About the Position

County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is in search of a critical thinker with a strength for collaboration and team building, who can effectively communicate with co-workers, government agencies, and the public. The successful candidate should also possess the responsibility for improved public service, personal accountability and managing teams.

Public Works is offering a rewarding career opportunity for a financial professional to join its Finance Division as a Principal Accountant leading a small team of accounting staff. The current Principal Accountant vacancy leads the Roads Finance team, providing financial administration of the County’s Road Fund. Duties include financial support for capital and maintenance road infrastructure projects, budget administration and tracking, Federal, State and local grant reimbursements and the supervision of three (3) accounting staff.

This position is also responsible for assisting with annual reporting required for the Road fund, calculating customer fees for services provided to the public, monthly project reporting and tracking and analyzing revenue streams related to those projects. One special project currently underway is a Countywide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) upgrade with an anticipated launch date of April 2027.

The vision of the Public Works Department is to be a valued community partner enhancing quality of life for all fellow County residents. This individual will join an American Public Works Association (APWA) accredited organization of over 300 Public Works professionals who provide a full range of services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo. The Finance Division of Public Works employs 21 full-time accounting staff with a wide range of skills and responsibilities

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The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position would preferably have governmental accounting experience and knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). More specifically, experience with tracking and billing reimbursable grants, developing departmental or programmatic budgets, supervision of accounting staff, and periodic financial reporting (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Financial Assistance Report, Annual Roads Report). The ability to evaluate alternatives and recommend or implement effective solutions for complex fiscal problems. A candidate who is self-motivated, organized, communicates and collaborates well, and has a team mindset would be successful in this position.

Education and Experience

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or a closely related field. In addition, two years of experience at a level equivalent to Accountant III and two years of lead or supervisory experience

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions.

Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Employer

County of San Luis Obispo

Address

1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone

805-781-5959

Website

http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/