Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)
Business
Join our team as a Manager, Finance and Payroll Services!
Are you a strategic, solutions-oriented leader with a passion for accuracy and exceptional service? We’re looking for a trusted finance professional who takes pride in building strong teams and keeping school districts financially sound. In this role, you’ll provide overall direction for finance and payroll operations, from accounting, accounts payable, and payroll processing to financial reporting, audits, and compliance. You’ll guide and mentor supervisors, strengthen internal controls, and serve as a senior resource on complex and sensitive fiscal matters. You’ll also partner with district leaders, auditors, and technology teams to improve systems and processes. Along with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for the schools and students we support, we offer an exceptional benefits package to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!
Our Ideal Candidate
You are a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who takes the initiative to elevate the leadership and service this office provides to our districts. You earn the trust of colleagues and inspire others through your effective leadership and professional expertise. You use professional judgment and creativity to solve problems. You understand politically sensitive issues, communicate effectively, and handle yourself in a diplomatic and confidential manner. You advise, mentor, train, and collaborate with others to advance the organization and help districts operate effectively. You lead by example and foster a productive team environment.
General Description
Under administrative direction, provides overall management and direction of the finance and payroll functions; through subordinate supervisors, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages the work of staff engaged in fiscal services, payroll administration, accounting operations, and related business functions for school districts served to ensure accurate financial reporting, payroll processing, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and effective support of organizational operations.
Requirements
Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in business, public, or non-profit administration, accounting, finance, or related field.
Experience: Four years of experience performing professional accounting or payroll duties, preferably in a public K-12 education setting. Two years of experience as a supervisor of accounting or payroll staff are also required (in addition to, or as part of, the professional accounting or payroll experience).
Equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities will also be considered.
Comments and Other Information
Compensation: $133,827.00 - $163,056.00 annually (salary step increase upon successful completion of probationary period).
Exceptional health benefits (with an option that is no cost to the employee) and a defined-benefit pension plan (California Public Employees’ Retirement System).
Apply online by November 16th, 2026 at 12:00pm PST https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sbceo
Salary Information: $133,827.00 - $163,056.00 annually