Details
Posted: 14-Jun-22
Location: Eureka, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $77,971 to $112,333 per year
Categories:
Finance
Job Announcement
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is a joint powers agency located in Eureka, in beautiful Humboldt County, California. Humboldt County offers a high quality of life, with open space and fresh air commensurate with more rural California, combined with diverse cultural heritages and a growing economy. The area offers a wide range of amenities beyond the workplace including a vibrant arts scene, serene beaches and coastline, mountains and scenic rivers, high-performing public schools, and many community organizations dedicated to social and environmental causes. Humboldt County is also currently experiencing an economic revival, with Humboldt Bay positioned to become the center of California’s offshore wind industry; the installation of new trans-Pacific fiber optic cables; and Humboldt State University recently designated as Cal Poly Humboldt, California’s third state polytechnic and the first in Northern California.
RCEA was formed in 2003 by the County of Humboldt and incorporated cities within the county to create a local government organization devoted to developing and implementing sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region. In 2017, RCEA launched its Community Choice Energy (CCE) program to procure electricity for participating customers within Humboldt County. In addition to the CCE program, RCEA currently implements programs that are supported by electricity ratepayers in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission and Pacific Gas and Electric Company and receives grant funding from various other government and non-government entities. RCEA’s current fiscal year budget was in the range of $50M and next fiscal year’s budget is proposed to be in the range of $90M. Although much of the budget is comprised of a few large energy transactions, RCEA operations continue to grow in complexity and have required diligent adaptation and flexibility.
RCEA is seeking a finance manager to be a key member of the Business Planning and Finance team. The Finance Manager role effectively manages various fiscal operations of RCEA to be compliant with applicable laws, policies, and governmental reporting requirements, ensure confidence in the accuracy of financial data, and support and promote RCEA’s integrity and mission.
The Ideal Candidate
• Diligent, detail-oriented, and process-oriented
• Maintains a high level of integrity
• Comprehensive financial recordkeeping and reporting experience
• Familiarity or experience with accounting functions at a government agency
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and make recommendations
• Excellent business judgment and decision-making skills
• Experience with QuickBooks and other accounting and data management software programs
• Works well independently while clearly communicating with the team and others
• Learns quickly and easily adapts to changes
The Position
The Manager/Senior Manager role works under the general direction of the Director of Business Planning & Finance and has responsibility for a wide range of matters related to RCEA’s finance function, including AR/AP, payroll, bookkeeping and purchasing. This position also assists with fiscal auditing processes, planning and implementing policy and process improvements, and ensuring knowledge of and compliance with fiscal policies and procedures. The position requires knowledge of office administrative practices, accounting principles and practices, and management and coordination of payroll, AR, and AP cycles.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Duties are illustrative and may vary. Other duties may be assigned.
• Timely processing of routine functions, including AR/AP
• Maintaining general ledger including performing general journal entries and reconciling accounts
• Preparing documentation for auditor and implementing auditor recommendations
• Reporting financial information to other managers, government agencies, and funders
• Developing and maintaining effective electronic and paper filing systems for financial records that comply with program and audit requirements
• Review and recording of payroll, including preparation of tax reports and year-end W- 2 forms
• Evaluating operations and activities of assigned systems and procedures; recommending improvements
and modifications; participating in policy development and implementation.
• Conduct banking activities as needed
• Assists with grant and program audits, and other evaluation activities on an as-needed basis
• Represents and enforces RCEA policies and procedures and implements staff training.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience/Education: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
• Education or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or greater in accounting, business administration or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years (7 years for Senior Manager designation) of progressively responsible experience in accounting, preferably in the public sector.
Knowledge of:
• Generally accepted accounting principles and practices
• Accounting software, such as QuickBooks
• Management of funding sources such as service agreements, grants, and credit facilities.
• Payroll processes
• Procurement best practices
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including operating office equipment and business software applications such as MS Office
Ability to:
• Perform data entry, maintain organized and accurate filing systems, and prepare reports and other business communications
• Identify and solve problems
• Learn, interpret, and apply policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Work collaboratively with staff and third parties with tact and commitment to superior service and performance
• Manage multiple daily tasks, meet deadlines, and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree or professional certification in business administration, accounting, or related field
• Knowledge of RCEA and its programs
• Knowledge of grant or fund accounting
• Prior experience working with public agencies
• Experience with supervision or delegation
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial context.
Working Conditions and Essential Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required for the position. Position requires sitting, walking, standing, bending, and twisting in the performance of daily activities. The position requires hand manipulation and repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and other office equipment. The position requires near and far vision in reading reports and use of a computer. Acute hearing is required in supporting meetings and providing phone and in-person customer service. The position occasionally requires lifting and/or moving objects. RCEA will make reasonable accommodation of the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability upon request. Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license or the ability to provide alternate transportation and a safe driving record is required.
Vaccination requirement: Due to the close contact this role will have with RCEA staff in the office setting, documentation of vaccination against the coronavirus is a condition of employment. Applicants who seek reasonable accommodation for this requirement, based on medical conditions or sincerely held religious belief should contact RCEA’s Human Resources staff at hr@redwoodenergy.org or 707-269-1700.
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit an RCEA Employment Application, resume and cover letter to RCEA, 633 3rd Street, Eureka CA 95501, or to hr@redwoodenergy.org, Attn: Lori Biondini. Please include position #269 Finance Manager in your cover letter and in the subject line if you submit your application by email. Incomplete application packages or those submitted through third-party services or social media will not be considered. Applications are available at https://redwoodenergy.org/employment/. This position is open until filled. Open until filled, with the first review of applications on 6/24/2022.
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority is committed to a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. RCEA maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination and non-harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or genetic characteristic. RCEA strongly encourages people of color, women, and those who identify as LGBTQ to apply.