Senior Finance Analyst

City of Encinitas; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Encinitas seeks a Senior Finance Analyst to join the Finance Department. You will lead the Financial Operations workgroup, covering payroll, accounts payable/receivable and cashiering, with responsibilities in personnel budgeting, labor costing, payroll, and ERP module implementations.

You will work with cross‑department teams to perform complex financial analyses, journal entries, and ad-hoc projects. A CPA or Master’s is desirable, with government budgeting experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field with 4 years of progressively responsible government budget/finance experience.
• A minimum of three years of ACFR or governmental Budget experience is required.
• A CPA or Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff in payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cashiering within the Financial Operations workgroup.
• Oversee personnel budgeting and labor costing, payroll processing, and ERP module implementation.
• Prepare payroll reports and reconciliations; enter complex journal entries and history transfers.
• Manage ad-hoc operations projects and provide operations support to accountants and technicians.

Skills

Analytical skills

Detail oriented

Communication

Public service motivation

ERP familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field

CPA or Master’s degree desirable

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Analyze. Optimize. Deliver.

The City of Encinitas is seeking a Senior Finance Analyst to join the Finance Department. This position reports to the Financial Operations Manager. You will be the lead staff in the Financial Operations workgroup, which includes payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cashiering. Your main responsibilities will be personnel budgeting, labor costing, payroll, and implementation of new and improved ERP modules. Other duties include preparing payroll reports and reconciliations, entering complex journal entries and history transfers, leading ad-hoc operations projects, and providing operations support to accountants and technicians in the department. This is an exciting growth opportunity in the Finance Department in one of California's most vibrant coastal cities.

Your Role in Finance

The Senior Finance Analyst of Operations performs a broad range of technical, financial analysis related to personnel costing and budgeting and other administrative tasks. The role requires in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations, City of Encinitas policies, personnel memorandum of agreements, strong analytical skills, the ability to shift priorities quickly, and the ability to work efficiently in a variety of software platforms. You will work independently and collaboratively with other departments in the City.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, who is analytical, detail oriented, organized, and an effective communicator with a passion for public service. They possess the ability to research complex payroll and tax issues, implement new policies and standards with little supervision, perform complex data analysis, and have advanced software skills. Senior Finance Analyst trains and mentors lower-level staff and performs high level projects. Successful candidates thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrate initiative, sound judgement, and strong problem-solving skills.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Encinitas is a scenic coastal city known for its six miles of shoreline, engaged community, and strong commitment to sustainability, recreation, and the arts. Employees enjoy a supportive, collaborative culture grounded in public service and continuous improvement. Encinitas city hall is located just blocks from the beach and near historic downtown.

The City also offers excellent benefits, contributing to a positive work-life balance and long-term career satisfaction.

• Work closely with Payroll staff to prepare and review payrolls
• Reconcile payroll accruals and ledgers
• Prepare and reconcile quarterly taxes and W-2s
• Prepare compensation reports and compensated absences
• Resolve complex payroll issues
• Work collaboratively with departments to prepare personnel budget
• Prepare supporting reports and documents for the fiscal year end audit
• Assist with ad-hoc assignments such as labor costing, pension and actuarial valuations, CalPERS audits
• Review, test, and implement new ERP modules

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field, plus 4 years of progressively responsible experience in government budget, finance, and accounting activities or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A minimum of three years of ACFR or governmental Budget experience is required.

A CPA or Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.