Assistant Deputy Director - Finance

City of San Diego

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Deputy Director of Finance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the robust financial health and strategic integrity of the Water and Wastewater Utility systems within the Public Utilities Department. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance, this position is central to managing the financial intricacies of a utility with a substantial annual operating budget of $1.6 billion, guiding financial policy and ensuring fiscal transparency for leadership and stakeholders. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly influence financial sustainability, strategic direction, and overall financial governance of a vital public utility, working at the intersection of policy and practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience, including management of large water or wastewater utilities.
Demonstrated experience in water and/or wastewater operations.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of wastewater conveyance, treatment, disposal, monitoring, and advanced water treatment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Oversee critical financial functions including the preparation and review of comprehensive financial disclosures for official statements, development of strategic financial presentations for City Council, and management of bond offerings that secure the utility's capital needs.
Directs staff responsible for the annual financial review of expenses for the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment System (operated in partnership with regional participating agencies). This includes comprehensive financial reporting to member agencies and providing crucial financial expertise and support to the agreement negotiation team.
Serves as a key reviewer for the department's major agreements, strategic reports, and presentations. Given the significant financial scope of regulatory compliance, large capital projects, litigation, and inter-agency agreements, this role ensures financial consistency, accurate impact assessment, and adherence to financial policy across the utility. This involves connecting high-level financial implications to broader departmental operations and strategic objectives.
Critically, this position is responsible for educating operating and supporting divisions on the principles of sound financial management and resource allocation within the “One Water" department. This ensures their understanding of how costs are structured and supported by two distinct ratepayer systems (Water and Wastewater), aligning operational decisions with overall financial sustainability goals.

Benefits

Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
City-paid life insurance.