Finance Manager

CAREER DESCRIPTION

FINANCE MANAGER

Open to the Public

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.

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.

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.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.
Physical and Mental Requirements

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in groups.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write and use a calculator.
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Employers, peers and members.
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary work place is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
OCERS Human Resources Department screens all applications and supplemental information forms to identify the qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Application Rating
(Refer/Non-Refer) Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the duties of the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.

Spark Hire Interview

Referred candidates will complete a one-way pre-screening interview on the Spark Hire video interview platform. During this process, candidates will record their responses to a set of structured questions. Subject matter experts will then evaluate these video interviews to determine if candidates will be advanced to the next step.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel
(Weighted 100%) Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified and all affected candidates will be notified.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY
Only online applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account.

Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.

You may apply on-line at OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment please contact John Nguyen at (714) 569-4855 or email jtnguyen@ocers.org.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management Benefits

Administrative Management employees enjoy a comprehensive selection of enhanced benefits, including:

• Retirement: Participation in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), a defined benefit pension plan. Learn more about OCERS plans and pension benefits here: OCERS Active Member Information.
• Optional Benefit Plan (OBP): An annual amount of $3,500, which may be received in the form of lump sum payment (taxable) or other available benefit choices.
• Paid Leave
  • 12 paid holidays per year
  • Accrued annual leave
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts: Flexible spending accounts to help cover eligible medical and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Dental Insurance: Provided to team members and eligible dependents at no cost.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: $100,000 AD&D coverage, with the option to purchase additional coverage including dependent coverage.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance programs are provided at no cost to employees.
• 457 Defined Contribution Program: Voluntary retirement savings program with tax-deferred contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 maximum annually.

For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit the OCERS Benefits Page.

Closing Date/Time: 4/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Orange

• 714.834.5315

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