Manager of Budgets

The Manager of Budgets will guide and oversee the agency’s Annual Program Budget development and will provide strategic advisory support and guidance to Directors, Project Managers and executive leadership. This position ensures informed decision-making and stewardship of agency revenues by providing forecasting and revenue utilization review, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, while managing the agency’s budget management system. • Manage and coordinate the development of the annual SANDAG Program Budget including the Overall Work Program, Capital, Operations, Administration, and Board budgets; manage forecasting for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor overall budget expenditures; recommend and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary. • Manage and continuously improve standardized budget development processes across agency programs, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to policies and procedures. • Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and communication, serving as a trusted resource to promote teamwork, coordinated budget planning, and alignment of financial decisions with agency priorities and strategic goals. • Provide strategic advisory support and guidance to Directors and Project Managers regarding budget development, amendments, and project revenue. • Prepare, review, and present comprehensive financial reports, forecast project budgets and revenue utilization, and analyze agency-wide financial data. • Oversee and ensure accuracy of budget proposals, coordinating with internal staff and external agencies to maintain compliance with funding agency standards and guidelines. • Prepare and present agenda reports for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Transportation Committee for budget amendments, annual budget approval, and transit agency budgets. • Manage the development of supporting schedules and materials for the Indirect Cost Allocation Program (ICAP) and contribute to the Annual Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR). • Lead agency-wide budgeting meetings and guide departmental budget coordinators to ensure alignment, consistency, and best practices across programs. • Evaluate agency-wide financial trends, develop revenue projections, and provide strategic recommendations to support short, mid and long-range financial planning and informed executive decision-making. • Supervise, mentor, and develop professional staff; establish work plans, review performance, and provide ongoing guidance to ensure high-quality results and professional growth of the team. • Bachelor's degree with major course work in accounting, finance, or a related field and seven years of increasingly responsible professional budget, finance and/or accounting experience, including two years of supervisory experience. Experience working in public agency budgeting is preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of large and complex budget preparation and administration, including cash flow forecasting and grant and project cost accounting. • Demonstrated understanding of strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources. • Demonstrated experience with laws, regulations, and reporting requirements pertaining to governmental budget preparation and administration; familiarity with various federal, state, and local funding sources used for regional transportation projects is desirable. • Demonstrated knowledge of the roles and functions of various federal and state agencies in funding regional planning and transportation programs and projects; experience representing organizational positions on committees or groups. • Exceptional communication skills; demonstrated ability to communicate complex budget information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences, including preparing comprehensive financial reports, correspondence, and delivering public presentations to Boards, community groups, and executive leadership. • Proven experience managing the development and implementation of new budget procedures, process improvements, and financial system enhancements. • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including evaluating expenditure trends, preparing revenue projections, and providing strategic recommendations for the efficient use of resources in alignment with agency priorities and goals. • Proven ability to supervise and mentor professional staff, including facilitating training on agency budget processes and software to ensure consistency, accuracy, and understanding across departments. • Utilized advanced Excel skills and strong numerical analysis to develop, track, and interpret complex budget models, forecasts, and financial reports to support data-driven decision-making. Experience in Tyler ERP is preferred. First review of applications: January 19, 2026 Interviews: February 2026 Expected start date: April 2026 Apply tot his job