DIRECTOR-FINANCE

Position Overview

Salary: $190,124.00 - $266,175.00 Annually
Location: City of Long Beach, CA

The Port of Long Beach is seeking a Director of Finance to serve as the financial and risk management advisor for the Port. In this at-will position, the Director will oversee a team of 36 professionals and manage an annual division operating budget of $13 million. The role encompasses accounting, financial planning and analysis, capital projects, debt issuance and administration, grant administration, internal controls, and risk management including insurance, claims, litigation management, and loss control programs. The successful candidate will drive strategic financial initiatives that support the Port’s mission, working in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish goals and objectives for the Finance Division and ensure effective, customer-oriented service levels.
• Implement a disciplined approach to Board-mandated metrics including reliable financial statements, forecasts, and controls.
• Develop and maintain accounting and finance processes, including billing, revenue collection, fund disbursements, and internal controls to protect assets.
• Oversee risk management services by identifying exposures and implementing appropriate techniques to mitigate risks.
• Manage the Port’s insurance programs, including general liability, property, auto, and professional insurance, and make policy recommendations.
• Advise upper management on exposures and recommend strategies for risk mitigation.
• Create, implement, and oversee the development of the Port’s annual budget.
• Ensure Port policies and procedures are up-to-date by developing and updating financial policies.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial statements, cash flow reports, and other key analyses.
• Supervise issues related to outstanding debt including bond issuance, lines of credit, and covenant compliance.
• Consult with leadership to design responsive processes and information systems that meet organizational needs.
• Represent the Port at Board meetings, committees, and public or agency meetings as required.
• Assess internal controls to ensure budget compliance and oversee the annual audit process.
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, attorneys, insurers, brokers, and other financial service providers.
• Serve as the liaison with the City Auditor regarding internal control matters and manage the Port’s internal control function.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, finance, risk management or a related field, or equivalent experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Professional designation such as CPA, CMA, CIA, CFP, or CFA is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the finance and accounting sector.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or an advanced degree is a plus.
• Maritime industry or related experience is desirable but not required.
• Experience in risk management, including insurance procurement and claims management, is desirable.
• Professional designations such as ARM, AIC, and/or CPCU are desirable.
• Familiarity with US GAAP rules and internal controls.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems management.
• National accounting firm audit experience is an asset.
• Experience in bond issuance and debt capital raising is helpful.
• Experience developing dashboards and key performance metrics is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

• Auto Allowance - $550 per month.
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement benefits via CalPERS, including employee contribution details and credit for prior service.
• Vacation accrual starting at 3.7 hours per pay period, equivalent to two weeks annually, with increases based on tenure.
• Sick Leave accrual at 8 hours per month, convertible towards health/dental insurance premiums or retirement credits.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays plus 4 personal holidays per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) after six months of employment.
• Bereavement Leave - 5 days for the death or critical illness of an immediate family member.
• Pay for Performance and Deferred Compensation plans.
• Group Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance, along with Education Reimbursement and Annual Physical benefits.
• Additional employee benefits including retirement plan enhancements, flexible spending accounts, and transportation allowances.