HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-5 Staff Report - Proposed Restructuring Administrative Services DepartmentSCHEDULED ITEM
D-5
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
DATE: AUGUST 19, 2019
SUBJECT: PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF FINANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENTS TO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
BACKGROUND:
The recent departure of the Human Resources/Risk Management Director presents the City an
opportunity to restructure and introduce greater operational efficiencies and cost savings by combining
the Human Resources and Finance Departments. The recommended action requests authorization to
combine Finance and Human Resources into one by creating an Administrative Services Department.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the City Council take the following actions:
1)Approve the restructuring of the Finance and Human Resources Departments into one
department, Administrative Services; and
2) Approve the attached job specification of Administrative Services Director; and
3) Approve the attached job specification of Human Resources Manager; and
4) Approve the reclassification of the Director of Finance to the Director of Administrative Services
and authorize a 15% salary increase.
ANALYSIS:
City Management regularly seeks ways to improve City operations by recommending efficiency
opportunities and cost savings measures where possible without negatively impacting services to the
Community or greatly disrupting the City’s workforce. An efficiency and cost savings opportunity is
recommended for Council consideration by restructuring the Human Resources and Finance
Departments, into one department, Administrative Services. This proposed realignment is not
uncommon in government organizations. Human Resources and Finance staff regularly work together
on projects including, but not limited to payroll, benefits administration, labor negations, MOU
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
8/19/2019
Restructure – Administrative Services Department
August 19, 2019
Page 2
implementation, and risk management. The recommended actions request authorization to combine both
Departments into one by creating an Administrative Services Department.
Finance Department
The Finance Department is made up three divisions: Accounting, Payroll, and Purchasing. Finance
provides fiscal administrative services for the City in the areas of budgeting, financial monitoring and
reporting, accounts payable and receivable, cash receipting, procurement, stores, and payroll
administration. Finance is strategically managed by the Director of Finance with majority of day-to-day
operations of the Department being supervised by the Assistant Director of Finance, together,
overseeing two Senior Accounts, a Budget Administrator, two Senior Accounting Specialists, two
Payroll Specialists, a Purchasing Agent, a Storekeeper, and a Department Intern. The current
organizational chart for the Finance Department is attached for visual reference.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department (HR) is made up of two divisions: 1) Personnel Services, which
entails benefits administration, recruitment and selection, and employee relations, and 2) Risk
Management, which entails worker’s compensation and liability insurance management. Currently, the
Department is comprised of a Human Resources/Risk Management Director, two Human
Resources/Risk Management Analysts, a Human Resources Technician, and two Department Interns.
The current organizational chart for the Finance Department is attached for visual reference.
Restructuring Proposal
In order to realize cost savings and additional efficiencies, Staff proposes to combine the Finance and
Human Resources Departments into one department, Administrative Services. Under the Administrative
Services Department, Finance and HR will become divisions whose primary functions will remain
separate. The Administrative Services Department will be managed by the proposed Administrative
Services Director.
With vacancy of the HR/Risk Management Director, Staff proposes to downgrade the position to a
Human Resources Manager. The HR manager will be responsible for overseeing the personnel services
component of HR. A job specification and request for promotional recruitment was approved by the
Personnel Board on August 13, 2019 for the HR Manager position, pending Council’s approval of this
proposed restructuring. Staff also proposes to reclassify the City’s current Director of Finance to the
Director of Administrative Services which will manage the Assistant Finance Director, HR Manager,
and oversee all Risk Management related matters. Both of the proposed job specifications are attached to
this report.
An additional efficiency opportunity with the proposed restructure would be to convert the three part-
time Department Intern positions currently within Finance and HR to one full-time administrative
support staff person. This staff person would be responsible for handling front office operations for the
Administrative Services Department such as answering phones, generating billing advices, paying
invoices, contract tracking, setting up rooms for meetings and trainings, routing documents for
signature, filing, maintaining Department calendars, etc.
Restructure – Administrative Services Department
August 19, 2019
Page 2
Upon council approval the proposed restructuring would become effective immediately. The proposed
organizational chart for the Administrative Services Department is attached for visual reference.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted salaries and benefits savings in the current year from the proposed restructure will be
approximately $113,000 and $104,000 in the subsequent year with no changes in total full-time
positions as follows:
Change Position Salary Benefits Total
New Classification Director of Administrative Services 175,090$ 53,990$ 229,080$
New Classification Human Resources Manager (Step 3)97,120 35,800 132,920
New Position Administrative Technician 52,220 26,910 79,130
Eliminate Position Director of Human Resources/Risk Management (140,000) (48,350) (188,350)
Eliminate Position Hr/Risk Mgt Analyst (U/F Sr Hr Risk Mgt Analyst) (74,700) (30,730) (105,430)
Eliminate Position Director of Finance (159,440) (51,620) (211,060)
Eliminate Positions Department Interns / Part-Time (Human Resources) (23,705) (2,380) (26,085)
Eliminate Position Department Intern / Part-Time (Finance) (13,040) (1,225) (14,265)
Total Savings (86,455)$ (17,605)$ (104,060)$
Budgeted Cost Savings
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachments:
1) Current Finance Department Organizational Chart
2) Current Human Resources Department Organizational Chart
3) Proposed Administrative Services Department Organizational Chart
4) Job Specification Administrative Services Director
5) Job Specification Human Resources Manager
FINANCE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Current Structure
Director of Finance
Accounting
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Budget
Administrator
Senior Accounting
Specialist (AP)
Senior Accounting
Specialist (AR/Cash)
Payroll
Payroll Specialist
Payroll Specialist
Purchasing
Purchasing Agent
Storekeeper
Assistant Director of
Finance Department Intern
11 Full-time Employees
1 Part-time Employee
Attachment 1
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Current Structure
Director of Human
Resources & Risk
Management
Personnel Services
HR/Risk
Management
Analyst
HR Technician
HR Intern (PT)
Risk Management
HR/Risk
Management
Analyst
HR Intern (PT)
4 Full-time Employees
2 Part-time Employees
Attachment 2
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Proposed Structure
Director of
Administrative
Services
FINANCE DIVISION
Assistant Director
of Finance
Accounting
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Budget
Administrator
Senior Accounting
Specialist (AP)
Senior Accounting
Specialist
(AR/Cash)
Payroll
Payroll Specialist
Payroll Specialist
Purchasing
Purchasing Agent
Storekeeper
RISK MANAGEMENT
DIVISION
HR/Risk
Management
Analyst (0.5 FTE)
HUMAN RESOURCES
DIVISION
HR Manager
HR/Risk
Management
Analyst (0.5 FTE)
HR Technician
Administrative
Technician
15 Full-time Employees
Attachment 3
Date Adopted: TBD
Class Code: 2116
CITY OF AZUSA
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
DEFINITION
Under limited supervision, plans, directs and oversees the Administrative Services Department that is
composed of Human Resources functions, which includes: risk management, benefits administration,
recruitment and selection, and employee relations, and Finance functions, which includes: accounting,
payroll, budget, revenue collection, purchasing and central stores; participates in the development of
policies related to assigned areas of responsibility; reviews and assists in the addressing of general City
concerns as a member of the City's executive team; performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed
functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to
address business needs and changing business practices.
Supervises the Fiscal Management Program of the City including budget preparation and monitoring,
collection and disbursement of revenues, payroll, accounting, and financial reporting and auditing.
Monitors city compliance with various laws and regulations governing the administration of fiscal affairs.
Oversees the compilation of budget requests, preparation of preliminary and final budget documents, and
various transactions required for budget control and administration; forecasts City revenues, expenditures
and develops year-end-balances.
Directs the preparation of revenue, expenditure, debt, costs, and other reports on departmental
operations, as required by law or requests from City Manager and/or City Council.
Provides advice and counsel to the City Council, City Manager, and staff on fiscal planning, revenue and
expenditure projections, and related matters.
Develops departmental budget; directs the preparation, implementation and control of the City's annual
operating and capital improvement budgets.
Establishes and directs city-wide policies and procedures regarding financial transactions and financial
reporting with assistance and counsel of operating departments.
Plans, directs, and coordinates the administration of the Human Resources Program including recruitment,
selection, classification, compensation, employee benefits, employee training and development, labor
relations, employee recognition, as well as grievance/discipline components.
Oversees responsibilities of the Personnel Officer, who works closely with the Personnel Board to perform
duties assigned pursuant to the Municipal Code and Rules of the Civil Service System.
Acts as advisor to the City Council and City Manager on labor relations matters, administrative and
program decisions; assists in the formulation of labor negotiations policy.
Serves as the Chief Negotiator in the labor negotiations process; conducts salary and benefit surveys;
administers labor agreements and disciplinary action proceedings; meets with bargaining group
representatives.
Administers the Risk Management Program, including worker's compensation, liability, and other
insurance programs.
Plans, directs, and coordinates the administration of workers’ compensation, liability, and safety programs
Attachment 4
Director of Administrative Services
Class Specification
Page 2 of 3
for the City; manages the liability claims process.
Resolves complaints and problems which cannot be satisfactorily addressed by subordinates.
Coordinates departmental activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
Participates in City management staff meetings and may serve on special task forces or direct the conduct
of projects having a general city-wide impact.
Selects department employees; plans, organizes, and assigns work; develops and establishes work
methods and standards; directs or conducts staff training and development; reviews and evaluates
employee performance; executes disciplinary action.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single class that is responsible for overseeing the City’s Finance and Human Recourses
Divisions by managing and implementing the City’s financial affairs and financial practices and the
City’s personnel related and risk management functions. Seeks out ways to maximize the City’s assets,
minimize costs, and improve the City’s business and financial practices and provides leadership to the
Human Resources Division and fosters an organization and work environment emphasizing the value
of performing, caring and learning.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities
necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include a bachelor's degree in
public or business administration, accounting, human resources or closely related field, and five years
of progressively responsible experience in accounting work with, preferably governmental, including at
least three years in a supervisory capacity.
Knowledge and Skills
Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting and finance administration principles, systems,
procedures, reports, and practices; management and organization theories, principles, practices, and
methods; the laws and regulations which govern finance administration; treasury management and
investment programs available for governmental funds; sources of revenue to fund City services and
budgeting processes. Knowledge of current and innovative principles and practices of human
resources administration including recruitment, classification and compensation, training, labor
relations, benefits administration, research and analysis; applicable Federal, State, and municipal, laws,
regulations, policies, and rules; principles and practices of organization, administration and budget
preparation; report writing techniques and methods; principles and practices of risk management,
claims investigation, and processing.
Ability to think strategically and comprehensively; teach teamwork by example; communicate clearly
and concisely, both orally and in writing; research and prepare complex reports on a variety of subjects;
establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, the community at large, the
City Council, and other related contacts; plan, direct, and coordinate accounting, purchasing, stores,
and revenue collection, personnel relations, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, risk
management, worker’s compensation and manage a department; select, train, supervise and evaluate
employees; represent the City in a variety of meetings; make decisions regarding operational and
personnel functions; operate programs within allocated amounts; respond to emergency and problem
situations in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; analyze
unusual situations and resolve them through application of management principles and practices;
develop comprehensive plans to meet future City needs/services; deal constructively with conflict and
Director of Administrative Services
Class Specification
Page 3 of 3
develop effective resolutions; plan and enforce a balanced budget; develop new policies impacting
department operations/procedures; interpret financial statements and cost accounting reports.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Drivers License and a satisfactory
driving record.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
These are position functions which may be changed, deleted, or reassigned to accommodate an
individual with a disability.
Environmental Conditions
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting; incumbents may be required to work extended
hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time.
Physical Conditions
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit
for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry,
push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive
hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally
communicate to exchange information.
Page 1 of 2
Date Adopted: TBD
Range: 3213
CITY OF AZUSA
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
DEFINITION
Under limited supervision, plans, organizes, and manages the operations of the Human Resources
Division and performs a variety of responsible professional, administrative, and supervisory duties
related to personnel and benefit administration of the Human Resources Division; and performs
related duties as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Administrative direction is provided by the Director of Finance and incumbent provides support to
City staff on labor-relations issues, personnel administration, recruitment and selection, and benefit
administration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed
functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth
below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Develops and implements recruitment plans and schedules; develops related literature and job
advertising; manages and participates in applicant screening, test development, and administration;
develop eligibility lists; notify applicants of status during the various phases of the
recruitment/selection process.
Conducts classification studies and develops class specifications; conducts salary and benefits
surveys; performs analysis and develops recommendations regarding recommended adjustments
and program of implementation; prepares detailed reports.
Prepares and maintains periodic reports pertaining to federal and state requirements; prepares
routine statistical reports.
Develops, recommends and coordinates the implementation of policies, training programs, rules,
and practices for carrying out the personnel program.
Provides administrative staff support and participates in the labor negotiations process; participates
in the administration of labor agreements and disciplinary action proceedings.
Attends conferences, meetings, or public functions; may lead or participate in discussions regarding
personnel issues.
Responds to inquiries, advises or provides assistance to the City Manager, other City staff,
Personnel Board, Council, other agencies, and the public regarding personnel matters.
Manages the work of other division personnel in the execution of responsibilities.
Serves as the Personnel Officer to the Personnel Board and perform duties as assigned pursuant to
the Municipal Code and Rules of the Civil Service System. Prepares and administers division
budget.
Administers the employee benefit program.
Performs related duties as required.
Attachment 5
HR Manager
Class Specification
Page 2 of 2
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
These are position functions which may be changed, deleted or reassigned to accommodate an
individual with a disability.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and
abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include equivalent to a
bachelor's degree in public or business administration, or a related field, and two years of recent,
increasingly responsible work experience in personnel administration and risk management which
provided the required knowledge and ability, including recruitment, classification and compensation
analysis, labor relations, personnel administration.
Knowledge and Skills:
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel administration including
recruitment, classification and compensation, labor relations, benefits administration, research and
analysis; applicable federal, state, and municipal rules; principles and practices of organization,
administration and budget preparation; report writing techniques and methods.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; research and prepare
complex reports on a variety of subjects; plan, coordinate and organize assignments to meet
deadlines; perform complex professional administrative and analytical work requiring sensitivity to
issues; prepare and present reports; represent the City in a variety of meetings; provide liaison to
other City personnel, other agencies, and the public; respond to emergency and problem situations
in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; analyze unusual
situations and resolve them through application of management principles and practices; operate a
computer and utilize a variety software programs; deal constructively with conflict and develop
effective resolutions; assist in developing new policies impacting department operations/procedures;
plan and administer recruitment programs; supervise the work of assigned staff; perform
classification and compensation analysis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory
driving record.
Environmental Conditions
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting; incumbents may be required to work
extended hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time.
Physical Conditions
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand
or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to
lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment
requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and
to verbally communicate to exchange information.