Budget and Finance Officer (Finance Manager)

Position Description

Be the Strategic Force Behind Santa Cruz County's Transportation Future

Are you a mission-driven finance professional ready to lead with purpose and precision? The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is seeking a skilled Finance and Budget Officer to oversee and strengthen its financial operations in support of transformative transportation projects.

This is your opportunity to step into a leadership role where your expertise in budgeting, fiscal planning, audits, grants, and financial strategy will directly shape the future of mobility for the residents and visitors of Santa Cruz County. As a key member of a collaborative, innovative team, you’ll manage a diverse financial portfolio-including Measure D funds, state and federal grants, and regional transportation initiatives like the Branch Rail Line and trail development.

If you're passionate about public service, thrive in a dynamic and mission-oriented environment, and are ready to apply your financial acumen to high-impact work-we want to hear from you.

Take the next step in your career and make a lasting difference-apply today!
Join us in delivering equitable, sustainable, and forward-thinking transportation solutions for our vibrant community.

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting this recruitment on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Director of Internal Services, the Finance and Budget Officer is responsible for overseeing, planning, organizing and directing the financial operations of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Duties include but are not limited to budgeting, long- term and short-range fiscal planning, financial analysis and reporting, accounting, audits, revenues and expenses, grant financial control, contracts, payroll and related responsibilities consistent with accepted financial, budget and accounting standards.

This is the management level position within the Finance classification series. This classification is distinguished from lower-level classifications in the Finance Department in that the incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day management of department operations and overall financial governance in support of the agency.

Future projects include:

• 2016 Measure D - Assist with developing, updating, adopting, and implementing the strategic implementation plan and programming.
• Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Property Management, Rail, and Trail Projects The Commission owns the branch line that travels 32-miles through the most populated portion of the County, creating an incredible opportunity for expanding transportation options for our region.

To view the recruitment brochure, please click HERE.

THE COMMUNITY:

Santa Cruz County, home to over 270,000 residents, is a dynamic community nestled along the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Located just 75 miles south of San Francisco and 25 miles southwest of Silicon Valley, the county is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse economy, and vibrant lifestyle.

The county encompasses four incorporated cities: Santa Cruz (population 65,021), Watsonville (population 53,796), Scotts Valley (population 11,928), and Capitola (population 10,180), as well as several unincorporated areas. Santa Cruz County is a gateway to the stunning Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, boasting 29 miles of pristine coastline, including six state parks and six state beaches.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, from surfing, kayaking, and sailing to mountain biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, and camping. The county's diverse landscapes include vast sandy beaches, lush redwood forests, and productive farmland.

Santa Cruz County also offers vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences unique to the region. The economy is powered by key industries such as high technology, agriculture, and tourism. The area is well-connected, with access to San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Monterey Peninsula Airport, and Watsonville Municipal Airport.

Additionally, the county is home to leading educational institutions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, a globally recognized research university. Santa Cruz County is a truly exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) serves as Santa Cruz County’s regional transportation planning agency (RTPA) and is a state designated agency responsible for planning and financial programming of transportation projects.

Working together with our local and regional partners, RTC obtains and distributes funding, including voter-approved Measure D funds, to maintain the existing transportation network as well as prepare for the transportation needs of the next generation. The RTC keeps residents, business, and visitors moving wherever they want to go and however they choose to get there.

Governance
The Commission consists of five members from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, one member each from the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola City Councils, and three members appointed by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. The Caltrans District 5 Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission.

Mission and Values

SCCRTC mission is to develop and delivers transportation solutions for a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable community. The organizational values are:

Integrity

Transparency

Professionalism

Innovation

Responsiveness

Equity

Services Provided

• In addition to its funding, planning and policy roles, the RTC also provides valuable services to the community including:
• Cruz511 Traveler Information: A go-to place online for a wide range of multi-modal travel resources including a real-time traffic map.
• Motorist Aid: Call boxes, freeway service patrol and extra CHP enforcement on highways during peak periods.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Hazard Reporting: A system to alert local public works departments to sidewalks and bikeway conditions that need attention.
• Guide to Specialized Transportation Services: for Seniors and People with Disabilities. Lists all accessible transportation services in Santa Cruz County.
• Bus: The RTC also supports and funds a variety of transit projects, including funding for expansion and improvements to local bus service, accessible transportation services, and planning for future uses of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line

Examples of Duties

Deep Knowledge of and Technical Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial controls and reporting, and financial analysis, including Government Accounting Standards and special/general fund administration, payroll and benefit administration and investment policy.
• Auditing principles, practices, and procedures.
• State and federal requirements and fiscal management operations for a transportation planning agency.
• Data processing applications, including Vanguard OneSolution and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Principles of effective supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Principles of problem identification, analysis and resolution.
• Principles of public relations and customer service.
• Principles of board and committee administration.
• Principles of effective oral and written communication.

Ability to:

• Evaluate fiscal policies and practices, identify problems, and develop solutions.
• Prepare clear and concise complex accounting, fiscal management, and budget reports.
• Interpret, explain and apply provisions of federal, state, and local regulations and policies to fiscal and personnel functions.
• Plan, organize, and manage varied accounting, fiscal management, personnel and procurement systems.
• Effectively use computer applications to input, access and analyze data, and to prepare budgets, financial reports, and narrative reports.
• Explain complex fiscal issues to diverse audiences.
• Make informed and rational decisions after all options have been considered.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with RTC staff and external stakeholders.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate subordinates
• Perform under stress and adopt effective courses of action.
• Effectively interact with others.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written formats.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

Oversee, coordinate, and participate in the development, execution, and monitoring of the Commission annual budget; and coordinate the Commission’s financial reporting, coordinate the preparation and maintenance of the Commission ’s accounting structure, including the chart of accounts.

Manage year-end close requirements and complete all detailed schedules and information to ensure the external audit is completed accurately and on schedule.

Manage and implement systems and procedures related to financial controls and reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Assist in the coordination of issuance of debt with financial advisors, bond counsel, and trustees.

Review budgetary statements for Commission investigate variances in revenue and expenditures.

Conduct internal audits of accounting systems and financial transactions of Commission and prepare recommendations and reports.

Responsible for all payroll and benefits processing functions, including timely processing of payroll, benefits, and related transactions with appropriate entities (CalPERS, Commission bank(s), and service providers for the various Commission benefit programs.

Oversee the inputting of payroll data and preparation of direct deposits and reports as needed.

Manage development of financial and other documents, including investment reports, rate notices, actuarial reports, agenda materials, and presentations.

Provide technical information and advice to departments on financial reporting and documentation needs, alterations to rate schedules, cost accounting methods, and other financial topics.

COMPETENCIES
Accountability - Considers alternative available actions, resources, and constraints before selecting a method for accomplishing a goal or project
Analytical Thinking - Identifies diverse solutions to complex problems integrating findings from several different disciplines; identifies and evaluates the various options developed and selects the most effective solution
Collaboration - Fosters staff and stakeholder communication and dialogue; identifies opportunities to build consensus for options, decisions, and outcomes
Communication - Exchanges information with constituents using oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Customer Service - Continuously searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction
Influence - Maintains an awareness of organizational goals and objectives while simultaneously navigating solutions towards desired outcomes and preserving relationships
Judgment - Makes decisions based on careful thought taking both agency goals and input from others into account
Leadership - Understands formal and informal power and influence structure within the organization and successfully achieves positive, desired outcomes
Leverage Technology - Comfortably works with technology and champions innovative use of technology
Time Management Organization - Manages and prioritizes both everyday responsibilities and high-level, longer-term objectives

Examples of Duties

Click HERE to review the job description.

Typical Qualifications

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field and management experience as a department manager, administrative officer or department director.

Experience:

Minimum five (5) years’ of progressively responsible experience in institutional financial management in a non-profit or public sector or similar environment which included interfacing with governing boards, or equivalent; and

Minimum 2 (two) years management/supervisory experience administering personnel and budget

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS

Employees pay employee contribution (7% of income) and RTC pays employer contributions as defined by CalPERs:

- Classic employees - 2% at 55

- PEPRA employees - 2% at 62

Health Insurance: RTC pays insurance premiums Employees only: 95% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees plus one: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees + two or more: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Dental: 100% Paid by RTC for Employee and Family Vision: RTC covers 100% premium for employees only

Life Insurance: RTC pays premium for $50,000 with AD&D.

Employees can pay for additional insurance coverage through AFLAC

Leave with Pay

RTC provides PTO which is used for vacation and sick. It accrues at the following rates (note that it’s based on hours of service, not years of employment):

Staring at .0846 hours per hour for the first 10,400 hours worked (about 4 years of employment), which is approximately 22 days of leave. Increasing to approximately 37 days of leave after working 31,201 hours.

SELECTION PROCESS

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
Apply at: https://bit.ly/FinanceBudgetOfficer

Application - Qualified candidates are required to submit a Letter of Interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience (within the past 10 years) and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position along with their application online. All materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

Minimum Qualifications (MQ) Appraisal - All completed application packages will be reviewed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. A training and experience evaluation may be used as part of the evaluation process.

Remote Screening - The most qualified candidates from application assessment may be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position. The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for Thursday August 28, 2025.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Agency will tentatively hold hiring interviews the week of August 31, 2025.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail.Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to lbutler@rgs.ca.gov.

Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by emailing lbutler@rgs.ca.gov.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 8/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Regional Government Services

• 650.587.7300

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