ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - FINANCE

Job Description:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - FINANCE

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN ASSSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $172,840.47 - $241,977.08

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The Port of Long Beach's Finance team is a dynamic group dedicated to ensuring the financial health and sustainability of one of the busiest ports in the nation. Committed to transparency and efficiency, this team manages a diverse portfolio that includes budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic planning. With a focus on innovative financial solutions, they support the Port's mission by optimizing resources, driving investment opportunities, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. Collaborating closely with other departments, the Finance team plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Port while fostering economic growth in the region.

THE ROLE

As the Assistant Director of Finance for the Port of Long Beach, you will be responsible as second in command over the Finance Division. This pivotal role drives the full spectrum of accounting operations, from general accounting to the preparation of financial statements, budget reports, and compliance with financial regulations. With a sharp focus on maintaining robust financial controls, the Assistant Director plays a key role in safeguarding the Port’s fiscal health. This position also serves as a vital strategic partner to the Director of Finance, contributing to the effective leadership and success of the entire Finance division.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Tuesday, August 19 at 5:00 PM PDT via Microsoft Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. Click here to join the meeting.

To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 625 347 189#. Please note that the PowerPoint presentation will not be visible to those who join the audio-only meeting.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE

• Provide leadership and management for the Finance Division; contribute to Finance Division goals and objectives, performance management, ensuring effective and efficient processes, and a collaborative and teamwork environment.
• Assist in the overall supervision of the Finance Division to ensure interdivisional cooperation; responsible for (accounting & revenue operations, financial planning & analysis, grants administration) assume the responsibility of leading the Division in the Director's absence.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation, review, and issuance.
• Manage all audits on financials, grants, internal controls, etc.
• Implement GASB pronouncements impacting the Port’s financial reporting.
• Manage delivery of all financial statements and reports accurately and timely.
• Manage debt administration & ordinance, assist in bonds issuance & refunding.
• Manage budget development, financial analysis, and long-term cash flow forecasts.
• Manage financial internal controls and develops/updates written policies & procedures.
• Manage full-cycle grants administration (application-expense/reimbursement-closeout).
• Collaborate and advise on financial matters for interdivisional projects.
• Foster staff development/engagement through coaching/mentorship.
• Manage financial software system implementations/upgrades to enhance processes.
• Prepare and presents communications to the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Management, Business, Accounting, or a similar field from an accredited college or university is required.

• 7 years or more of increasingly responsible experience in financial management with a strong understanding of accounting and reporting issues is required.
• 3 years or more of experience supervising employees is required.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Proficient knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial systems intricacies.
• Hands-on experience in preparing comprehensive financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) and other related reports.
• Hands-on experience in managing all audits related to financials and internal controls.
• Extensive knowledge in managing accounting, budgeting, capital projects, financial analysis (variance explanation, return on investment, etc.), and particularly long-term forecasting.
• Ability to manage complex and explain financial accounting issues effectively non-accounting audiences in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Proactive problem solver with excellent analytical and sound judgement skills.
• Must be highly proficient in Excel modeling, basic MS Office applications (PowerPoint, etc.)
• Broad knowledge in internal control and policy compliance.

DESIRABLE:

• A master’s degree in Finance, Business, Management, or Accounting is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant or similar certification is highly desired.
• Prior experience in governmental enterprise fund accounting and financial statements preparation is preferred.
• Knowledge of debt management and public bonds issuance is a plus.

You must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

SELECTION PROCEDURE

HOW DO WE START THE CONVERSATION?

The final filing date for this recruitment is Friday, August 29, 2025 @ 4:30 pm PDT. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing without notice in order to accept additional applications.

To be considered for this extraordinary opportunity, you must submit as PDF attachments with your application:
A cover letter; andA resume reflecting employment dates, names of organizations, and scope of responsibilities.

Incomplete submissions, or those that do not clearly meet minimum requirements, will not be considered. Documents will be evaluated to determine the most qualified applicants. Submissions will only be accepted online at www.governmentjobs.com.

SAVE THE DATES:

Individuals who are selected will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to further evaluate candidate qualifications.

SparkHire video interviews will tentatively be conducted the week of September 8 - September 12, 2025 (asynchronous video interviews) and final round interviews will tentatively be conducted the week of September 22, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $172,840.47 - $241,977.08 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included, with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port’s generous benefits package includes:

• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City matches a percentage of base salary for qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university, or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% @55 for "Classic" members and 2%@62 for new members as defined by PEPRA. Subject to employee contribution. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
• Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
• Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Vacation: Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.
• Executive Leave: Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.
• Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
• Holidays: Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Transportation Allowance: Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;
  • Department Head $650.00
  • Deputy Director/Manager $550.00
  • Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA: $450.00
  • Executive Support Staff: $300.00
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation). City contributes 1% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) plan; effective September 30, 2022, the City will contribute 2% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) account. Employees may opt to contribute up to the IRS annual limits as well.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
• Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule: Available (subject to City Manager approval).
• Paid Parental Leave: After six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Management positions - Refer to the Job Posting brochure included in the job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 8/29/2025 4:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$172,840.47 - $241,977.08 Annually