Principal Accountant

City of San Diego

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Financial Operations Managers in the Department of Finance, the Principal Accountants are responsible for coordinating the accounting, budget, disbursements, and financial reporting functions in the Department. This position will lead the Budget Monitoring section and is primarily responsible for administering the citywide quarterly budget monitoring process.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or a related field.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible management experience.
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these qualifications may be qualifying.

Nice To Haves

Municipal government experience, accounting, and grant management experience are highly desired.
Experience in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of operating and/or capital budgets.
A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Experience in Government Accounting and Reporting.
Knowledge and experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning systems.
Strong quantitative analytical abilities, including a thorough understanding of common data analysis tools and programs.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear, and straightforward manner, including the use of graphs and tables as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences, including elected officials, various levels of City management, and members of the public.
Ability to comprehend technical details and understand how they relate to and impact the “big picture”.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight time constraints.
Interest in municipal activities and services and how they impact the community.
Highly ethical and objective, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political.
Energetic and motivated with the ability and desire to take initiative.

Responsibilities

Coordinating the accounting, budget, disbursements, and financial reporting functions in the Department.
Leading the Budget Monitoring section.
Administering the citywide quarterly budget monitoring process.

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.