Salary : $119,148.87 - $177,236.89 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03782
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Summary
This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of August 3, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

Under administrative direction of the Director of Finance, the Finance Manager directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates accounting and budgeting operations within the Finance Department including general accounting functions, payroll, accounts payable and purchasing; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; performs related responsibilities as required; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Finance.

Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the City's general accounting functions including, accounts payable, purchasing, and payroll.

Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

Oversees and evaluates current accounting systems and procedures; develops and implements enhancements to current accounting practices.

Researches and resolves a variety of complex accounting issues and problems identified by subordinate staff.

Participates in various financial reporting duties; assists in the annual financial audit and financial statement preparation process, oversees and prepares tax related matters, including 1099 forms.
Answers a variety of purchasing and payroll related questions from City employees; researches and resolves difficult and complex purchasing and payroll issues; explains City payroll policies and procedures.

Provides accounting assistance to project managers and operations staff; responds to financial questions/concerns to meet operation needs.

Oversees the comprehensive purchasing functions of the City in compliance with mandated requirements.

Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Finance; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Serves as the liaison for assigned Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.

Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance and accounting.

Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a municipal finance program particularly in the areas of municipal accounting and budgeting.
Advanced principles and practices of budgeting and accounting.
Principles of municipal fund accounting.
Generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive municipal finance and accounting program.
Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Analyze financial information and identify potential problems.
Prepare various financial analyses.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Prepare and present clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
Understand and maintain financial software set-ups, troubleshoot problems, and identify possible enhancements.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Requirements
Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.

Experience:

Seven years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible experience in accounting and financial work, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

Supplemental Information
NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the
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Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The questions are specific to the position and the information you provide will be reviewed and used to further evaluate your experience and education to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do not answer "see resume" or " see application" as these are not valid answers. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from the information included in the Work Experience and Education sections of your application?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the level of education that you possess:

• Less than a Bachelor's Degree (high school equivalent and/or some college)
• Bachelor's Degree in a non-related field
• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field. My degree or transcripts have been uploaded and attached to this application.
• Masters's Degree with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field. My degree or transcripts have been uploaded and attached to this applicatio

03

Please select the amount of experience (full-time equivalent) that you possess in relation to Finance:

• Less than seven years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible e