Description and Essential Functions
Connected by Amazing Employees
The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of
Finance Manager to fill one (1) current vacancy for our Finance Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.
POSITION
The City of Murrieta is a vibrant, growing community in Southwest Riverside County known for its strong fiscal stewardship, high quality of life, and commitment to exceptional public service. The Finance Manager plays a key leadership role within the Finance Department, supporting day-to-day operations of the department, including managing the City's Operating and Capital Improvement Plan budgets, payroll, long-term financial forecast, purchasing & contracts, financial reporting, accounting, and other functions.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages, and supports the staff and the daily operations of the Finance Department including financial transaction analysis, reporting, and record-keeping; performs professional accounting work to ensure regulatory compliance with governmental accounting standards; maintains and administers the City’s accounting system; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Finance in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Finance. Exe rcises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the staff, operations, and activities of the Finance Department. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include budget administration, functions, and program evaluation, and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards related to the City’s finance and accounting systems. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals to perform the position’s essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role’s overall responsibilities.
- Plans, manages, oversees, and supports the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Finance Department’s budgetary and accounting functions, including preparing, monitoring, forecasting, and analyzing financial information, financial processing, reporting, and record-keeping
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the department; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures
- Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of department budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding
- Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the assigned department’s functions and programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement
- Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures
- Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality
- Administers, manages, coordinates, prepares, and analyzes functions related to citywide operating budget, capital improvement plan, payroll, purchasing and contracts, debt management, treasury management, grant management, capital asset management, and general accounting
- Manages, coordinates, prepares, and analyzes long-term financial plans, including annual operating and capital budgets, monthly/quarterly budget to actual review, and forecasting and long-term financial planning
- Establishes, recommends, updates, coordinates, and manages a variety of financial policies and procedures, including general accounting, financial analysis, procurement, debt management, investment management, grant management, and capital asset management; prepares and updates the City’s comprehensive financial plan document
- Maintains and reconciles a variety of ledgers, reports, and accounting records; examines accounting transactions to ensure accuracy; approves journal vouchers to post transactions to accounting records; performs month-end, fiscal year-end, and calendar year-end accounting system processing
- Prepares and analyzes a variety of complex financial reports, statements, and schedules; prepares periodic and special reports, including monthly, quarterly, annual financial reports, the State Controller Report, and various agreed-upon procedures reviews and reports
- Coordinates, participates and supports the City’s annual audits of financial statements and assists in the preparation of accounting schedules and data worksheets
- Prepares and presents agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards
- Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs and functions, policies, and procedures, as appropriate
- Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in public agency finance and accounting; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs
- Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval
- Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files
- Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
- Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:
Required:
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of management or administrative experience preferably in a municipal setting, of which two (2) years should be in a management capacity.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan), driving records screening, and a non-safety pre-employment physical and drug screening exam.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
KNOWLEDGE OF
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and project management
- Principles and practices of budget development and administration
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
- Principles and practices of leadership
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
- Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility
- Principles and practices of contract administration and management
- Principles and practices of public agency finance, including general and governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, and reporting functions
- Principles and practices of municipal fund accounting
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Government Auditing Standards.
- Knowledge of CalPERS and California pension law involves interpreting the Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL) and the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA)
- Methods and techniques of revenue forecasting
- Record-keeping principles and procedures
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
- Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division
- Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
ABILITY TO
- Plan, organize, oversee, manage, and support the staff and operations of the Finance Department
- Cultivate a high-performing finance team through daily leadership, mentorship, and career-growth opportunities, fostering a supportive environment that maximizes individual and group potential
- Establish, maintain, and foster a positive work environment and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner
- Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership
- Select, supervise, mentor, and motivate staff, provide support, training, and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively and efficiently, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
- Understand and interpret labor agreements and memorandums of understanding that define the terms and conditions of employment, including pay, benefits, and working conditions, negotiated between employers and unions
- Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, business processes, procedures, policies, or methods
- Analyze financial information and identify potential problems
- Prepare various financial analyses
- Prepare and administer large program budgets
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner
- Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports
- Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
- Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and extensive background investigation.
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, and writing exercises to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which include a pre-hire physical and Live Scan background investigation.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.
THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 120,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 53 parks, and 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and open space, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside County. With a dynamic business environment, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and a high median income. Murrieta offers its residents an exceptional quality of life in an engaged and connected community.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Organization: Management Professional & Confidential (MPC)
Adopted: June 1, 2018
Revised: April 6, 2026
MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
The following is a summary of the benefits provided to full-time employees in this un-represented group. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .
- RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
- Formula: 2.7% at 55
- Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
- Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
- Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
- Formula: 2.0% at 60
- Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
- Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
- Tier 3 (New Members / PEPRA)
- Formula: 2.0% at 62
- Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
- Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
- MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,936.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
- RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the MPC Compensation Plan for details.
- DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
- VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
- LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
- SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
- LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
- DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.
- $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.
- $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
- $2,000 per year for Confidential towards the 457 plan.
- ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117 hours of holiday leave.
- ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.
- Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
- Management - 80 hrs per year.
- AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month Department Heads only (Exception Fire & Police Chief)
- FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City’s operational needs.
- SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.
Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.
Closing Date/Time: 5/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
