development.

• Organize, set priorities and exercise expert, independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and internal controls.

• Operate a computer, standard business software and applications, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Tyler Munis and other specialized financial software, systems, and tools.

• Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

Supplemental Information

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public or business administration, engineering, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

• A master’s degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

Eight years of increasingly responsible related experience, including three years in a supervisory or management capacity.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in an active status. 

• Possession of a current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desired but not required.

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license and ability to be insured under Encina’s automobile coverage or the ability to travel to other locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee normally works in an office environment typical of a regional wastewater treatment and disposal enterprise. Noise levels are usually low to moderate.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary office classification requiring movement between internal work areas and ability to position oneself to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must be able to operate a computer and standard office equipment including printers, copiers and handheld equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person, before groups, over the phone and electronically. Employee frequently moves light materials and objects weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally heavier objects with the use of aid or equipment.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions; work under intensive deadlines and interact with managers, government officials, regulators, employees, and the public.

COMPETITIVE PROCESS:
The position is open until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. First review of applications will be October 15, 2026.  The selection process may include one or more assessment components designed to evaluate the qualifications and competencies required for the position. Components may include, but are not limited to, written examinations, technical assessments, panel interviews, management interviews, presentations, work simulations, and other job-related evaluation methods. Participation in one or more phases of the selection process may be required to remain under consideration for employment.

Visit our website at: https://encinajpa.com to learn more!

WHO WE ARE:

The Encina Wastewater Authority (Encina) is a public joint powers authority located in North San Diego County. Founded in 1961, Encina provides regulated and wastewater treatment services to approximately 380,000 residents and industrial users in a 123-square mile service area. Encina accomplishes this through the operation, maintenance, and administration of the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF) on behalf of its six (6) Member Agencies: The City of Carlsbad, The City of Vista, Buena Sanitation District, Vallecitos Water District, The City of Encinitas, and Leucadia Wastewater District.

Encina is a model of excellence and innovation. Encina has received over 40 awards for organizational excellence and innovation over the past decade. This reflects the competence of Encina’s highly qualified, trained, and certified workforce.

Encina has long been a leader in the wastewater industry while still remaining within the industry standards for cost of service. Encina was one of the first in the nation to adopt a cogeneration model back in the 1980’s, one of the first in the state and nation to adopt a heat dryer model, and one of the first in the nation to use beer waste as a power generation source in 2017. Because of Encina’s unique approach within the industry, it provides exceptional value for its member agencies and ratepayers.