Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for a full-time Financial Administrator in our San Diego office. FDSDI is a nonprofit organization fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency and as such are not government employees. FDSDI provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Duties and Responsibilities: The Financial Administrator is a professional position responsible for financial administration and budget management, internal controls compliance, and assists with the general financial, procurement, and administrative management of the office. Under the direction of the Executive Director and the Administrative Officer, the general duties and responsibilities of the Financial Administrator include, but are not limited to:

• Performs the accounting for and disbursement of appropriated funds; monitors and controls expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the office; assists the Administrative Officer in complying with the internal controls procedures of the office, to assure proper segregation of accounting functions and to prevent errors and fraud;
• Maintains and analyzes accounting records; provides documentation for expenditures and fund balances of the defender organization;
• Prepares and reviews vouchers for payment, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness; Manage payroll operations including payroll processing through ADP, processing payroll liabilities, pension distributions and maintaining the general ledger as it pertains to payroll
• Assists and coordinates with the Executive Director and the Administrative Officer on the yearly audit preparation.
• Prepares status of funds reports and monthly reconciliation reports for review and approval by the Executive Director and Administrative Officer;
• Monitors spending trends as budget allotments are received; reprograms funds between budget categories as necessary; analyzes open obligations and expenses;
• Maintains purchase orders and payment vouchers using accounting software/systems;
• Formulates budget requests; budget development, projections and maintenance;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Qualified candidates must possess three (3) years of general experience and one or more of the following: 1) at least three (3) years of experience in budget and financial management using accounting systems to formulate, execute, audit and report on organizational budgets; 2) a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 credit hours completed in accounting subjects with a B+ average or better; 3) an MBA with an accounting or finance emphasis; or 4) a CPA or CMA designation. Experience in a legal or non-profit field is a plus.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate the ability to research, comprehend, and apply complex regulations or policy guidelines; keen attention to detail; experience using Microsoft Excel and commercial or web-based accounting systems (e.g. Quickbooks or Sage Business Works) to perform financial management and accounting duties; and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat software. The ideal candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills; problem-solving and analytical skills; discretion; mature judgment; and professionalism with colleagues as well as third parties.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience and number of individuals supervised. The starting salary range is: JSP 11/1 ($84,462) to JSP 12/1 ($101,234). The position does include employee benefits including health and life insurance as well as a 401k plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).  This position is at will and is subject to the availability of funds. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation. Offers are contingent upon applicants being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of hire date. This position offers one day of telework per pay period. Full-time telework is not available.

Office Information:

The Federal Defenders of San Diego provides legal counsel for low-income individuals who face federal criminal prosecutions in our district, which covers San Diego and Imperial counties. Our attorneys represent clients at all stages of proceedings including pre-charge, at trial, on appeal, and post-conviction. Our staff of 145+ employees includes administrators, attorneys, case managers, investigators, interpreters, paralegals, and social workers.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Kasha Castillo, Executive Director

[email protected]

Subject: Financial Administrator Position – San Diego

Position open until filled. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

Our office values diversity and is committed to equity and inclusion. We aspire to embody values of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honor the people we represent. Our representation is better when members of the defense team and staff members have diverse backgrounds and experiences. In our hiring, we seek individuals who share these values. We embrace the unique backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences our employees bring to our office. We are interested in applicants’ talent, diligence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegation or circumstance.