Department Manager of Accounting (Limited-Term)

About the role

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a hands-on leader for the Department Manager of Accounting - Limited-Term position. This role is essential during a transformative era for the agency as it implements a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

Responsibilities

• Assume full managerial responsibility for the Accounting Department consisting of 19 full-time employees.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate departmental operations, programs, and staff administration.
• Oversight of the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer, Division Heads, Finance Managers, and staff to pioneer best practices and streamline finance processes.
• Support all agency programs through functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Manage department staff including assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, supporting professional development, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Develop and standardize procedures, methods, and workflows to continuously monitor the efficiency and workload of staff ensuring continuity of operations during the implementation period of SCAG’s new ERP system.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of departmental budgets and forecast staffing, consultant, technology, and other resource needs.
• Communicate directly with Federal and State administrators, contractors, subregions, and other stakeholders to support Accounting Department operations and agency priorities.

Requirements

• 7 years of experience in government accounting.
• 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• A CPA is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, financial reporting practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Experience overseeing the preparation of the annual ACFR.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
• The ability to strategically plan and coordinate the work of a department.
• Experience developing and administering departmental budgets and managing organizational resources.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical information to all levels of staff and stakeholders.
• A high level of attention to detail with effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement procedures to streamline processes.

Skills

• Strategic planning and coordination.
• Financial reporting and analysis.
• Leadership and supervision.
• Grant administration guidelines.
• Budget management and forecasting.
• Technical communication.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

SCAG offers a culture where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. Employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. The Accounting Department supports all agency programs through functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 annually.

Schedule

This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.