State Water Contractors
Controller/Human Resources Manager
STATE WATER CONTRACTORS CONTROLLER/HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER POSITION
The State Water Contractors (SWC) are seeking a Controller/Human Resources Manager to lead SWC’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, internal control, payroll, benefits, and human resources functions. The SWC is a statewide, mutual benefit organization representing 27 public water agencies that collectively deliver water to more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of agricultural lands through the SWP.
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POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the General Manager, the Controller/Human Resources Manager leads SWC’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, internal control, payroll, benefits, and human resources functions. The position safeguards organizational assets; provides timely and accurate financial and workforce information to management and the Board of Directors; ensures compliance with applicable accounting, tax, employment, and benefits requirements; and supports a professional, responsive, and well-controlled workplace.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING
• Plan, organize, and oversee daily accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll accounting, and account reconciliations.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure transactions are accurately recorded, properly supported, and charged to the appropriate programs and projects.
• Prepare and review month-end and year-end journal entries, account reconciliations, closing schedules, financial statements, and management reports.
• Lead development of the annual budget and periodic forecasts; monitor budget-to-actual results, investigate variances, and communicate significant findings to management.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, desk procedures, and appropriate segregation of duties; periodically assess control effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit and other external reviews; prepare schedules, respond to information requests, and support timely resolution of audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles, tax filings, grant or contract requirements, and records-retention obligations.
• Manage cash-flow planning, banking relationships, insurance administration, and investment activities in accordance with Board-approved policies and delegated authority.
• Prepare clear financial analyses and presentations for the General Manager, committees, and Board of Directors, and explain complex financial matters to non-financial audiences.
• Coordinate with staff, member agencies, vendors, consultants, auditors, and other external parties on financial and administrative matters.
HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
• Administer recruitment, onboarding, employee changes, and separation processes, including job descriptions, offer documentation, orientation, exit procedures, and maintenance of personnel records.
• Administer employee compensation, payroll coordination, health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits, leave programs, and related employee communications and reconciliations.
• Maintain and periodically update personnel policies, the employee handbook, forms, and procedures to reflect organizational needs and applicable federal and California employment requirements.
• Serve as a confidential resource to management and employees regarding workplace policies, benefits, performance management, employee relations, and other human resources matters; elevate significant or sensitive issues to the General Manager and legal counsel, as appropriate.
• Coordinate required workplace training, workers’ compensation and safety-related administration, reasonable accommodation and interactive-process documentation, and required employment notices and reporting.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential personnel and medical records, with access and retention controls appropriate to the information.
• Support workforce planning, compensation and classification reviews, performance evaluation processes, and employee engagement and development initiatives.
LEADERSHIP AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues, member agencies, public agencies, service providers, and the public.
• Perform special financial, operational, and human resources analyses as directed by the General Manager.
• Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and work occasional extended hours.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.
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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Will Possess Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, auditing, and internal control.
• Generally accepted accounting principles applicable to nonprofit organizations, including relevant Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance and financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements.
• Federal and California payroll, wage-and-hour, leave, benefits, equal employment opportunity, workplace safety, records, and other employment requirements relevant to the position.
• Human resources practices involving recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, training, accommodations, and separations.
• Accounting, payroll, human resources information, document-management, and Microsoft Office systems, including advanced spreadsheet functionality.
• Principles of supervision, work planning, confidentiality, records management, and professional business communication.
ABILITY TO
• Lead and perform complex professional accounting and human resources work with accuracy, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Analyze financial and operational information, identify risks or inconsistencies, develop practical recommendations, and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare accurate financial statements, budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, policies, reports, and Board-level presentations.
• Interpret and apply accounting guidance, employment requirements, policies, contracts, and benefit-plan provisions; seek specialized advice when appropriate.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information and manage competing priorities and deadlines in a small, collaborative organization.
• Communicate clearly and tactfully, build effective working relationships, and explain technical information to varied audiences.
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Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. A typical path is:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, including meaningful responsibility for human resources administration. Experience leading staff, coordinating audits, and presenting financial information to executive management or a governing board is highly desirable.
Preferred background: Experience with a nonprofit association, public agency, member-funded organization, or other organization operating in a complex regulatory environment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires prolonged sitting; frequent use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment; and sufficient vision, hearing, communication, and manual dexterity to perform the essential functions. The employee may occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds and may occasionally work extended or adjusted hours or travel to meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
License Requirement
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained when driving is an essential function of the position.
General Statement
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be added, removed, or modified consistent with organizational needs and the general scope and level of the position.
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Compensation and Benefits
The monthly salary range for this at-will position is anticipated to be $110,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary is supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in CalPERS healthcare and retirement, deferred compensation options, and dental and vision coverage. Additional benefits include life insurance, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and other employer-sponsored programs. SWC does not participate in Social Security but does participate in Medicare.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a comprehensive resume by September 10, 2026 to:
State Water Contractors
1121 L Street, Suite 1050
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attn: Linda Standlee
Send questions and resume to: lstandlee@swc.org
Interviews are tentatively anticipated the week of September 28, 2026.