Job Details

Fiscal Officer

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. 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

Benefits: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Note: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide cash incentives and/or time off advanced accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.

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:

• Participate in the development, coordination, and administration of the Department's goals and objectives, policies and procedures, budget and staffing plans.
• Assist in coordination and development of the Department's $227 million budget, requiring justifications and consideration of funding and service levels.
• Monitor and control the Department's budget to assure conformance with revenue expectations and expenditure plans.
• Supervise eight accounting support staff, includes training, assigning, reviewing their work and performance evaluations.
• Maintain the accounting integrity of the Department.
• Ensure that all revenues and expenditures are timely received and paid and accurately accounted for.
• Organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate the production of various comprehensive financial, management, and statistical reports for planning, projections, and reporting.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting to the County Executive Office and/or County Board of Supervisors fiscal issues and solutions impacting the department.
• 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.
• 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.
• Track and compile billable fee-for-service costs for maximum recovery of revenues for services rendered.
• Coordinate the development and monitor departmental Purchasing and Board contracts to ensure compliance with budgetary restrictions and county procurement and compliance policies and procedures.
• Oversee the proper accounting of public monies collected by Department for accurate and timely distribution to other departments and agency funds (passthrough revenue).
• Monitor and maintain inventory of Departmental capital assets.
• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• 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.

Knowledge of:

• 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.

Ability to:

• 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.