Controllers Division Manager - Disbursement and General Accounting; and Promotional

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 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.

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.).

• 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

• 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

• Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Typical qualification:
  Bachelor's…