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Principal Accountant
DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
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
Click Here for the full job description.
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
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.
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.
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.
1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408
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
Click Here for the full job description.
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
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.
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.
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.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or ‘cafeteria’ contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.
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