Manager, Finance and Payroll Services

Santa Barbara County Education Office•Santa Barbara - Goleta, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, the Manager, Finance and Payroll Services provides overall management and direction of finance and payroll functions. Through subordinate supervisors, the position plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages staff engaged in fiscal services, payroll administration, accounting operations, and related business functions for school districts served. The role ensures accurate financial reporting and payroll processing, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and effective operational support. The successful candidate is proactive and solutions-oriented, exercises sound professional judgment and creativity, and handles politically sensitive matters diplomatically and confidentially. The manager builds trust, leads by example, mentors and trains others, and collaborates to support the organization and the districts it serves. The position oversees supervisors and staff, provides senior-level expertise on complex fiscal and payroll matters, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and leads strategic planning, audits, projects, and continuous improvement initiatives. The work is generally performed indoors in an office environment with other people. It is generally sedentary and involves extensive use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment. Interruptions are frequent, noise is typically low or moderate, and significant safety hazards are not typical. Occasional evening or weekend work and occasional lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, public or nonprofit administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
Four years of professional accounting or payroll experience, preferably in a public K-12 education setting.
Two years of experience supervising accounting or payroll staff, in addition to or as part of the professional accounting or payroll experience.
Equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.
Knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and Governmental Accounting Standards.
Knowledge of governmental accounting, payroll administration, budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting practices and procedures.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and reporting requirements related to payroll and fiscal services.
Knowledge of payroll systems, financial software applications, database systems, and automated reporting tools.
Knowledge of public agency defined-benefit retirement systems, internal controls, and audit procedures.
Knowledge of budget development and management, competitive bidding and public contracting, data collection and management, and strategic planning.
Knowledge of supervision, training, professional development, and performance evaluation principles.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, arithmetic, modern office practices and technology, standard office productivity software, and telephone and email etiquette.
Ability to learn the operations, policies, practices, and objectives of the County Education Office.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize one’s own work and the work of others.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and technical procedures.
Ability to analyze situations and data accurately, exercise sound judgment, identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to coordinate and execute multiple projects, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and draft policies, procedures, correspondence, and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervised staff, district personnel at all levels, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as a member or leader of a team; lead groups toward goals and meet timelines.
Ability to train and provide technical guidance to staff and stakeholders.
Ability to make accurate arithmetic computations, use computerized accounting, enterprise, and other software, and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel information.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license and use of a dependable vehicle are required, unless these requirements are waived because duties can be performed efficiently using alternative transportation.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM).
Professional accounting or payroll experience in a public K-12 education setting.

Responsibilities

Provide support and oversight to finance and payroll supervisors to ensure district payroll processing, accounting, budgeting support, financial reporting, audits, and related fiscal operations align with SBAS standards.
Establish standards, approve new and revised fiscal and payroll procedures, and ensure effective internal controls and workflows that promote efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Review financial, payroll, tax, retirement, and benefit records, correspondence, and reports to ensure professional standards are met and deadlines are observed.
Review discrepancies in fiscal and payroll data, identify trends or systemic issues, and approve corrective actions and operational improvements recommended by supervisors.
Oversee timely preparation, review, and submission of financial statements, payroll reports, tax filings, retirement reporting, audits, and mandated reports.
Oversee cross-functional initiatives, set priorities, initiate escalations, and coordinate with SBCEO Information Technology Services on financial and payroll system projects; act as a liaison between districts and SBCEO ITS on issues SBAS staff cannot resolve.
Serve as a senior-level resource on complex, sensitive, precedent-setting, or cross-functional fiscal and payroll matters.
Oversee training for internal staff and external stakeholders on fiscal procedures, payroll systems, accounting practices, and regulatory compliance; provide training to management and supervisors on complex topics as needed.
Support supervisors in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and collective bargaining agreements related to payroll and fiscal operations, particularly in complex or novel situations.
Collaborate with internal department leaders, external agencies, auditors, software vendors, other county offices of education, and regulators, representing SBAS on sensitive or high-level matters.
Recommend appropriate staffing levels and review supervisors’ recommendations concerning employee selection, evaluation, and discipline.
Oversee staff training and professional development and lead or participate in regular staff meetings.
Assist supervisors or staff in resolving highly complex or sensitive issues and errors.
Assist with developing and administering SBAS budgets and monitor expenditures for fiscal accountability and compliance.
Oversee research, analysis, and continuous improvement of fiscal and payroll processes, systems, and services, and lead project teams implementing improvements.
Lead strategic planning, special projects, audits, and system initiatives related to business and fiscal services.
Attend and participate in meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional development activities as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.