What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Finance Analyst position at City of Encinitas?
Analyze.Optimize.Deliver.
The City of Encinitas is seeking a Senior Finance Analyst with exceptional organizational and technical accounting skills to join the Finance Department. This position reports to the Financial Reporting Manager and will supervise other staff accountants and technicians in the department. You will be a key contributor to the year-end audit and preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as well as the preparation and review of other grant-related audits and financial reports. You will be responsible for recording investment activity, preparing investment reports, and ensuring compliance with the City’s investment policy. Other duties include preparing complex journal entries, grant and account reconciliation, financial analysis, leading ad-hoc accounting related projects, and providing accounting support to all departments and Districts in the City. This is an exciting growth opportunity in the Finance Department in one of California's most vibrant coastal cities.
Your Role in FinanceThe Senior Finance Analyst supports the detailed work of the Finance Department by performing a broad range of accounting, financial analysis, and administrative tasks. The role requires knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards, strong multitasking skills, the ability to shift priorities quickly, the ability to work efficiently in a variety of software platforms and comfort managing several projects at once. You will work both independently and collaboratively with other departments in the City.
The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a self-starter, who is analytical, detail oriented, organized, and an effective communicator with a passion for public service. They possess strong accounting and financial reporting skills, the ability to research and implement complex accounting standards with little supervision, perform complex data analysis, and have advanced software skills. At the Senior Finance Analyst level, candidates bring deeper experience in complex accounting standards including knowledge of accounting processes and effective internal controls. They can train and supervise accounting staff and perform high-level project or accounting policy work. Successful candidates thrive in a dynamic environment and demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Why You'll Love Working HereEncinitas 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. In this role, your work will directly support financial accounting and reporting across departments for the City.
- Preparation and review of journal entries and supporting documentation
- Reconciliation of subledgers to the general ledger for various City grants
- Accounting of investment activity and preparing monthly and quarterly reports
- Prepare supporting documentation for the year end audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as well as the City’s Single Audit and other required financial reports
- Administration of banking and investment authorizations
- Assist with ad-hoc assignments such as internal cost allocation study, tax assessments, pension and OPEB actuarial evaluations
- Review and testing of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other financial software
- Research and implementation of new GASB Pronouncements
Must have sufficient knowledge of the following Governmental Accounting Standards:
- GASB 68 Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions
- GASB 75 Accounting and Financial Reporting for Postemployment Benefits Other Than Pensions
- GASB 87 Leases
- GASB 94 Public-Private and Public-Public Partnerships
- GASB 96 Subscription Based Information Technology Arrangements
- GASB 101 Compensated Absences
- GASB 102 Certain Risk Disclosures
- GASB 103 Financial Reporting Model Improvements
- GASB 104 Disclosure of Certain Capital Assets
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Training and Experience (position requirements at entry):
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.
Experience with the following software is not required but is highly desirable:
- Tyler Enterprise ERP
- DebtBook
- Gravity/Clear Gov
- SYMPRO
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Teams
First review of applications will be on the week of June 8, 2026, and qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.
A completed application with an attached cover letter AND resume are required.
*** Incomplete application packets are not accepted ***
Salary : $92,248 - $136,302