Controllers Division Manager - Disbursement and General Accounting (Open and Pro

Controllers Division Manager - Disbursement and General Accounting (Open and Promotional)
County of San Mateo, CA

The San Mateo County Controller's Office is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Controllers Division Manager – Disbursement and General Accounting. The Controller's Office maintains the County's financial accounting system, processes disbursements and journal entries, produces independently audited, award‑winning annual financial reports, and performs internal audits of department operations.

The General Accounting Division
The General Accounting Division is committed to performing all duties with integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency. It provides accounting and financial services to County departments and agencies and is responsible for the preparation of the County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Annual Financial Report for the San Mateo County Joint Powers Financing Authority (JPFA), and other required financial reports.

Position Summary
The person hired for this position will manage the General Accounting Division, supervising and coordinating financial support functions, including accounting and financial services to County departments, and financial reporting preparations. The Manager will assist in developing, implementing, and interpreting accounting policies, provide complex financial support to senior level management, and oversee day‑to‑day accounting support functions such as preparation of financial analysis, schedules and reports (ACFR, PAFR, JPFA reports, etc.).

Ideal Candidate Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Proficient in government and/or public accounting

Advanced knowledge and implementation of Governmental Financial Accounting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Demonstrated success in preparing comprehensive and highly complex financial reports, compilations, and written communications

Effective oral and written communication skills

Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills

Experience managing and supervising professional staff

Ability to identify problems, determine causes, and implement solutions

Research and analyze business and/or system processes with recommendations for improvements

Develop and maintain a cohesive, collaborative team with emphasis on communication, contributions, and mutual support

Plan, organize, manage, coordinate, and evaluate functions and staff for operations and special projects

Interpret and implement related laws, accounting rules, and regulations

Develop and implement division goals, objectives, and priorities

Review and update current accounting practices and training professional personnel

Duties (Examples)

Organize, direct, and coordinate accounting and financial operational activities

Prepare financial analysis, schedules, and reports (ACFR, JPFA report, State Controller's reports, PAFR, County Budget schedules)

Administer and interpret county administrative policies and procedures; implement division goals, objectives, and priorities

Update accounting standards and procedures, including implementation of changes to financial reports and business processes

Coordinate year‑end closing activities with controller's staff, county departments, and agencies

Supervise support division staff in day‑to‑day operation

Organize and supervise training and work of professional and clerical staff (Senior Accountant, Accountant, Fiscal Office Specialist)

Provide timely feedback, performance evaluations, and training opportunities for staff

Consult departments on complex accounting issues

Coordinate annual audit activities with external auditors

Participate in accounting system upgrades with the Controller's Information Systems Division or county departments as needed

Develop the Division's procedures handbook for implementation of county policies

Conduct special financial analysis

Provide excellent customer service to departments, managing relationships with external and internal vendors/customers

Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Typical qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing administrative, financial, or managerial duties in a large, complex public agency, including at least one year of direct experience managing and/or supervising an accounting or auditing function

Knowledge

Advanced principles and practices of accounting, research methods, and financial planning

Basic principles and practices of County‑wide operations and their administration and organization

Advanced principles and practices of management and organizational effectiveness

Principles of personnel training, supervision, and evaluation

Relevant automated fiscal/financial information systems, applications, and terminologies

Federal, State, and local laws and regulations applicable to assigned areas of responsibility and governing the financial operations of public agencies

Skills / Ability to

Analyze and evaluate complex accounting, auditing, and financial problems, records, and reports

Prepare clear and concise reports

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Direct and participate in analysis of highly complex accounting and operational problems, providing operational and procedural recommendations

Develop, administer, and interpret policies, guidelines, and procedures related to the assigned program area

Perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations accurately

Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

Licensure / Certification

If assigned to Internal Audit, must obtain a Certified Public Accountant license issued by the State of California within six months of appointment

EEO Statement
San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

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