Description

The application period will remain open until April 12, 2026. Candidates selected to move forward will participate in the Spark Hire self-recorded video interview stage, followed by first and second round interviews. Tentative interview dates are May 13 for the first round and May 20 for the second round.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan that has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.
 

DESCRIPTION 
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our Finance TEAM! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill a Finance Manager position. This recruitment is open to the public and will be used to establish an eligible list to fill an immediate vacancy within the Finance Department. The eligible list may be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications. 

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $28 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.

Mission

OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision

OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values

Open and Transparent
Commitment to Superior Service
Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
Reliable and Accurate
Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Finance Manager position reports to the Director of Finance and is expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, service to our employers and members, and system efficiency. Under general direction, the Finance Manager manages staff within OCERS Finance Department; oversees staff work assignments and establishes performance goals that support OCERS objectives and mission; performs accurate, reliable and transparent financial reporting; champions the modernization of finance operations through automation, data analytics, and financial technologies to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, reduce risk, and enhance service delivery; and performs related duties as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess a strong financial accounting background with key responsibilities that include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists with managing the functional areas, including: Accounts Payable, Budgeting, Contributions, Employee Payroll, Investments, Financial Reporting, Actuarial Valuations, Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans, and Retirement Payroll.
• Ensures that all OCERS fiscal matters are conducted in accordance with accounting standards, OCERS policies and procedures, and laws, codes, rules and regulations of Federal and State agencies.
• Assists in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and budget reports.
• Prepares and reviews correspondence of a technical nature for executive managers.
• Ensures that the County Employees Retirement Law (CERL) of 1937, Federal and State statutes, and OCERS policies are followed in the administration of the benefit programs.
• Participates in entity-wide chart of accounts development, modification, and maintenance and determining account classification for reporting purposes.
• Development and documentation of financial processes and accounting and reporting procedures that incorporate adequate internal controls.
• Participates in special projects for the resolution of complex issues regarding the operations and management of OCERS.
• Participates in hiring decisions, disciplinary actions and other personnel activities.
• Participates in the annual financial audit including researching, reconciling and reporting, and interacting with external auditors, employers and multiple departments.
• Financial reporting/analysis: produce financial reports, investment account reports, reserve account statements, budget reports and data analysis.
• Promote education/training for professional and personal growth, employee development and cross-training.
• Evaluate employee performance, conduct performance reviews, collaborate with staff to establish goals and address performance deficiencies.
• Lead and support the modernization of finance workflows by identifying opportunities to automate manual processes, streamline approvals, and enhance system integrations to improve accuracy, timeliness, and internal controls.
• Utilize advanced financial technologies and analytics to identify trends, risks, anomalies, and opportunities, supporting proactive financial management and informed strategic decisions.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
The following lists the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
 
Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, and techniques of effective financial management and public administration pertaining to the planning and monitoring of the accounting, budgeting and financial activities of OCERS.
• Accounting and auditing principles, theories and procedures applicable to the control of various accounting systems.
• Federal, State and local financial reporting requirements, including the CERL of 1937.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, Generally Accepted Auditing
• Standards (GAAS) and other governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Actuarial principles and accounting standards as related to pension systems.
• Laws and regulations governing investment management, fiscal operations and payroll systems.
• Functions of a custodial bank.
• Supervision and training principles, practices and techniques.
• Telephone, office and online etiquette.
• Computer applications and hardware related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Memoranda of understanding as they apply to subordinate personnel.
   

Skills/Ability to

• Work independently under little or no supervision while completing a large volume of work and managing competing priorities and strict timelines in order to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Finance Department.
• Demonstrate professional level experience in presenting ideas and complex financial material clearly, concisely, and logically both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate integrity when applying accounting management principles and practices, dealing with large amounts of money and funding, ensuring the validity and acceptance of accounting and financial data, and resolving accounting discrepancies.
• Identify and define actual and potential issues or concerns pertaining to the accuracy and integrity of accounting and financial data, use sound and logical judgment, and make effective decisions to develop resolutions.
• Utilize advanced Excel functions such as pivot tables, linked tables, look ups, databases and macros.
• Read, understand and interpret complex technical accounting information and complex Federal and State governmental regulations.
• Supervise, train, coordinate and evaluate team members.
• Prepare, interpret and evaluate a variety of narrative and statistical data and reports.
• Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cohesive working relationships with public officials, vendors, supervisors, directors, technical and non-technical staff, consultants and others encountered in the course of work.
• Demonstrate strict confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations at all times.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation will be determined based on the experience level, credentials and personal characteristics of the candidate. OCERS' employee benefits program will be offered to the successful candidate. The competitive benefit package includes retirement and deferred compensation programs; health, dental, life and disability insurance; professional organization memberships and tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 maximum annually; a taxable optional benefit plan; and annual leave.
 

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification:
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or closely related field.

AND

Three years of progressively responsible management experience in government, public or private industry accounting.  Previous experience must have included management responsibilities.

Special Notes, Licenses or Requirements:

Highly Desirable – Current Certified Public Account (CPA) license.
A valid California class C driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel. 
May be required to use personal vehicle.
A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be a disqualifying factor from employment.
Please click here for more details on this classification.