Principal Fiscal & Administrative Manager

Principal Fiscal & Administrative Manager

Salary

$109,678.40 - $147,014.40 Annually

Location

San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Permanent - Salary

Job Number

0726PM-300832-01

Department

Health Agency

Division

Health Agency - Public Health

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Position

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department is seeking an experienced, on-site Fiscal and Administrative Manager to lead the Public Health fiscal team.

The Principal Fiscal & Administrative Manager (County Classification: Principal Administrative Manager) serves as the department's fiscal lead, guiding the development, management, and analysis of complex budgets while ensuring compliance with all governing policies and supporting long-term financial strategy. In addition to overseeing high-level fiscal operations-including forecasting, cost analysis, billing, contracts, and grants-the role directs key logistical functions such as facilities management, fleet operations, supply procurement, and other critical administrative systems that support daily departmental operations. This position provides strategic recommendations to department and executive office leadership, supervises staff across multiple functional areas, and ensures coordinated, efficient administrative and operational performance across the department.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

• Manages and directs the administrative, fiscal, budgetary, and assigned administrative functions of the Public Health Department; establishes, implements, and evaluates policies and programs; ensures activities comply with department standards and legal requirements; identifies needs and implements improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Manages department and business activities, flow of information, and communication; oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, projects, and objectives; directs automation and process improvement activities; ensures timely and effective resolution of administrative and operational issues.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of narrative, financial, and statistical records, reports, and documents; directs, develops, and oversees training.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the preparation and administration of large and complex department budgets; reviews, analyzes, and forecasts budgetary and financial data; authorizes and controls expenditures; oversees fiscal operations including accounting, grants, and contracts management; ensures integration of fiscal planning with department goals and service delivery.
• Provides consultation to executive leadership on administrative and fiscal issues; recommends strategies and solutions to address department-wide challenges; represents the department in negotiations, audits, and high-level problem-solving.
• Formulates, develops, and implements policies and programs of significant scope and impact; oversees preparation and revision of departmental policy and procedural manuals to ensure compliance with evolving requirements and best practices.
• Monitors and evaluates department programs, services, and operations for financial sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency; directs the development of strategies to address findings and improve outcomes.
• Ensures departmental compliance with laws, codes, regulations, and legislative requirements through subordinate managers and staff; directs the review and implementation of legislative and regulatory changes; provides guidance to department leadership on policy and compliance implications.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards.
• Collaborates and communicates with other departments, elected officials, external agencies, and community stakeholders; represents the department on leadership teams, boards, and committees; prepares and delivers presentations on administrative, fiscal, and organizational matters affecting the department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Click here to view the detailed job description.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures
• Principles, practices, and techniques involved in directing broad administrative, financial, budgetary, human resources, and organizational management activities
• Advanced governmental budget development and control, including multi-year financial planning, forecasting, fund accounting, and revenue/expenditure analysis
• Methods and procedures for grant, contract, and procurement administration at a large scale, including compliance monitoring and financial oversight
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Project management and evaluation
• Research, analysis, and statistical evaluation techniques
• Laws and best practices of human resources management
• Effective verbal and written communication and presentation techniques for diverse audiences, including executive leadership, boards, and community stakeholders
• Principles and practices of leadership, including delegation, succession planning, mentoring, evaluation, and performance management for managers and supervisors

Ability to:

• Direct and evaluate broad and complex administrative, budgetary, and organizational operations
• Direct and organize office and business activities and flow of communications and information to ensure effective and efficient outcomes
• Establish and implement department-wide fiscal and administrative policies; oversee long-range planning, forecasting, and allocation of resources
• Provide strategic guidance on complex organizational issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions aligned with departmental priorities and service delivery goals
• Oversee the development and administration of large, complex budgets; monitor fiscal activities and ensure compliance with fiscal policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Interpret, evaluate, and apply laws, codes, and regulations affecting departmental operations; anticipate impacts of pending legislation and recommend organizational responses
• Direct the effective use of automated systems and technology to enhance administrative and operational efficiency
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, professional growth, and collaboration
• Promote an organized, professional, and safety-conscious work environment
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse population of individuals and groups
• Foster effective and positive working relationships with individuals from diverse perspectives by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, advisory expertise, mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus building

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, three years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years of supervision over professional-level classifications.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions.

Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcome.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veterans Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veterans preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a Difference

Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits

Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits
• Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:

The Countys pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:

The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).

Learning and Development

The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Supervisor/Manager academies
• Microsoft Suite courses
• Defensive Driving
• Financial management
• Retirement preparedness
• Teambuilding
• Written Communication
• Conflict Management
• Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
• Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program

Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.

01

Please select the option that best describes your highest level of education.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field
• Masters degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field
• None of the above

02

How many years of progressively responsible professional-level experience do you have in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5-7 years
• 7 or more years

03

How many years of experience do you have supervising professional-level staff?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-5 years
• 5 or more years

04

Describe your experience managing a complex departmental or organizational budget. Include the budget size, funding sources, programs supported, your level of responsibility and decision-making authority, and any staff you supervised or directed.

Required Question

Employer County of San Luis Obispo

Address 1055 Monterey Street

Suite D-250

San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone 805-781-5959

Website http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/