Fiscal Officer

Full Job Description

At the core of an effective Sheriff’s Office is a skilled fiscal professional who ensures resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in support of public safety. We are seeking a detail-oriented, mission-focused Fiscal Officer to play a vital role in supporting law enforcement operation. County classification title is Financial Services Manager II. This position is "At-Will" and exempt from Civil Service provisions.

If you are passionate about public service, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want your financial expertise to make a meaningful, real-world impact, we invite you to apply.

POSITION: This position within the Sheriff’s Office reports to the Chief Financial Officer and leads nine direct supervisory reports. This position is the internal control for all fiscal operational transactions for the management of our $227 million budget.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards

• Advise managers and supervisors on resource allocation, fiscal compliance, and budgetary policy requirements

• Understand and manage complex and interrelated funding sources, including grants and restricted funds

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and mandates

• Analyze financial data and regulatory changes to assess programmatic and fiscal impacts

• Identify and recommend improvements to financial and business processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risk

• Utilize automated financial systems and business applications effectively

• Manage multiple priorities and perform well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Lead with a collaborative management style that fosters trust, accountability, and team development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to support performance, growth, and operational goals

• Work independently with a high degree of initiative, sound judgment, and attention to detail

• Communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or click here to view more information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Note: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide cash incentives and/or time off advanced accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the second manager level in the Financial Services Management job family and manages a mid-size program within a department or division, or multiple small programs. Incumbents establish annual goals and priorities, influence the direction for new or revised services, programs, processes, standards, or operational plans, based upon the County’s long-term strategies. Position has direct impact on the work unit or program and may impact the entire department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Typically reports to a Level III manager. Provides direct supervision to two or more individuals within a program. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff.

Requirements

These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

1. Participate in the development, coordination, and administration of the Department's goals and objectives, policies and procedures, budget and staffing plans.
2. Assist in coordination and development of the Department's $227 million budget, requiring justifications and consideration of funding and service levels.
3. Monitor and control the Department's budget to assure conformance with revenue expectations and expenditure plans.
4. Supervise eight accounting support staff, includes training, assigning, reviewing their work and performance evaluations.
5. Maintain the accounting integrity of the Department.
6. Ensure that all revenues and expenditures are timely received and paid and accurately accounted for.
7. Organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate the production of various comprehensive financial, management, and statistical reports for planning, projections, and reporting.
8. Assist in monitoring and reporting to the County Executive Office and/or County Board of Supervisors fiscal issues and solutions impacting the department.
9. Assist in analyzing new legislation or changes in regulation to determine impact on the department's finances and operations. Coordinate with managers and executives accordingly and participate in devising strategies for complying with changes.
10. Develop and make recommendations for service fee rates based upon cost analysis and full cost recovery in accordance with County's policies and procedures and California law.
11. Track and compile billable fee-for-service costs for maximum recovery of revenues for services rendered.
12. Coordinate the development and monitor departmental Purchasing and Board contracts to ensure compliance with budgetary restrictions and county procurement and compliance policies and procedures.
13. Oversee the proper accounting of public monies collected by Department for accurate and timely distribution to other departments and agency funds (passthrough revenue).
14. Monitor and maintain inventory of Departmental capital assets.
15. Use various Departmental and County financial applications for budget development, accounting, and reporting.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or economics, and,
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance, including at least two (2) years as a supervisor or manager.

Additional Requirements

• For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Principles and practices of accounting, tax, claims management, auditing, and collections.
• Principles and practices of financial planning and analysis, investment portfolio management, cost and revenue management, and cash management.
• Principles and practices of administering payroll and benefits programs.
• Principles and practices of managing fiscal services programs and projects related to accounting, tax, auditing, medical billing, claims management, and collections.
• Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Management principles, practices, and techniques.
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, fiscal management, budgeting and auditing.
• Principles and practices of program planning and administration.
• Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building.
• Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration.
• Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment.

Ability to:

• Manage fiscal compliance operations related to accounting, taxation, auditing, claims management, and collections programs and services.
• Manage budget development and related programs and projects.
• Manage programs and projects related to financial planning and analysis, investment portfolio management, cost and revenue management, and cash management.
• Oversee adherence to quality assurance and standards.
• Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
• Manage assigned operations/programs; ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work.
• Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation.
• Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
• Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards.
• Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
• Resolve complex problems within area of assignment.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
• Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
• Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, and the general public.

Additional Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).

Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline will result in disqualification from the selection process. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step.

• Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.

Appointee must successfully pass the following:

1. Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.

2.

Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.

3.LiveScan: A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation.

If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office or you are not sure how to answer the Personal History Questionnaire, please contact Sheriff’s Office Human Resources Bureau at (805) 681-4270 for questions or assistance.

Disqualifiers:

• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California

• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California

• Currently on Probation or Parole

• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent

• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime

• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying

• Unfavorable work history

• Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history

• History of committing domestic violence

• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:

Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.

Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process.

Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.

We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates.

The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, February 6, 2026, by 4:59pm PT. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Leza Patatanian –Lpatatanian@countyofsb.org