Director of Internal Controls

Annual Salary Range: $173,971.20 - $269,672.00
First Review of Applications: April 27, 2025
Expected Start Date: July 2025

Overview of SANDAG

We exist to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this region home. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is both a metropolitan planning organization and a council of governments, bringing together local decision-makers to develop solutions to regional issues including transportation, air quality, housing, and more.

With a $1B operating budget, 400 staff members, and a network of key community partners, SANDAG carefully tackles these regional issues with the communities we serve through a big picture, coordinated approach. One of the primary ways we plan for the future is through the Regional Plan, a long-term vision for how we will transform the way people and goods move in the 21st century. We're hard at work bringing the plan to life by delivering near-term projects, identifying partnerships, seeking funding opportunities, and deploying pilot programs.

The agency is currently focused on speeding up delivery of major infrastructure projects throughout the region. This includes stabilizing the LOSSAN Corridor from erosion along the Del Mar bluffs and relocating the tracks off the bluffs, building regional transit connections to the San Diego International Airport, and strengthening cross border travel between U.S. and Mexico by creating a new, modern border crossing—the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. For more information, visit www.sandag.org. 

Role

The Internal Controls Director will plan, direct, and manage the organization’s internal controls and process improvement initiatives. This is a key leadership position focused on strengthening the agency’s operational excellence, transparency, and responsiveness. This role is dedicated to continuously improving organizational efficiency, fostering accountability, and enhancing internal collaboration and alignment across all agency departments.

Typical Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with major course work in finance, accounting, business management, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable.
• At least eight years of progressive career development managing and administering complex finance programs and services, preferably in a public agency environment, including four years of supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in providing administrative, management, and professional leadership in overseeing internal controls programs, audits, and compliance activities, preferably for a local, regional, or state organization and ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff, while fostering a high-performing team that aligns with organizational goals.
• In-depth understanding of the principles and practices related to financial reporting, audits, cash management, risk assessment, and compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Proven ability to assess, identify, and manage risks that could impact organizational performance, reputation, or financial health.
• Extensive knowledge of modern organizational, management, and strategic planning principles. Proven ability to develop and implement short- and long-term objectives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving internal controls, and streamlining procedures to avoid duplication and gaps.
• The candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background investigation and credit history verification; periodic re-checking of criminal background and credit history will be a condition of employment

Benefits

SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:

• Hybrid work options
• 9/80 flexible work schedule
• Pay-for-performance merit increases
• Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
• Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
• Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
• Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
• Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
• Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
• Executive level positions:
  • Management Benefit valued at 2.5% of salary that can be applied towards time off, health premiums, or deferred compensation
  • Access to an Executive Health Program
  • Annual contribution to 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Paid parking

Call (619) 699-1900 or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag? for information. First review April 27, 2025. EOE.