Department Manager of Accounting (Controller) - Limited Term

Description

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a hands-on leader and manager with a "big picture" vision to fill the limited-term position of Controller during an instrumental era of transformation for the agency as we embark on the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The Controller will be a self-starter who possesses excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving skills, and the proven ability to identify solutions for business problems.

Under general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will assume full managerial responsibility for the Accounting Department consisting of 19 full-time employees, and be responsible for: external audit administration and financial reporting (e.g. preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report); general ledger maintenance; in-house payroll and tax reporting: grant billing and accounts receivable; accounts payable and other Accounting tasks. The Controller will collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer, Division Heads, Finance Managers and staff to pioneer best practices and streamline finance processes to support Agency activities. It is crucial that the Controller possess a strong knowledge of Government Accounting Standards, good judgment and decision-making skills, excellent communication skills, employee management and development skills, and a customer-service orientation to serve as a resource to all SCAG divisions.

WHO WE ARE
As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.

Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.

Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.

Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Assume management responsibility for all Accounting department services and activities: plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan in the Accounting department; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepare SCAG’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, including implementation of new Accounting standards
• Review and approve accounting and financial transactions including: memorandum of understanding, contracts, journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, receipts, refunds, cash management functions
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for accounting and finance programs including the General Fund and all Special Revenue Funds
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Chief Financial Officer; direct the implementation of improvements
• Develop and standardize procedures, methods, and workflows to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and workload of staff during the implementation of SCAG’s new ERP system
• Monitor costs and expenses approved by the Regional Council and other expenses that can only be charged to the General Fund; monitor dues collections from member jurisdictions; assume responsibility for long-term strategy and implementation to conserve the agency's financial reserves.
• Access financial data and information for preparation of reports pertaining to the General Fund, Special Revenue funds, and other reports to assess fund utilization by SCAG and use of resources available to SCAG. Monitor, record and report OPEB and Pension Obligations.
• Serve as a liaison for Accounting with the Regional Council, other SCAG departments and divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
• Communicate directly with Federal and State administrators, contractors, subregions and other vendors to discuss and resolve problems that affect SCAG's financial interest on an ongoing basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in government accounting, 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience, and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A CPA is highly desirable.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting and auditing standards as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the US Government Accountability Office
• Experience preparing and submitting the annual ACFR
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership
• The ability to strategically plan and coordinate the work of a department
• Knowledge of federal and state grant administration guidelines
• Experience in budget development and administration
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical information to all levels of staff and stakeholders
• High level of attention to detail with effective problem-solving skills
• The ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement procedures to streamline processes

Supplemental Information

Please note, this is a continuous recruitment which means we will accept applications on a continuous basis. The first application review will take place on January 26, 2026 and the job posting may be closed at any time after that. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $150,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide two work model options (office and hybrid) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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