Section Manager III, Accounting & Financial Reporting

Job Description

Accounting and Financial Reporting – Section Manager III

Under general guidance, this position provides leadership and oversight of OCTA's accounting operations, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance activities. This position manages general ledger operations, governmental and fund accounting, capital assets, Express Lanes accounting, and financial systems to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.

The Section Manager III leads a team of accounting professionals, oversees annual financial audits, and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and other applicable regulations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining financial accountability, strengthening internal controls, and advancing operational efficiencies across the agency.

This is an exempt position in salary grade 235: Min – $135,678.40 | Mid – $161,200.00 | Max – $186,700.80/annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and oversee OCTA's accounting operations, including general ledger, fund accounting, capital assets, banking activities, and financial reporting.
• Manage the preparation of key financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), Measure M, Local Transportation Authority (LTA), 91 Express Lanes, National Transit Database (NTD), and State Controller's reports.
• Coordinate annual financial audits, serve as a key liaison with external auditors, and ensure timely resolution of audit findings and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, governmental accounting requirements, and applicable financial regulations.
• Oversee financial transactions, account reconciliations, interfund settlements, subsidiary ledgers, and capital asset accounting.
• Direct banking activities, financial system administration, and implementation of effective internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop professional accounting staff, including workload management, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Analyze and resolve complex accounting and financial reporting issues while providing technical guidance and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen controls, and implement automation and system efficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to support accurate financial reporting and agency-wide financial accountability.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong technical expertise in governmental accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and regulatory compliance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, GASB standards, internal controls, and governmental fund accounting principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing accounting professionals and complex financial operations.
• Experience preparing financial statements, coordinating audits, and meeting critical reporting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex accounting issues and develop sound recommendations.
• Experience with financial management systems, general ledger operations, and accounting process improvements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and maintain accuracy and accountability in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience..
• Minimum six (6) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or a directly related field, including at least three (3) years of management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) certification.
• Experience in governmental accounting or auditing.
• Experience preparing governmental financial statements and coordinating annual financial audits.
• Knowledge of GASB reporting requirements and public-sector financial management practices.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Lead critical accounting and financial reporting functions that support OCTA's fiscal integrity and accountability.
• Play a key role in ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Work on complex financial initiatives that support transportation programs and services throughout Orange County.
• Lead and develop a talented accounting team while driving process improvements and innovation.
• Collaborate with finance professionals, executive leadership, and external auditors on high-impact initiatives.
• Make a meaningful contribution to the financial strength and long-term success of a respected public transportation agency.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to lead financial accounting and reporting initiatives that support OCTA's commitment to fiscal responsibility and the future of transportation in Orange County.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.