County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is in search of a critical thinker with a strength for collaboration and team building, who can effectively communicate with co-workers, government agencies, and the public. The successful candidate should also possess the responsibility for improved public service, personal accountability and managing teams. Public Works is offering a rewarding career opportunity for a financial professional to join its Finance Division as a Principal Accountant leading a small team of accounting staff. The current Principal Accountant vacancy leads the Roads Finance team, providing financial administration of the County’s Road Fund. Duties include financial support for capital and maintenance road infrastructure projects, budget administration and tracking, Federal, State and local grant reimbursements and the supervision of three (3) accounting staff. This position is also responsible for assisting with annual reporting required for the Road fund, calculating customer fees for services provided to the public, monthly project reporting and tracking and analyzing revenue streams related to those projects. One special project currently underway is a Countywide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) upgrade with an anticipated launch date of April 2027. The vision of the Public Works Department is to be a valued community partner enhancing quality of life for all fellow County residents. This individual will join an American Public Works Association (APWA) accredited organization of over 300 Public Works professionals who provide a full range of services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo. The Finance Division of Public Works employs 21 full-time accounting staff with a wide range of skills and responsibilities. Click Here for the full job description. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for this position would preferably have governmental accounting experience and knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). More specifically, experience with tracking and billing reimbursable grants, developing departmental or programmatic budgets, supervision of accounting staff, and periodic financial reporting (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Financial Assistance Report, Annual Roads Report). The ability to evaluate alternatives and recommend or implement effective solutions for complex fiscal problems. A candidate who is self-motivated, organized, communicates and collaborates well, and has a team mindset would be successful in this position. Education and Experience. 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 college or university in accounting or a closely related field. In addition, two years of experience at a level equivalent to Accountant III and two years of lead or supervisory experience. Licenses and Certificates. Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.