Job Details
Fiscal Officer
2026-02-24 County of Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara,CA
Description:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the second manager level in the Financial Services Management job family and manages a mid-size program within a department or division, or multiple small programs. Incumbents establish annual goals and priorities, influence the direction for new or revised services, programs, processes, standards, or operational plans, based upon the County's long-term strategies. Position has direct impact on the work unit or program and may impact the entire department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Typically reports to a Level III manager. Provides direct supervision to two or more individuals within a program. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff.
Examples of Duties
These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.
1. Participate in the development, coordination, and administration of the Department's goals and objectives, policies and procedures, budget and staffing plans.
2. Assist in coordination and development of the Department's $227 million budget, requiring justifications and consideration of funding and service levels.
3. Monitor and control the Department's budget to assure conformance with revenue expectations and expenditure plans.
4. Supervise eight accounting support staff, includes training, assigning, reviewing their work and performance evaluations.
5. Maintain the accounting integrity of the Department.
6. Ensure that all revenues and expenditures are timely received and paid and accurately accounted for.
7. Organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate the production of various comprehensive financial, management, and statistical reports for planning, projections, and reporting.
8. Assist in monitoring and reporting to the County Executive Office and/or County Board of Supervisors fiscal issues and solutions impacting the department.
9. Assist in analyzing new legislation or changes in regulation to determine impact on the department's finances and operations. Coordinate with managers and executives accordingly and participate in devising strategies for complying with changes.
10. Develop and make recommendations for service fee rates based upon cost analysis and full cost recovery in accordance with County's policies and procedures and California law.
11. Track and compile billable fee-for-service costs for maximum recovery of revenues for services rendered.
12. Coordinate the development and monitor departmental Purchasing and Board contracts to ensure compliance with budgetary restrictions and county procurement and compliance policies and procedures.
13. Oversee the proper accounting of public monies collected by Department for accurate and timely distribution to other departments and agency funds (passthrough revenue).
14. Monitor and maintain inventory of Departmental capital assets.
15. Use various Departmental and County financial applications for budget development, accounting, and reporting.
Employment Standards
Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
1. Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.
2. Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
3.LiveScan: A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation. If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office or you are not sure how to answer the Personal History Questionnaire, please contact Sheriff's Office Human Resources Bureau at (805) ###-#### for questions or assistance.
Disqualifiers:
• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementThe County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open Until Filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Leza Patatanian -
Retirement Plans
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
02
As part of the application process, a Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes are accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with ALL APPLICANTS through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
04
I understand as part of the hiring process, I will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the hiring standards will result in my disqualification. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information stated.
05
If you have listed an international degree on your employment application, please attach your documentation from an Evaluation Service that shows you meet the education U.S. standard equivalency and attach your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of Evaluation Services you can use: You are required to attach your documentation from an evaluation service to your application at the time you apply.
06
Do you have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field? If yes, please list the degree(s) major obtained and the name of the college or university. Please note, this information should also be documented in the education section of your employment application. If you do not have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the mentioned fields above, please type "N/A."
07
Please describe in detail your five (5) years or more of professional experience in accounting and finance. Include your employer's name(s), duration of employment with this type of experience and overall responsibilities pertaining to this experience. (Complete details should be listed on your application under Work History). Do not type "see resume" or "see application." If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
08
Please describe in detail your two (2) years or more of direct supervisory experience. Include in your response your employer/organization name(s), dates in the supervisory role, number of direct staff supervised, type of setting and your overall responsibilities. (Complete details should be listed on your application under Work History). Do not type "see resume" or "see application." If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
Required Question
Salary : $125,748.48 - $160,478.24 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-8134-01 (O/SO)
Department: Sheriff-Coroner
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
**NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will now remain open until filled with first considerations beginning on Monday, February 9th.
At the core of an effective Sheriff's Office is a skilled fiscal professional who ensures resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in support of public safety. We are seeking a detail-oriented, mission-focused Fiscal Officer to play a vital role in supporting law enforcement operation. County classification title is Financial Services Manager II. This position is "At-Will" and exempt from Civil Service provisions.
If you are passionate about public service, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want your financial expertise to make a meaningful, real-world impact, we invite you to apply.
POSITION: This position within the Sheriff's Office reports to the Chief Financial Officer and leads nine direct supervisory reports. This position is the internal control for all fiscal operational transactions for the management of our $227 million budget.
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards
- Advise managers and supervisors on resource allocation, fiscal compliance, and budgetary policy requirements
- Understand and manage complex and interrelated funding sources, including grants and restricted funds
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and mandates
- Analyze financial data and regulatory changes to assess programmatic and fiscal impacts
- Identify and recommend improvements to financial and business processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risk
- Utilize automated financial systems and business applications effectively
- Manage multiple priorities and perform well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Lead with a collaborative management style that fosters trust, accountability, and team development
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to support performance, growth, and operational goals
- Work independently with a high degree of initiative, sound judgment, and attention to detail
- Communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the second manager level in the Financial Services Management job family and manages a mid-size program within a department or division, or multiple small programs. Incumbents establish annual goals and priorities, influence the direction for new or revised services, programs, processes, standards, or operational plans, based upon the County's long-term strategies. Position has direct impact on the work unit or program and may impact the entire department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Typically reports to a Level III manager. Provides direct supervision to two or more individuals within a program. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff.
Examples of Duties
These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.
1. Participate in the development, coordination, and administration of the Department's goals and objectives, policies and procedures, budget and staffing plans.
2. Assist in coordination and development of the Department's $227 million budget, requiring justifications and consideration of funding and service levels.
3. Monitor and control the Department's budget to assure conformance with revenue expectations and expenditure plans.
4. Supervise eight accounting support staff, includes training, assigning, reviewing their work and performance evaluations.
5. Maintain the accounting integrity of the Department.
6. Ensure that all revenues and expenditures are timely received and paid and accurately accounted for.
7. Organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate the production of various comprehensive financial, management, and statistical reports for planning, projections, and reporting.
8. Assist in monitoring and reporting to the County Executive Office and/or County Board of Supervisors fiscal issues and solutions impacting the department.
9. Assist in analyzing new legislation or changes in regulation to determine impact on the department's finances and operations. Coordinate with managers and executives accordingly and participate in devising strategies for complying with changes.
10. Develop and make recommendations for service fee rates based upon cost analysis and full cost recovery in accordance with County's policies and procedures and California law.
11. Track and compile billable fee-for-service costs for maximum recovery of revenues for services rendered.
12. Coordinate the development and monitor departmental Purchasing and Board contracts to ensure compliance with budgetary restrictions and county procurement and compliance policies and procedures.
13. Oversee the proper accounting of public monies collected by Department for accurate and timely distribution to other departments and agency funds (passthrough revenue).
14. Monitor and maintain inventory of Departmental capital assets.
15. Use various Departmental and County financial applications for budget development, accounting, and reporting.
Employment Standards
Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:
- Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or economics, and,
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance, including at least two (2) years as a supervisor or manager.
- For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
- Principles and practices of accounting, tax, claims management, auditing, and collections.
- Principles and practices of financial planning and analysis, investment portfolio management, cost and revenue management, and cash management.
- Principles and practices of administering payroll and benefits programs.
- Principles and practices of managing fiscal services programs and projects related to accounting, tax, auditing, medical billing, claims management, and collections.
- Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Management principles, practices, and techniques.
- Principles and practices of governmental accounting, fiscal management, budgeting and auditing.
- Principles and practices of program planning and administration.
- Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
- Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building.
- Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration.
- Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
- Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment.
- Manage fiscal compliance operations related to accounting, taxation, auditing, claims management, and collections programs and services.
- Manage budget development and related programs and projects.
- Manage programs and projects related to financial planning and analysis, investment portfolio management, cost and revenue management, and cash management.
- Oversee adherence to quality assurance and standards.
- Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
- Manage assigned operations/programs; ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures.
- Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work.
- Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures.
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies.
- Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation.
- Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
- Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards.
- Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
- Resolve complex problems within area of assignment.
- Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
- Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
- Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership.
- Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
- Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, and the general public.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
- Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline will result in disqualification from the selection process. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step.
- Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.
1. Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.
2. Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
3.LiveScan: A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation. If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office or you are not sure how to answer the Personal History Questionnaire, please contact Sheriff's Office Human Resources Bureau at (805) ###-#### for questions or assistance.
Disqualifiers:
• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:
- Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.
- Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementThe County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open Until Filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Leza Patatanian -
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
- I understand
02
As part of the application process, a Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes are accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
- I understand
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with ALL APPLICANTS through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
- Yes, I understand
04
I understand as part of the hiring process, I will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the hiring standards will result in my disqualification. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information stated.
- Yes, I understand and agree to the statement above.
05
If you have listed an international degree on your employment application, please attach your documentation from an Evaluation Service that shows you meet the education U.S. standard equivalency and attach your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of Evaluation Services you can use: You are required to attach your documentation from an evaluation service to your application at the time you apply.
- Yes, I have an international degree and have attached the required documents from an Evaluation Service and transcripts to my employment application.
- Yes, I have an international degree, but do not have the required documents. I understand that I may not qualify for this position.
- Not applicable; I do not have an international degree.
06
Do you have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field? If yes, please list the degree(s) major obtained and the name of the college or university. Please note, this information should also be documented in the education section of your employment application. If you do not have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the mentioned fields above, please type "N/A."
07
Please describe in detail your five (5) years or more of professional experience in accounting and finance. Include your employer's name(s), duration of employment with this type of experience and overall responsibilities pertaining to this experience. (Complete details should be listed on your application under Work History). Do not type "see resume" or "see application." If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
08
Please describe in detail your two (2) years or more of direct supervisory experience. Include in your response your employer/organization name(s), dates in the supervisory role, number of direct staff supervised, type of setting and your overall responsibilities. (Complete details should be listed on your application under Work History). Do not type "see resume" or "see application." If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
Required Question