Finance Manager

City of Escondido•Escondido, CA

32d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open until filled. A first review of applications will take place during the week of August 3, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Finance Manager in our Finance Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website. Under administrative direction of the Director of Finance, the Finance Manager directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates accounting and budgeting operations within the Finance Department including general accounting functions, payroll, accounts payable and purchasing; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; performs related responsibilities as required; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Finance.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.
Seven years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible experience in accounting and financial work, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Ability to oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive municipal finance and accounting program.
Ability to oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Ability to participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to analyze financial information and identify potential problems.
Ability to prepare various financial analyses.
Ability to prepare and administer large program budgets.
Ability to prepare and present clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
Ability to understand and maintain financial software set-ups, troubleshoot problems, and identify possible enhancements.
Ability to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a municipal finance program particularly in the areas of municipal accounting and budgeting.
Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of budgeting and accounting.
Knowledge of principles of municipal fund accounting.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the City’s general accounting functions including, accounts payable, purchasing, and payroll.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Oversees and evaluates current accounting systems and procedures; develops and implements enhancements to current accounting practices.
Researches and resolves a variety of complex accounting issues and problems identified by subordinate staff.
Participates in various financial reporting duties; assists in the annual financial audit and financial statement preparation process, oversees and prepares tax related matters, including 1099 forms.
Answers a variety of purchasing and payroll related questions from City employees; researches and resolves difficult and complex purchasing and payroll issues; explains City payroll policies and procedures.
Provides accounting assistance to project managers and operations staff; responds to financial questions/concerns to meet operation needs.
Oversees the comprehensive purchasing functions of the City in compliance with mandated requirements.
Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Finance; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Serves as the liaison for assigned Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance and accounting.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace.
All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended.
A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions.
Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen.
Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States.
Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment.
After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment.
The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.
The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire.
New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.
Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department.
If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.
Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion.
A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.
Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria: Served in the U.S. armed forces Received an honorable discharge Did not retire from military service Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.
Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference.
Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed.
Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.
The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation.
We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.