Director of Finance for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District

Job Description:

Director of Finance for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District

Description

Position Description

Are you an experienced financial leader, manager, and professional eager to lead, inspire, and collaborate with staff, executives, and the general public ?

Are you a self-starter who can effectively balance professional and personal attributes to successfully address organizational challenges to achieve short , mid-term, and long-term goals?

Are you excited to join an organization that values collaboration, inclusion, and teamwork?

If so, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District may have an opportunity for you as their next Director of Finance!

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting the recruitment on behalf of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.

The Position

Under administrative direction of the General Manager, the Director of Finance performs difficult and complex professional accounting, financial, and administrative work in developing, implementing , and directing the finance, accounting , and business functions of the District, including budgets, audits, customer service, general ledger, accounts payable, payroll and reimbursement, financial analysis, financial reporting, purchasing, warehousing, and inventory control; and performs other related duties as required. The incumbent will also oversee and direct the work of assigned staff and consultants.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be :

• An Excellent Multitasker
  

• Able to manage multiple overlapping deadlines (audit, budget, year-end close).
  

• A Hands-On Worker
  

• Willing to personally dig into spreadsheets, fix errors, run reports , and find ways to optimize work efforts.
  

• Flexible and Adaptable
  

• Comfortable shifting gears quickly when the need arises .
  

• Calm Under Pressure
  

• Composed when presenting or interacting with executives, the board, team members, and members of the community.
  

• A Problem-Solver
  

• Enjoy s tackling puzzles, fixing processes, and improving systems.
  

• Tech nology and Process-Oriented
  

• Focused on updat ing and optimizing ERP systems, automating reports, and improving workflows
  

• Strong Communicator
  

• Speak s in plain, simple language.
  

• Translate s financial jargon effectively so that it resonates with audience members.
  

• Versatile and Willing to Wear Many Hats
  

• Ready to assist in areas outside finance, such as HR or policy writing, due to the District’s small size.
  

COMPETENCIES

• Accountability: Demonstrates transparency and integrity in managing public funds. Ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles, California public agency financial regulations, and audit requirements. Takes responsibility for financial decisions and reporting accuracy.
  

• Analytical Thinking: Applies advanced knowledge of public sector financial analysis, including multi-year forecasting, fund accounting, and cost-of-service studies. Uses data to support sound financial planning and rate-setting in accordance with Proposition 218 and other legal frameworks.
  

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and completeness in budgeting, financial reporting, and regulatory submissions (e.g., State Controller’s Report, CalPERS, State Water Resources Control Board reporting). Audits financial data to meet internal and external compliance standards.
  

• Flexibility: Navigates changing fiscal environments, state mandates, and evolving funding sources (e.g., SRF loans, bond issuances, FEMA reimbursements). Adapts strategies to align with policy changes, board direction, and economic shifts.
  

• Collaboration: Works effectively with internal departments, external agencies (e.g., State Water Board, County Treasurer, auditors), and community stakeholders. Fosters interdepartmental coordination to support capital improvement funding, grant applications, and strategic initiatives.
  

• Communication: Clearly communicates financial information to diverse audiences, including elected officials, regulatory agencies, and the public. Prepares and presents comprehensive financial reports, staff reports, and public budget documents in compliance with the Brown Act and public transparency requirements.
  

• Conflict Management: Resolves disputes related to budgeting priorities, funding allocations, and financial controls by balancing organizational needs with legal and regulatory constraints.
  

• Creativity and Innovation: Identifies and implements innovative financing strategies, cost-saving initiatives, and technology upgrades to enhance financial management and transparency.
  

• Interpersonal Relations and Skills: Builds trust with internal and external stakeholders through professionalism, responsiveness, and ethical conduct. Facilitates discussions on sensitive financial topics with diplomacy.
  

• Leadership, Management, and Supervision: Leads finance team in adherence to public sector ethics, internal controls, and accountability standards. Supports employee development in governmental accounting, grant administration, and public procurement regulations.
  

• Organizational Development: Anticipates financial impacts of organizational decisions and regulatory changes. Develops contingency budgets and risk mitigation strategies for emergencies and economic uncertainty.
  

• Problem Solving: Partners with executive leadership and legal counsel to solve complex public finance challenges, such as debt restructuring, compliance findings, or audit exceptions.
  

• Professional and Technical Expertise: Demonstrates deep knowledge of California water agency finance, rate setting, debt issuance, and fund restrictions. Maintains proficiency in GASB updates, OMB Uniform Guidance (for federal grants), and other public agency financial frameworks.
  

• Strategic Perspective: Aligns financial strategies with the District’s long-term goals, infrastructure needs, and sustainability planning. Evaluates current resource allocation against future service delivery demands, regulatory requirements, and community expectations.
  

About the District

Located in Boulder Creek, California, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is a public agency committed to delivering reliable, high-quality water service to the communities it serves. Nestled within a secluded redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the District benefits from a temperate coastal climate that helps sustain its diverse water resources and natural beauty.

SLVWD serves a significant portion of the San Lorenzo Valley in Santa Cruz County, including the communities of Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Felton (including the Lompico -Zayante areas), and parts of the City of Scotts Valley. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 connections.

SLVWD owns, operates , and maintains two separate water systems, sourcing water from both surface water and groundwater, including nine active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District also owns and operates a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, serving approximately 56 homes.

To ensure water quality and public health, the District conducts regular monitoring and testing in compliance with all state and federal regulations. SLVWD also engages in ongoing community outreach, education, and partnerships to promote water conservation and protect local water resources through sustainable practices and responsible resource management.

The area was once heavy in the logging industry, especially during the rebuilding of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. More recently, the growth in Silicon Valley has made the area more desirable and slightly more affordable than other areas of Silicon Valley. The San Lorenzo Valley contains multiple state parks, golf courses, and an active railroad attraction. It is approximately 15 miles from Santa Cruz, 18 miles from Los Gatos, 30 miles from San Jose, and 70 miles from San Francisco. The Valley is home to an estimated 35,000 people .

About the Organization

Organizationally, the SLVWD is governed by an elected Board of Directors, which sets policies and oversees the District's operations. The board consists of five members who serve staggered four-year terms. These directors work closely with the District's General Manager and staff, who are responsible for day -to-day operations, including water treatment, distribution, customer service, and infrastructure maintenance.

The District’s FY 24-25 budget includes revenues of $12.8M and expenses of $10.3M, with a Capital Investment Plan ( CIP ) of $11.8M. The District employs a team of professionals with expertise in engineering, environmental science, and public administration to ensure that the water supply remains safe, clean, and reliable. Thirty-seven full-time equivalent positions support services and operations across nine departments: Administration, Wastewater Systems, Customer Service, Engineering, Environmental, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Water Quality. This team is busy; the District is an active small agency with various ongoing and emerging or unplanned projects, many resulting from recent catastrophic events such as fire and atmospheric river events. Amid this, staff collaborate and work cooperatively.

The Department

The Finance Department is responsible for the day -to-day operations and oversight of finance, payroll, inventory, and purchasing functions. This includes the District’s accounting processes, preparation of the biennial budget and comprehensive annual financial report, payroll, debt management, financial reporting and analysis, cash flow projections, recommendations for allocation and investment, treasury management, and purchasing , inventory, and internal controls. The small but vital Department is a cordial, respectful, skilled, and cohesive group that works well together.

The District’s FY 24-25 budget includes three full-time positions within the Department, which has an annual budget of approximately $1.66 million.

Examples of Duties

To review the job description, click here .

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field .
  

AND

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental, utility, or municipal finance, accounting, or auditing.
  

• California residents will be given due consideration by the District .
  

Supplemental Information

Salary:

• $11,154 - $14,947 monthly DOE/DOQ
  

Benefits:

The District offers a competitive benefits package:

• Retirement : CalPERS - Pension formula determined based on CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA)
  

• Social Security and Medicare : The City participates in these programs.
  

• Deferred Compensation : Voluntary contributions to a deferred compensation program.
  

• Medical Benefits : CalPERS Medical, dental, and vision care for employee and eligible dependents
  

• Paid Time Off: 20 days
  

• Administrative Leave: 56 hours annually
  

• Flexible 9/80 schedule may be negotiated
  

• Flexible Spending Account
  

Applications must be submitted online through th e applicant tracking system. Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.

Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your online application.

All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

The deadline to apply is July 30 , 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Appraisal Process - (Pass/Fail) After the closing deadline, applications will be screened in relation to the criteria indicated in this announcement.

This process may also include various interviews and/or a skills assessment exam to rank applications and to prepare a Qualified Candidate List.

Application - Minimum Qualification Assessment - (Pass/Fail) All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications.

Remote Screen Interview Exam - (Pass/Fail) Candidates who pass the application assessment will be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position. The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for early- August 20 25 .

Successful candidates will be submitted to the San Lorenzo Valley Water District for further consideration.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to dprieto@rgs.ca.gov

Neither Regional Government Services nor the San Lorenzo Valley Water District are responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by emailing dprieto@rgs.ca.gov

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 7/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$133,848.00 - $179,364.00 Annually