Finance & Administration Division Manager

Position Overview
The County of San Mateo is seeking an experienced fiscal and administrative professional to lead a team responsible for critical financial functions, including budget preparation, financial reporting, cost allocation planning, contract management, and complex financial analysis. This is a fully onsite position with no remote work option.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience managing fiscal and administrative teams, combined with technical expertise in governmental accounting, public budgeting, and cost recovery for federal and state programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct fiscal operations, including budget development, financial reporting, purchasing, and contract administration.

• Oversee preparation and submission of the County’s budget, Cost Allocation Plan, State Mandate (SB90) reimbursement claims, Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR).

• Administer the Controller’s Office fiscal processes, including accounts payable, general ledger transactions, and employee reimbursements.

• Manage vendor contracts, including RFP processes and contract negotiations.

• Support personnel matters, collaborating with Human Resources on staffing needs, training, and evaluations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations and accounting standards.

• Develop internal manuals and guidelines for effective implementation of county policies and fiscal procedures.

• Represent the Controller’s Office in interdepartmental and public meetings.

• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal departments and external stakeholders.

• Conduct special financial analyses and participate in strategic projects.

Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• Expertise in public sector budgeting, financial analysis, and accounting.

• Hands-on experience preparing cost allocation plans, indirect cost rates, SB90 Mandate Claims, and SEFA for the Single Audit Report.

• Knowledge of disaster cost recovery procedures.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of fiscal professionals.

• Experience analyzing business processes and recommending improvements.

• Ability to foster collaboration and build a cohesive, high-performing team culture.

• Advanced understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Ability to interpret and implement complex financial regulations and manage operational initiatives effectively.

Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, financial, or managerial roles in a large public agency.

• At least one (1) year must include direct supervision or management of an accounting or auditing function.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced financial and cost accounting principles.

• County government operations, budgeting, and fiscal policies.

• Personnel management, training, and evaluation practices.

• Financial systems and terminology used in the public sector.

• Local, state, and federal laws related to government finance and compliance.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Analyze complex financial records, reports, and operational issues.

• Prepare and deliver clear and concise financial reports and public presentations.

• Administer and interpret fiscal policies and procedures.

• Perform accurate financial and statistical calculations.

• Establish effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.

• Participate in or lead cross-departmental special projects.