Assistant Auditor-Controller

County of Ventura; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 162,006 - 226,809; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

General Salary Increase: 3.5% and 3.5%

Educational Incentive to 5%

Executive Annual Leave 248–368 hours

Annual Leave Redemption up to 100 hrs

13 paid holidays

401(k) Shared Savings Plan with up to

3% match on 401(k) + 2% non-elective

Health Insurance (medical, dental, and

Car Allowance $525/mo

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pension Plan

Professional memberships paid

Disability Plans, EAP, Life Insurance

Wellness Program

Job summary

County of Ventura seeks an Assistant Auditor‑Controller to oversee a broad portfolio of accounting, reporting, property tax administration, and financial planning functions. You will lead a team of accounting and finance professionals, safeguarding public resources and ensuring fiscal accountability across Ventura County.

You will partner with the Auditor‑Controller, shape financial health strategies, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Senior-level financial management experience in a public‑sector or large, complex organization.
• Experience directing budget development, financial planning, and accounting operations.
• Ability to work independently, lead projects, and anticipate organizational needs.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; CPA desirable.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development, preparation, and justification of the department's annual budget.
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial reports and data, recommending or developing new procedures as needed.
• Review the work of subordinate staff, addressing inefficiencies or procedural deviations.
• Support and help lead the department's conversion to a new payroll/HR system.

Skills

Public sector leadership

Budget planning

Financial reporting

Cross‑stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Senior fiscal management experience

California CPA license (desirable)

Job description

Benefits

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $162,006.58 to $226,809.22 annually. An employee in this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5%, effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: An additional cash payment of 2.5% for completing an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor’s degree, or 5% for a graduate degree, each pay period.
• Executive Annual Leave: The selected candidate will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, 328 hours after 10 years of service, and 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, 1202A).
• Annual Leave Redemption: The ability to “cash in” or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of Annual Leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution, 1207).
• Holidays: 13 paid days annually, including a scheduled floating holiday.
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Effective February 9, 2024 (and annually thereafter), eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive a two percent (2%) non‑elective contribution of their annualized compensation into their 401(k) account.
• Health Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $1,024.11 biweekly, depending on enrollment plan tier.
• Car Allowance: May be provided with an automobile allowance of $525.00 per month.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Boost your spending power by reimbursing yourself with pre‑tax dollars for IRS‑approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the County’s Retirement Plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Additional Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County‑paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.
• Work Schedule: Our team operates on a regular, in‑office schedule: Monday through Friday. We ensure support for all County agencies, promote seamless collaboration, and allow for consistent personal planning.

Position Overview

Step into a high‑impact leadership role at the heart of Ventura County's financial operations. As Assistant Auditor‑Controller, you'll partner directly with the Auditor‑Controller to oversee a broad portfolio of critical functions— from accounting and reporting to property tax administration and financial planning—helping to safeguard public resources and ensure fiscal accountability for one of California's most dynamic counties.

You'll lead a talented team of accounting and finance professionals in an office that values integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, while playing a meaningful role in shaping the County's long‑term financial health and transparency. This is a rare opportunity to apply your expertise at the highest level of county government and leave a lasting impact on the communities and citizens of Ventura County.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development, preparation, and justification of the department's annual budget.
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial reports and data, recommending or developing new procedures as needed.
• Review the work of subordinate staff, addressing inefficiencies or procedural deviations.
• Support and help lead the department's conversion to a new payroll/HR system.

Typical Qualifications – Leadership & Professional Experience

• Senior‑level financial management experience in a public‑sector or large, complex organization (e.g., finance director, controller, CFO, or similar).
• Experience directing budget development, financial planning, and accounting operations.
• Ability to work independently, lead projects, and anticipate organizational needs.

Typical Qualifications – Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and applicable Federal, State, and local fiscal regulations.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, resolve technical issues, and provide clear recommendations.
• Skilled at synthesizing financial information and preparing accurate, concise reports.
• Solutions‑oriented mindset with the ability to improve processes and procedures.

Typical Qualifications – Communication & Collaboration

• Effective communication and partnership‑building with elected officials, department heads, and internal/external stakeholders.

Typical Qualifications – Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• Requires three years of continuous senior fiscal management experience within the past five years in an organization with comparable fiscal responsibilities.
• California CPA license is desirable.

Typical Qualifications – Other Requirements

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
• Work is performed in a collaborative, team‑oriented on‑site office environment, Monday through Friday.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, family or medical leave status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy‑related conditions), or sexual orientation.