Salary : $146,192.80 - $177,711.04 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-B96-B
Department: County-Wide Recruitment
Opening Date: 09/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92

Description
Under general direction, to have charge of and coordinate the fiscal activities of a medium to large County department having complex and diverse accounting programs and procedures, including budget preparation and management, and related business management functions.

Typical Tasks

• As the chief fiscal officer of a medium to large County department, plans, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of a staff engaged in maintaining departmental accounts and records and control of the approved budgets, preparing periodic fiscal reports, and performing a variety of related functions;
  
• Provides direction to ensure conformance with County-wide, departmental and other policies and procedures;
  
• Reviews, analyzes, recommends and implements procedural changes in the preparation, maintenance and control of the departmental accounting records and budgets, and other activities;
  
• Advises staff on the more difficult professional problems arising in the accounting work;
  
• Selects and trains staff, evaluates their performance and takes or recommends appropriate action;
  
• Makes verbal presentations and conducts training on accounting policies and procedures;
  
• Explains the implications of complex accounting matters to non-financial managers and decision makers;
  
• Makes presentations on fiscal matters to department and County-wide leadership;
  
• Advises superiors on the condition of accounting records and the status of the approved budget and makes recommendations on specific problems such as the possible transfer of budget allotments;
  
• Maintains accounting control over collection and disbursements of money;
  
• Assumes responsibility for preparing the financial aspects of proposals and reports submitted for support from Federal, State and other agencies, and for the establishment and maintenance of budgetary controls required by the granting agencies;
  
• Acts as liaison with related County service units, such as the Controller's Office;
  
• May directly participate in the planning and implementation of data processing procedures analysis;
  
• May supervise staff in the financial monitoring of County-funded service contracts;
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Auditing, or closely related field;

AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work, at least three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

Possession of a Master's Degree in Accounting, Master's Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting, or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County driver authorization.
  
• Some positions may require Live Scan screening as part of the background check process.

Knowledge of:

• The theory, principles, practices and techniques of current public and business administration as it relates to government budgeting, accounting, finance, financial analysis and information systems;
  
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and specifically Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, Interpretations, and Technical Bulletins;
  
• County financial policies and procedures and applicable departmental policies and procedures;
  
• Principles of organization, administration, supervision and training;
  
• Grants, contracts and trust fund management;
  
• Laws and regulations governing the financial operation of the County;
  
• Auditing practices and principles;
  
• Office management practices and procedures;
  
• Principles of fiscal computer systems and software.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with subordinates, management and others;
  
• Plan and direct the work of others;
  
• Motivate and train lower level staff;
  
• Analyze and evaluate complex administrative problems relating to fiscal activities;
  
• Prepare clear and concise reports;
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
  
• Interpret and apply rules and regulations governing the methods of operation of the department to which assigned;
  
• Prepare departmental budget and monitor revenue and expenditures;
  
• Use various computer applications and software in support of accounting;
  
• Manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• None
• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03

Do you possess a Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any of the following fields?

• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Auditing
• Other related field
• None of the above

04

If you selected "other related field" in the question above, indicate the major field of study. If not applicable, please indicate "N/A".
05

Do you possess a Master's Degree in Accounting or a Master's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license?

• Yes
• No

07

Please provide your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license number. If not applicable, please indicate "N/A".
08

How many years of work experience do you possess in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work?

• None
• Less than five years
• Five years or more

09

Describe your work experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work.
Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
10

How many years of supervisory work experience do you possess in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work?

• None
• Less than three years
• Three to less than 5 years
• Five years or more

11

Describe your supervisory work experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work.
Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
12

Describe your experience taking charge of and coordinating the fiscal activities of a medium to large department using complex and diverse accounting programs and procedures including budget preparation and management, contract rates calculation, and related business management functions.
Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
13

Select the accounting activities you are proficient in performing. The use of "proficient" in this question means frequent (weekly) completion of the activity.

• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Purchase requisitions
• Vendor maintenance
• Vendor insurance monitoring
• Bank reconciliations
• Credit card reconciliations/cardholder Administration
• SB 90 claims submissions
• Meal and travel reimbursements
• Grant processing and monitoring
• Law office billing practices
• None of the above

14

Describe your experience directly performing each accounting task selected in the question above. If not applicable, please indicate "N/A".
15

Select the budgeting activities you are proficient in performing. The use of "proficient" in this question means an advanced level of skill in completing the activity.

• Budget adjustments
• Budget preparation (including content writing)
• Budge rollover
• Cost allocation plan submission
• Facility lease costs and reimbursements
• Fee studies
• Inventory management
• Report preparation related to projecting revenues, reimbursements, and expendit