Finance and Administration Director

Job Description

Mission: Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of community that seeks to preserve its environment while providing resilient public facilities and infrastructure and supporting a safe and vibrant economic, multi-cultural, and recreational experience for both locals and visitors alike.

Vision: Fort Bragg, a California coastal destination with rich natural resources and rugged beauty, is transforming our future by weaving together our people, ecosystems, and economy to create community prosperity. We are making our mark in the 21st Century by creating climate-ready water and energy independence, housing and economic opportunities, accessible health care, community public safety, and education for all.

We are guided by the following Core Values:

Innovation: We highly encourage creativity and forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving needs of our city.

Honesty & Integrity: We believe in transparent, honest, and ethical interactions with our community and stakeholders.

Service-Oriented: We are responsive to the public and to each other to demonstrate our genuine commitment to creating a Fort Bragg that Serves us today and readies us for a successful tomorrow.

Fair & Ethical: principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.

Collaboration: nourishes civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance and Administration Director is a full-time, at-will position serving under the general administrative direction of the City Manager. This position provides leadership, management, and coordination across core administrative and financial functions of the City. The Director is responsible for the direct supervision and oversight of the Finance Department and the Human Resources Division, ensuring the integrity of the City’s financial management and the effectiveness of its personnel systems.

Key responsibilities include coordinating and supervising the City’s annual operating and capital budget processes; overseeing fiscal policy development, accounting, payroll, benefits administration, and risk management; directing recruitment, employee relations, and labor compliance functions; and ensuring adherence to legal, financial, and personnel requirements. The position also facilitates the City’s Information Technology Advisory Committee and Safety Advisory Committee, coordinates legislative and organizational initiatives, and provides administrative support for citywide projects and programs.

This role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and human resources expertise to support the City’s organizational effectiveness and long-term fiscal sustainability.

TYPICAL DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Finance and Administration Director provides leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational support across the City’s administrative and operational functions. This position advances City Council priorities and City Manager initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Leadership, Policy, and Council Priorities

• Provide advice and counsel to the City Manager on policy, organizational, and procedural matters to strengthen the effective administration of City government.
• Facilitate and coordinate interdepartmental initiatives, projects, and concerns to ensure City Council goals, strategic priorities, and City Manager initiatives are implemented effectively.
• Review City Council agenda items, prepare staff recommendations, and ensure Council direction is carried out across departments.
• Represent the City Manager’s Office in meetings with departments, community groups, partner agencies, and state/federal representatives.
• Support the City’s legislative advocacy program and assist in advancing proactive public relations efforts to strengthen community trust.
• Attend various committee and community meetings as assigned by the City Manager.

Financial Management and Treasury Functions

• Serve as Treasurer for the City of Fort Bragg
• Plan, organize, and direct all financial operations of the City, including long-range financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, utility billing/collection, licensing, investment management, debt financing, and grant/tax administration.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies, objectives, and priorities that promote transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate preparation, presentation, and administration of the City’s annual operating, enterprise, and capital improvement budgets; monitor revenues, expenditures, and fund balances; and prepare forecasts and reports.
• Direct the City’s accounting systems and ensure compliance with GASB standards; oversee audits and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage treasury functions including investment of City funds, debt issuance, assessment districts, lease-purchase programs, and bond financing.
• Provide financial analysis, problem-solving, and cost-benefit evaluations to support Council decision-making, capital projects, and contract negotiations.

Human Resources, Team Building, and Organizational Development

• Plan, organize, and direct Human Resources functions, including recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits, labor relations, employee development, and risk management.
• Manage collective bargaining processes with employee groups and foster positive employee relations.
• Review employee performance reports and oversee personnel actions to ensure consistency with City policy and legal requirements.
• Promote organizational effectiveness by building strong, high-performing teams through coaching, professional development, and initiatives that support a values-driven workplace culture.
• Lead efforts to strengthen team cohesion, problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration to improve service delivery and innovation.
• Conduct organizational reviews and recommend reassignments, consolidations, or process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Administration and Interdepartmental Support

• Supervise professional, technical, and support staff engaged in finance, human resources, and administrative support functions.
• Maintain strong relationships with department heads and staff to support operational planning, team development, and problem resolution.
• Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to address interdepartmental and community issues.
• Assist departments with operational planning, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of City Council and City Manager initiatives.
• Attend City Council, committee, and community meetings; present reports, updates, and financial information as needed.
• Respond to public inquiries and ensure effective communication between the City Manager’s Office, operating departments, and the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Finance and Administration Director provides leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational support across the City’s administrative and operational functions. This position advances City Council priorities and City Manager initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Leadership, Policy, and Council Priorities

• Provide advice and counsel to the City Manager on policy, organizational, and procedural matters to strengthen the effective administration of City government.
• Facilitate and coordinate interdepartmental initiatives, projects, and concerns to ensure City Council goals, strategic priorities, and City Manager initiatives are implemented effectively.
• Review City Council agenda items, prepare staff recommendations, and ensure Council direction is carried out across departments.
• Represent the City Manager’s Office in meetings with departments, community groups, partner agencies, and state/federal representatives.
• Support the City’s legislative advocacy program and assist in advancing proactive public relations efforts to strengthen community trust.
• Attend various committee and community meetings as assigned by the City Manager.

Financial Management and Treasury Functions

• Serve as Treasurer for the City of Fort Bragg
• Plan, organize, and direct all financial operations of the City, including long-range financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, utility billing/collection, licensing, investment management, debt financing, and grant/tax administration.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies, objectives, and priorities that promote transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate preparation, presentation, and administration of the City’s annual operating, enterprise, and capital improvement budgets; monitor revenues, expenditures, and fund balances; and prepare forecasts and reports.
• Direct the City’s accounting systems and ensure compliance with GASB standards; oversee audits and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage treasury functions including investment of City funds, debt issuance, assessment districts, lease-purchase programs, and bond financing.
• Provide financial analysis, problem-solving, and cost-benefit evaluations to support Council decision-making, capital projects, and contract negotiations.

Human Resources, Team Building, and Organizational Development

• Plan, organize, and direct Human Resources functions, including recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits, labor relations, employee development, and risk management.
• Manage collective bargaining processes with employee groups and foster positive employee relations.
• Review employee performance reports and oversee personnel actions to ensure consistency with City policy and legal requirements.
• Promote organizational effectiveness by building strong, high-performing teams through coaching, professional development, and initiatives that support a values-driven workplace culture.
• Lead efforts to strengthen team cohesion, problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration to improve service delivery and innovation.
• Conduct organizational reviews and recommend reassignments, consolidations, or process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Administration and Interdepartmental Support

• Supervise professional, technical, and support staff engaged in finance, human resources, and administrative support functions.
• Maintain strong relationships with department heads and staff to support operational planning, team development, and problem resolution.
• Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to address interdepartmental and community issues.
• Assist departments with operational planning, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of City Council and City Manager initiatives.
• Attend City Council, committee, and community meetings; present reports, updates, and financial information as needed.
• Respond to public inquiries and ensure effective communication between the City Manager’s Office, operating departments, and the community.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Constant reading and listening; frequently sitting in an office chair, generally working longer than eight-hour days, must be alert to actively participate in meetings; may work 12 to 20-hour shifts during disaster management, assisting the City Manager.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including healthcare, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a C.V. Starr Community Center employee membership.

Part-time employees who work an average of 21 or 30 more hours per week over the course of a year receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. The hours threshold for benefits eligibility depends on the classification.

Benefits Summary
This benefits summary provides an overview of health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for the City of Fort Bragg; however, it is not a contract. Full details about the benefits are provided in legal plan documents and insurance evidence of coverage documents (contracts) that govern the program. If there are differences between this Benefits Summary and the relevant documents and contracts, the legal documents will prevail.

The City pays a portion, 80 percent of the premiums for medical and dental insurance for the employee, employee plus one dependent, and employee plus family. The City also pays 100% of the cost of vision care.

• Medical insurance: We have three plans available through Anthem Blue Cross. Two plans are available. One is a "traditional" plan that offers predictable co-pays, with some benefits requiring coinsurance. The other plan is a high-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) plan.
• Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is available through Ameritas Dental. The plan is a "traditional" plan. The City pays 80% of the premium.
• Vision: Vision insurance is available through VSP. The City pays 100% of the premium.
• A great summary of medical plans is contained in the City's Open Enrollment Packet.
• Information on compliance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) can be found here: CAA Machine Readable Files

Retirement
The City contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to manage pension benefits. CalPERS manages the pension and health benefits (the City does not contract with CalPERS to provide health care benefits) to more than 1.6 million public employees, retirees, and their families, and more than 3.000 employers.

The City does participate in Social Security.

The CalPERS website has more information if needed.

CalPERS Information

• New Miscellaneous employees who meet the "Classic" membership are covered under the 2% at 55 plan. Effective January 1, 2013, non-classic employees will be covered under the 2% at 62 formula.
• Safety employees who meet the "Classic" CalPERS membership definition are covered under the 2% at 50 formula. Effective January 1, 2013, non-classic Safety CalPERS employees will be covered under the 2.7% at 57 plan.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.
The City provides this fully funded benefit to employees. The amount of coverage varies based on the employee's classification.

• Elected Officials have $5,000 coverage
• Full-Time Executive Management employees have $150,000 coverage
• Full-Time Mid-Management employees have $100,000 coverage
• All Other Full-Time Employees that is not part of the above classes
• All Full-Time City Managers have up to $300,000 coverage (For details, contact Human Resources)

Long Term Disability
This is an optional benefit that the City partially funds at 50%.

Flexible Spending Accounts
The City offers employees the option to reduce their taxable income while saving for healthcare needs for themselves and their eligible dependents. There is also an option to save for dependent daycare costs.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The City provides this fully-funded benefit to employees. The EAP provides employees and their covered dependents with access to various professionals for confidential assistance in a range of areas, including financial, personal, work-related, legal, nutritional, and other health-related concerns. It is available 24/7 and is provided through Aetna.

Calm App
We’re excited to offer all employees free access to the Calm app-your go-to space for relaxation, focus, and better sleep. With uplifting guided meditations, soothing sleep stories, energizing music, easy breathing exercises, and gentle movement sessions, Calm helps you reset, recharge, and feel your best. Whether you’re starting your morning, powering through a busy day, or winding down at night, Calm makes it fun and easy to build healthy wellness habits that truly support you.

Deferred Compensation
This is a voluntary program offered to employees (similar to the well-known 401(k). This 457(b) is a retirement investment program available to employees of public agencies that offers traditional (pre-tax contributions) and/or Roth (post-tax contributions) options. Employees are fully vested on day one and can start, stop, or change their contributions at any time.

C.V. Starr Employee Membership
All full-time benefited positions receive a City-paid employee-only membership to the City-operated C.V. Starr Community Center. The following link takes you to the C.V. Starr Community Center. The center has a leisure pool that includes a lazy river, diving board, and spray features. The center also has a competition pool. The center also offers a full complement of fitness classes, including yoga, Silver Sneakers, Cardio Spin, strength training, and circuit classes. One can choose to work with a personal trainer for an additional fee. In addition to the former, the center also provides a variety of enrichment classes. To see all of what the C.V. Starr Community Center offers, please go to: https://www.cvstarr.org/,

If you’d like to level up your C.V. Starr-provided employee membership, you can upgrade to a two-person or family plan at any time. You simply pay the difference between the employee-only tier we cover and the enhanced tier you choose-more fun and fitness for you and the people you care about.

Pet Insurance
The City offers optional Nationwide pet insurance to assist with veterinary expenses related to accidents and illnesses. Policies are also available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets.

AFLAC Supplemental Coverages
The City provides optional supplemental coverages through AFLAC. There is a variety of coverages, including Accident, Critical Illness (Specified Health Event), Cancer/Specified-Disease, Hospital Confinement Indemnity, Dental, and Vision.

Holidays
The City observes 13 holidays. Additionally, some employee groups are entitled to one or more Floating Holidays to be used throughout each fiscal year. See the specific resolution or memorandum of understanding applicable to the position in question.

Vacation
Accrued vacation may be taken as it accrues. In general, employees accrue vacation at the following rates:

• 3.39 hours per pay period for less than three consecutive years of service, i.e., 0-36 months
• 4.62 hours per pay period for three or more consecutive years of service and less than 10 years of service, i.e, 37-120 months
• 6.16 hours per pay period for 10 or more consecutive years of service, i.e., more than 120 months

The rate of accrual and maximum accrual rates vary by employee group. The specific memorandum of understanding or resolution applicable to the position in question will govern.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees generally accrue sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours monthly/ninety-six (96) annually. Employees begin to accrue sick leave on their date of hire. There is no limit to the maximum sick leave accrual.

Labor Relations
The City has two recognized employee organizations that represent over 40 employees. The City is committed to fostering positive relationships between labor and management, working together to enhance internal collaboration, employee engagement, morale, and customer service within the City.

Human Resources also manages the grievance procedures throughout the organization, as outlined in the City's Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with its labor unions. For details on the grievance procedure, please refer to the applicable MOU. For more information, please see the City's Labor Relations page on the website.

Bargaining Units

• Fort Bragg Employee Organization/Service Employees International Union Local 1021
• Fort Bragg Police Association

Non-Bargaining Units

• Executive Management
• Mid-Management Compensation
• Non-Bargaining/Confidential
• C.V. Starr

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous