Resolution No. 2025-008RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
APPOINTING ALICE HUI TO SERVE AS THE DIRECTOR OF
FINANCE/CITY TREASURER OF THE CITY OF VERNON AND
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A RELATED AT-
WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. The Director of Finance/City Treasurer position has been vacant since February
2024.
B. On September 17, 2024, the City Council of the City of Vernon adopted Resolution
No. 2024-020 appointing Georgia A. Decavalles-Hughes to serve as Interim Director of
Finance/City Treasurer effective September 4, 2024, until the City completed its
recruitment process and filled the position on a permanent basis.
C. On or about August 21, 2024, the City retained the services of Bob Murray &
Associates (Bob Murray) to conduct a recruitment for the position of Director of
Finance/City Treasurer for the City of Vernon.
D. Bob Murray created an executive recruitment brochure for the position (attached
hereto as Exhibit A) and conducted a broad and extensive recruitment that included
multiple screenings and interviews of numerous applicants.
E. The top seven candidates were interviewed by the external recruiter, and four
candidates were recommended. Two candidates moved forward and were invited to
participate in a dual panel interview process consisting of City and external evaluators on
March 5, 2025.
F. The City Administrator of the City of Vernon has determined Alice Hui (Hui) to be
the most qualified candidate for the position and desires to appoint Hui to serve as the
Director of Finance/City Treasurer, effective April 14, 2025.
G. At its regular City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, prior to taking final action to
approve this resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the
recommended appointment and compensation, in accordance with Government Code
Section 54953(c)(3).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines
that the above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby appoints Alice Hui to serve as the Director
of Finance/City Treasurer of the City of Vernon, effective April 14, 2025.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves and authorizes the execution of
the At-Will Employment Agreement with Alice Hui to serve as Director of Finance/City
Treasurer of the City of Vernon, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as
Exhibit B.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk, or any authorized officer, shall administer the Oath of
Office prescribed in the Constitution of the State of California to Hui and shall have her
subscribe to it and file it with the Human Resources Department.
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby directs the City Clerk,
or the City Clerk’s designee, to give a fully executed Agreement to Hui.
SECTION 7. The City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk shall certify the passage and
adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED April 1, 2025.
________________________
JUDITH MERLO, Mayor
ATTEST:
YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk
(seal)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ZAYNAH N. MOUSSA, City Attorney
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I CERTIFY THAT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Vernon at the Regular Meeting on April 1, 2025, by the following
vote:
AYES: 4 Council Members: Lopez, Rivera, Ybarra, Merlo
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Larios
ABSTAIN: 0
________________________________
YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk
(seal)
Resolution No. 2025-008
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DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/
CITY TREASURER
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Resolution No. 2025-008
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THE COMMUNITY
The City of Vernon is a dynamic full-service
city of 5.2 square miles located about
five miles to the southeast of downtown
Los Angeles. Founded in 1905 as the first
exclusively industrial city in the Southwestern
United States, Vernon is home to 250 residents
and has embarked on ambitious plans to increase its
residential population and establish itself as an ideal place to live
and work. The City currently houses more than 1,800 businesses
that employ approximately 50,000 people, serving as a vital
economic engine for the Southern California region. Vernon offers an
environment uniquely friendly to business and has a diverse industry
makeup comprising many Fortune 500 companies in industries that
include food and agriculture, apparel, steel, plastics, logistics and
home furnishings. Through the City’s implementation of more than 150
good governance reforms, Vernon – the City that has characterized
itself as “Exclusively Industrial” for almost 120 years – has firmly established
itself as a model city for good governance. Vernon maintains strong
philanthropic ties with the neighboring communities where much of its
workforce lives, providing significant support for public services through
the City’s CommUNITY Fund grants for programs in areas such as health
care and education. The City has embarked on aggressive plans for its
future as it moves towards increasing its residential population, more
balanced land uses, and mitigating industrial impacts in the region. With
Vernon’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles and major regional and
worldwide economic markets and industries, unique opportunities exist in
the community to address regional housing shortages while establishing
itself as an ideal place to both live and work.
THE ORGANIZATION
The five members of the Vernon City Council are elected at large, on a
non-partisan basis, for five-year staggered terms and no person may
serve more than two full terms of office. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
positions are rotated annually among Council Members in order of
election. The City’s total projected budget for FY 2024-2025 is just
over $401 million (including Utility Enterprise Funds). The General Fund
budget is approximately $84 million. The City employs a little over 225
employees to staff the following departments: City Administration,
the Office of the City Attorney, Office of the City
Clerk, Human Resources Department,
Police Department, Finance
Department, Public Works
Department, Public Utilities
Department and Health
and Environmental Con-
trol Department. Estab-
lished by city ordinance
in 1907, Vernon is one
of four cities in California with a local
Health Department. Vernon Public
Utilities is a three-time National
American Public Power Association
Diamond level RP3 Award-winning
utility and provides reliable and low-
cost Electricity, Fiber Optic Internet
Service, Natural Gas (transmission
& distribution), and Water. Uniquely
service-oriented, Vernon is the only
California city that operates its own
local Health Department, and Public
Utility providing electric, natural
gas, water, and fiber optic internet
services.
THE POSITION
The Director of Finance/City Treasurer
serves as the City’s Chief Financial
Officer and is responsible for performing
complex management and technical
duties. This includes responsibility
for maintaining fiscal stability and
safeguarding the assets of the City,
providing financial advice to the
City Administrator and City Council,
and assuring that financial activities
are in compliance with state and
federal regulations, and City policies.
The Director of Finance/City Treasurer
provides leadership and direction
over the activities of staff members
of the Finance/Treasury Department
and is considered a critical member
of the Executive Team. The executive
team has been assembled to position
Vernon for success as it evolves as a
city through growing its residential
population, diversifying its land uses,
mitigating local environmental impacts,
and transitioning its business base
from heavy industrial/manufacturing
to clean, green commerce. The Director
of Finance/City Treasurer will:
•Manage the Finance Department
through effective planning and
fiscal management; provide lead-
ership, direction and guidance in
financial strategies and priorities;
evaluate and analyze financial data
and recommend and implement
solutions; assure the financial
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activities and procedures are
in compliance with all laws,
policies, regulations, and
accounting standards.
•Serve as principal finan-
cial advisor to the City
Council and City Adminis-
trator; provide leadership,
direction, and guidance
to achieve the City goals
of fiscal well-being and
integrity; interpret concerns,
define desired results, develop
solutions, communicate status
of financial issues, interpret and
explain policies and regulations, and
assure the efficient delivery of high-quality
financial services.
•Monitor Finance Department operations and internal financial controls;
assure the quality of the financial activities, services, and work
products; prepare and review statistical analyses to evaluate trends
and financial status.
•Develop revenue and expenditure forecasts and recommend budget
adjustments
•Direct, lead, and motivate the Finance staff; plan, prioritize, and assign
tasks and projects; monitor work, develop skills, and evaluate
performance; meet with team to discuss and resolve workload, special
projects, quality standards, customer services, and technical issues;
review work, verify the accuracy of financial records, identify corrective
actions, and assure required deadlines are met.
•Analyze financial information on City operations, evaluate
departments’ needs and goals, and recommend finan-
cial resources; review and monitor status reports, and
recommend appropriate actions; prepare and present
financial forecasts and status reports to City Council.
•Analyze the City’s financial condition and develop
plans to assure financial performance meets
goals; coordinate development of City budget;
monitor budget, revenue, and expenditure trends.
•Direct financial reporting, preparation of financial
statements, and development of the Annual Com-
prehensive Financial Report (ACFR); oversee the
City’s banking, cash and debt management, bond
rating, and investment activities; interpret laws, rules,
regulations, and guidelines for financial procedures.
•Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of
service delivery methods and procedures; monitor and
evaluate workload, technical support systems, internal
reporting relationships, and interagency issues;
identify opportunities for improvement, and develop
recommendations.
•Coordinate and resolve financial
and technical issues with elected
officials and outside agencies.
THE IDEAL
CANDIDATE
The City of Vernon is seeking a
candidate who is well versed in all
aspects of the field of municipal
finance. The ideal candidate will
have broad municipal or similar
public agency experience in bud-
geting, accounting, municipal bonds,
debt management, and other public
agency financing initiatives. Candi-
dates with experience working in
municipal agencies that include
public utility services and/or enterprise
funds are of particular interest to the
City. A transparent, collaborative, and
experienced candidate is desired.
The City’s next Director of Finance/
City Treasurer will also have a record
of proven success in advancing the
use of technology in providing
municipal services and implement-
ing pension debt strategies. The
City seeks an individual who brings
a collaborative and creative per-
spective to the role and who is
committed to a philosophy of
ethical and customer-cen-
tered service delivery.
He/She should be a
team player who is
open and approach-
able. Furthermore, the
new Director should be
responsive, in a timely
manner, to requests
from the City Council,
City Administrator, Depart-
ment Heads and the public.
The ideal candidate is a team
player who empowers and motivates
staff, and understands the needs
of a growing city. Candidates who
are well versed in all aspects of
municipal finance and who have
knowledge of budgeting, account-
ing, municipal bonds, and debt
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management are encouraged to apply. The successful
candidate will be responsive, timely, and accurate.
Qualified candidates typically possess a Bachelor’s
Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
along with seven (7) years of experience managing public
sector financial operations. A Master’s Degree in Finance or
Business Administration as well as a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA) or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation
is desirable.
THE COMPENSATION
The annual salary range for the Director of Finance/City Treasurer
position is $219,467 - $266,764. Placement within this range depends
upon qualifications and experience. The City also offers an excellent
benefits package including vacation, holiday, sick, and administrative
leave; life insurance; and medical, dental, and vision insurance. 2025
aggregate allowance of up to $2,194.03 per month for family coverage.
This position also receives a $400 per month auto allowance. Pre-tax
supplemental insurance plans are offered through AFLAC, Colonial Life,
and Mutual of Omaha; there is an option to participate in a Section 125
IRS Plan for reimbursement of dependent care and medical costs;
retirement benefits are offered through the California Public Employees
Retirement System (CalPERS), with a 2.7% at 55 formula for classic
members (classic employees currently pay an 8% employee contribution
and a 3% share of the employer contribution) and a 2% at 62 retirement
formula for new members (currently new employees pay a 7% contribution);
457 deferred compensation plan available at employee cost; the City
does not participate in Social Security; credit union membership also
available.
The City has a 4/10 work schedule and there is an option for participation
in a Hybrid Work Program that provides both onsite and remote work
opportunities.
City Council meetings and Commission meetings are held during the
day.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstand-
ing opportunity, please apply online at:
www.bobmurrayassoc.com
Filing Deadline:
February 9, 2025
Following the closing date, resumes
will be screened according to the
qualifications outlined above. The
most qualified candidates will be
invited to personal interviews with
Bob Murray & Associates. A select
group of candidates will be asked
to provide references once it is
anticipated that they may be
recommended as finalists. References
will be contacted only following
candidate approval. Finalist interviews
will be held with the City of Vernon.
Candidates will be advised of the
status of the recruitment following
selection of the Director of Finance/
City Treasurer.
If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to call Ms. Valerie
Phillips at:
(916) 784-9080
Resolution No. 2025-008
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AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (NON-SAFETY)
BETWEEN THE CITY OF VERNON AND ALICE HUI
This At-Will Employment Agreement (Agreement) is between the City of Vernon
(City) and Alice Hui (Employee).
Recitals
City desires to employ Employee as an at-will employee in the position of
Director of Finance/City Treasurer. Employee desires to be the Director of Finance/City
Treasurer and acknowledges that such employment is at-will.
The City Administrator, pursuant to the authority granted by the City of Vernon
Charter and City Council, agrees to hire Employee, as an at-will employee, subject to
the terms and conditions identified below.
AGREEMENT
Section 1: TERM
The effective date of this Agreement shall be Monday, April 14, 2025. Either
party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to the provisions set forth below.
Employee is an at-will employee and may be terminated, with or without cause, upon
thirty (30) days written notice. Employee may resign with thirty (30) days advance
notice as set forth in Section 8 below.
Section 2: DUTIES
A. City engages Employee as the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to
perform the functions and duties specified in the job description for the position
(Attachment “A”, incorporated herein by this reference), as the same may be modified
by the City Administrator, from time to time, and to perform such other legally
permissible and proper duties and functions as the City Administrator shall, from time to
time, assign.
B. Employee agrees that to the best of her ability and experience that she will
at all times conscientiously perform the duties and obligations required, either express
or implied, by the terms of this Agreement, the ordinances, resolutions and adopted
policies of the City of Vernon and the laws and regulations of the State of California and
the United States.
C. As a public employee, Employee is required to work a full and complete
work week pursuant to the established work schedule as determined by the City
Administrator, and devote whatever time is necessary to fulfill the employment
responsibilities and duties as identified in this Agreement.
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D. During the term of this Agreement, Employee is required to have and
maintain a valid California Driver’s license.
E. Employee acknowledges that in connection with the performance of her
duties, she will obtain information from City employees and third parties that is of a
confidential nature. Employee agrees that she will not disclose such confidential
information other than to officers and employees of the City who have been authorized
to have access to such information. Employee further agrees that if she has a question
as to the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of her employment, she
will contact the City Attorney for advice.
Section 3: EXCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT
Employee agrees to focus her professional time, ability and attention to City
business during the term of this Agreement. Consequently, Employee agrees not to
engage in any other business pursuits, whatsoever, directly or indirectly, render any
services of a business, commercial, or professional nature to any other person or
organization, for compensation, without the prior written consent of the City
Administrator. This does not preclude Employee from volunteering her services to other
entities or individuals as long as such volunteer services are not in conflict with the
services to be provided by Employee under this Agreement.
Section 4: COMPENSATION
As compensation for the services to be rendered by Employee, City agrees to
pay Employee a base starting salary of no less than $254,061, per year, payable in
twenty-six (26) biweekly installments at the same time as other employees of the City
are paid and subject to customary withholding. Salary adjustments (merit increases), if
any, in Employee’s salary during the term of this Agreement shall be at the sole
discretion of the City Administrator based upon the City Administrator’s evaluation of
Employee’s job performance and within the base salary range established by the City
Council or as otherwise approved by the City Council. Employee shall receive cost of
living adjustments (COLAs) that are received by City executive staff, if any. Any and all
adjustments shall be in accordance with City personnel policies and procedures.
Employee’s salary shall be reflected in the City’s publicly available salary schedule.
Section 5: BENEFITS
A.Retirement
As an employee of the City of Vernon, Employee will be enrolled in the California
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan, as such plan may be
amended by the City Council. As of the date of this employment agreement, such plan
includes the 2.7% at 55 benefit formula for “classic” miscellaneous employees or the
2.0% at 62 benefit formula for “new” miscellaneous employees. The Employee pays for
the employee contribution to PERS. Classic CalPERS member employees currently
Resolution No. 2025-008
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pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer contribution. PEPRA
CalPERS member employees currently pay a 7% employee contribution.
B.Other Executive Management Benefits
Employee shall receive all benefits specified by the then current Resolutions of
the City Council of Vernon for Executive Management Staff, including, without limitation,
those related to Vacation, Executive Leave, Holidays, Sick Leave, Medical and Dental
Insurance, Retiree Health benefits, Life Insurance, Flexible Benefits Plans, Vision Care,
Other Leaves, Deferred Compensation at employee cost, and other types of leave in
accordance with the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy and Personnel Policies and
Procedures Manual. The benefits set forth in the City’s current Citywide Fringe Benefits
Policy, shall be the minimum benefits provided to Employee, subject to any future
enhancements or increases as may be approved and adopted by the City Council.
Upon Employee’s hire date, Employee shall receive credit for all previous full-
time years of service in other CalPERS public agencies for purposes of determining
Employee's eligibility for Retiree Health benefits and in determining Employee’s accrual
rate and eligibility for Sick Leave and Vacation time, as provided in the Citywide Fringe
Benefits Policy. In addition, upon the effective date of this Agreement, Employee shall
receive an initial balance of 80 hours of Vacation time and 80 hours of Sick leave during
her first year of City employment, which cannot be cashed out and shall not carry over
to the next calendar year. Employee will accrue Vacation time at the Executive 16
years of service level with 185 annual vacation hours at a bi-weekly accrual rate of 7.12.
Section 6: TERMINATION AND SEVERANCE PAY
A. Employee is an at-will employee and serves at the will and pleasure of the
City Administrator and may be terminated at any time, without cause, subject
to the conditions of paragraphs B and C of this section.
B. In the event that Employee is terminated by the City Administrator for reasons
other than physical or mental incapacity, and other than those reasons noted
in paragraph E, below, the City agrees to pay the employee a severance
amount equal to six (6) months of base salary.
C. To be eligible for severance pay, as identified in paragraph B, of this section,
Employee shall fulfill all of her obligations under this Agreement and shall sign
a severance agreement and release of all claims against the City.
D. All severance payments shall be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the
date Employee executes the severance agreement and release of claims
against the City.
E. Notwithstanding paragraphs A, B and C, above, if Employee resigns or
retires, or is terminated due to insubordination, incapacity, dereliction of duty,
violation of the City’s Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy III-1, conviction
of a crime involving moral turpitude or involving personal gain to her or abuse
of her office or position or any felony or for a breach of this Agreement, City
shall have no obligation to pay any severance provided in this section.
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Furthermore, Employee agrees that any severance provided shall be fully
reimbursed to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an
abuse of her office or position.
F. Upon termination, Employee shall be paid for all earned, but unused, vacation
time and any sick leave if Employee meets the eligibility criteria for this type of
leave payout.
Section 7: ABUSE OF OFFICE OR POSITION
If Employee is paid leave salary during a pending investigation, any salary
provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed to the City if Employee is convicted
of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
If Employee is provided funds for any legal criminal defense during her
employment with the City, any funds provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed
to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or
position.
If this Agreement is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination
that Employee may receive from the City shall be fully reimbursed to the City if
Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of her office or position.
Section 8: CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITION
Employee understands and agrees that because of the duties of Employee within
and on behalf of the City of Vernon, Employee shall not, during the term of this
Agreement, individually, as a partner, joint venture, officer or shareholder, invest or
participate in any project, development, or venture conducting business within the
corporate limits of the City of Vernon or within real property owned by the City of
Vernon, except for stock ownership in any company whose capital stock is publicly held
and regularly traded, without prior written approval of the City Council and compliance
with all applicable state and local regulations governing financial conflicts of interest.
Employee further agrees not to invest in any real estate or property improvements
within the corporate limits of the City of Vernon or on real property owned by the City of
Vernon without prior written consent of the City Council.
Section 9: RESIGNATION / RETIREMENT
Employee may resign at any time. Employee may retire, provided she is eligible
for retirement, at any time. Employee agrees to provide thirty (30) calendar days
advance written notice of the effective date of her resignation or retirement.
In the event Employee retires or resigns, Employee shall be entitled to payment
for earned, but unused, vacation time, and any sick leave if Employee meets the
eligibility criteria for this type of leave payout, but not to severance pay as delineated in
Section 6, paragraph B, above.
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Section 10: DISABILITY
If Employee is permanently disabled or otherwise unable to perform her duties
because of sickness, accident, injury, mental incapacity or health for a period of thirty
(30) calendar days beyond any earned sick leave, City shall have the option to
terminate this Agreement; however, the City’s option to terminate under this Section
shall be limited by its obligation to engage in the interactive process for reasonable
accommodations and to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit or restrict Employee’s benefits or
rights under workers’ compensation or the Public Employees Retirement System
(“PERS”).
However, as delineated in Section 6 of this Agreement, an employee terminated
under this section is not eligible for severance pay.
In cases of disability, Employee shall be compensated for any earned, but
unused, vacation leave, and any sick leave if Employee meets the eligibility criteria for
this type of leave payout.
Section 11: GENERAL PROVISIONS
A.Notice
Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and either delivered in
person or by first class, certified, return receipt requested U.S. Mail with postage
prepaid. Such notice shall be addressed as follows:
TO CITY: City Administrator
City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
TO EMPLOYEE: Alice Hui
[Deliver to last updated address in personnel file]
B Entire Agreement
The text of this Agreement shall constitute the entire and exclusive agreement
between the parties. All prior oral or written communications understanding or
agreements between the parties, not set forth herein, shall be superseded in total by
this Agreement. No Amendment or modification to this Agreement may be made except
by a written agreement signed by the Employee and the City Administrator and
approved as to form by the City Attorney.
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C Assignment
This Agreement is not assignable by either the City or Employee.
D Severability
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is finally held or determined to
be illegal or void by a court having jurisdiction over the parties, the remainder of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless the parts found to be void are
wholly inseparable from the remaining portions of this Agreement.
E.Effect of Waiver
The failure of either party to insist on strict compliance with any of the terms,
covenants, or conditions in this Agreement by the other party shall not be deemed a
waiver of that term, covenant or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any
right or power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that
right or power for all or any other time or times.
F.Jurisdiction
Any action to interpret or enforce the terms of this Agreement shall be held
exclusively in a state court in Los Angeles County, California. Employee expressly
waives any right to remove any such action from Los Angeles County.
G.Effective Date
This Agreement shall take effect on Monday, April 14, 2025.
[Signatures Begin on Next Page].
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Vernon has caused this Agreement to be
signed and executed on its behalf by its City Administrator, and executed by the
Employee.
City of Vernon, a California charter City and
California municipal corporation
Dated: By:
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
ATTEST:
Yonnie Parker, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Zaynah Moussa, City Attorney
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In signing this Agreement, Employee understands and agrees that her employment
status is that of an at-will employee and that her rights to employment with the City are
governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement rather than the ordinances,
resolutions, and policies of the City of Vernon which might otherwise apply to
employees of the City. Employee further acknowledges that she was given the
opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement.
Signed:
Dated:
Employeepllololololllololololllollllllooollllllollllloololllollooollololoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooyeyeyeyeyyeyeyeyyeyeyeyyyyyyyyyyyeyeyeyeeyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeyyyyyyyyyyeyyyyeeeeeeyyyyyyyyeyyyyyeyeeeeeyeeeeeeeeeyeyeyyeyyyyyyyyeyeyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
3/24/25
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ATTACHMENT A
Job Description
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Date Prepared:
Date Revised:
March 2014
October 2023
Class Code: 1210
SUMMARY: Under limited supervision, serves as the Chief Financial Officer for
Citywide financial management including financial planning, forecasting, capital project
financing, investment oversight, debt issuance, management of financial risks, financial
operations, and financial reporting; performs complex management and technical duties
as the Finance Director and City Treasurer, with responsibility for maintaining fiscal
stability and safeguarding the assets of the City; provides financial advice to the City
Administrator and City Council; manages assigned personnel, and assures that financial
activities are in compliance with state and federal regulations, and City policies and best
practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any
of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties
performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable
accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to
change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
x Manages the Finance Department through effective planning and fiscal management;
provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial strategies and priorities; evaluates and
analyzes financial data and recommends and implements solutions; assures the financial
activities and procedures are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations, and accounting
standards.
x Serves as principal financial advisor to the City Council and City Administrator; provides
leadership, direction, and guidance to achieve the City goals of fiscal well-being and integrity;
interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, communicates status of
financial issues, interprets, and explains policies and regulations, and assures the efficient
delivery of high-quality financial services.
x Monitors Finance Department operations and internal financial controls; assures the quality of
the financial activities, services, and work products; prepares and reviews statistical analyses
to evaluate trends and financial status; develops revenue and expenditure forecasts and
recommends budget adjustments.
x Directs, leads, and motivates the Finance staff; plans, prioritizes, and assigns tasks and
projects; monitors work, develops skills, and evaluates performance; meets with team to
discuss and resolve workload, special projects, quality standards, customer services, and
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technical issues; reviews work, verifies the accuracy of financial records, identifies corrective
actions, and assures required deadlines are met.
x Analyzes financial information on City operations, evaluates departments’ needs and goals,
and recommends financial resources; reviews and monitors status reports, and recommends
appropriate actions; prepares and presents financial forecasts and status reports to City
Council.
x Analyzes the City’s financial condition and develops plans to assure financial performance
meets goals; coordinates development of City budget; monitors budget, revenue, and
expenditure trends.
x Directs financial reporting, preparation of financial statements, and development of the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); oversees the City’s banking, cash and debt
management, bond rating, and investment activities; interprets laws, rules, regulations, and
guidelines for financial procedures.
x Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and
procedures; monitors and evaluates workload, technical support systems, internal reporting
relationships, and inter-agency issues; identifies opportunities for improvement, and develops
recommendations.
x Coordinates and resolves financial and technical issues with elected officials and outside
agencies.
x Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating
courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains
confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or
assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; AND seven years of
experience managing public sector financial operations. Master’s Degree in Finance or Business
Administration is desirable.
Knowledge of:
x City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
x Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB), and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, recommended
practices, and policies, rules, and regulatory reporting requirements.
x Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for Public Sector financial management,
including payroll, treasury, grant funds, and public debt management.
x Federal and state laws and statutes governing municipal operations, public records, and open
meetings.
x Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal finance officers.
x Principles and practices of administrative management, including personnel rules,
procurement, contract management, risk management, and employee supervision.
x Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
x General ledger and account reconciliation standards.
Resolution No. 2025-008
Page 18 of 19
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Skill in:
x Analyzing problems, defining complex issues, identifying alternative solutions, projecting
consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations to support goals and
build the organization.
x Effectively managing and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
x Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
x Reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying accounting standards and procedures,
applicable federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
x Analyzing City needs and prioritizing and promoting financial strategies to meet future
needs.
x Monitoring and interpreting financial documents and assuring compliance with all regulatory
requirements governing municipal financial activities.
x Analyzing financial issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing recommendations and
strategies.
x Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
x Reviewing interrelated financial and technical records and identifying and reconciling errors.
x Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
x Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
x Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified
Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation is preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.
Resolution No. 2025-008
Page 19 of 19
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City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date:April 1, 2025
From:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources
Department:Human Resources
Submitted by:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources
Subject
Appointment of Alice Hui as Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-008 appointing Alice Hui to serve as the Director of Finance/City
Treasurer of the City of Vernon effective April 14, 2025, and approving and authorizing the
execution of a related at-will employment agreement.
Background
Following the departure of the former Director of Finance/City Treasurer in 2024, the City’s
Human Resources Department initiated a Request for Proposal for Recruitment Firms to conduct
four executive level recruitments, which included the Director of Finance/City Treasurer. The
City selected Bob Murray and Associates (Vendor) to conduct the City Administrator, City Clerk,
Director of Finance/City Treasurer and Director of Human Resources recruitments.
Recruitment Summary
The recruitment period to fill this vacancy began December 23, 2024, and was extended to close
on February 9, 2025. Bob Murray and Associates received 47 complete resume and
questionnaire packets. Following an in-depth review of the resumes and questionnaires
submitted, seven candidates were interviewed by the external vendor and four candidates were
recommended. Two candidates moved forward and were invited to participate in a dual panel
interview process consisting of City and external evaluators on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The
City Administrator has recommended the appointment of Alice Hui to serve as the Director of
Finance/City Treasurer for the City of Vernon.
At-Will Employment Agreement
The At-Will Employment Agreement for Director of Finance/City Treasurer has been presented
to Ms. Hui and is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2025-008. The agreement establishes
an effective date of April 14, 2025, and a starting salary of $ 254,061 per year, plus all benefits
provided to executive personnel.
The proposed agreement is consistent with other City of Vernon executive employment
agreements, albeit with the following exceptions:
•Added language to Section 5B indicating Employee shall receive an initial balance of 80
hours of Vacation time and 80 hours of Sick leave during her first year of City employment,
which cannot be cashed out and shall not carry over to the next calendar year.
•Added language to Section 5B indicating Employee shall accrue Vacation time at the
Executive 16 years of service level with 185 annual vacation hours at a bi-weekly accrual
rate of 7.12.
Candidate Summary
Alice Hui has over 16 years of municipal finance and audit experience. Ms. Hui currently serves
as the Director of Finance for the City of Whittier and previously served this agency as the
Assistant Director of Administrative Services. Prior to this experience she worked as an Internal
Auditor and Audit Manager managing various local government audit engagements. Ms. Hui
holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from
California State Polytechnic University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the
state of California.
Given Ms. Hui’s qualifications and considerable experience in public sector finance, she is well
suited to meet the needs of the City and lead the Finance Department.
At its regular City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, prior to taking final action to adopt this
resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the recommended appointment
and compensation, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at approximately $315,979 including salary and benefits ($254,061
base salary and $61,918 in benefit costs). Sufficient funds for the appointment of the Director of
Finance/City Treasurer are available in the General Fund, Finance Department, Salaries, Taxes
and Benefits Accounts for the current fiscal year and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2025-008