Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:
- Advance Airport Development
- Transform the Customer Experience
- Optimize Ongoing Business
- Cultivate Our Culture
Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that thrives on diversity and is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.
Why You'll Love Working at SAN:
- Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
- Hybrid Work Schedule: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with an opportunity for remote work based on operational requirements, while supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity.
- Salary: The hiring salary for Accountant is starting at $72,166. The full pay range for Accountant is $61,680-$96,688.
- Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
- Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
- Application Deadline: March 7, 2025. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
About the Job:
The Accounting team is seeking a solutions-driven Accountant with a keen eye for accuracy and a commitment to responsiveness and financial stewardship in Accounts Payable. This role is perfect for a professional who not only understands true AP processes—from invoice review and payment processing to researching variances and reconciling accounts—but is also eager to learn, adapt, and drive continuous improvement within the Authority’s unique financial operations.
In this role, the Accountant will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with procurement policies, managing vendor payments, and upholding financial integrity. This position offers more than routine accounting—it provides the opportunity to analyze inefficiencies, streamline processes, and strengthen financial controls in a dynamic public agency environment.
With a front-row seat to the financial operations of one of the busiest single-runway airports in the U.S., this role offers the chance to develop public sector expertise, collaborate across departments, and play a key role in ensuring the financial efficiency of an organization that keeps San Diego connected and moving forward.
What You’ll Do:
- Accounts Payable Oversight: Ensures payments comply with Authority policies, purchase orders, and contracts; processes invoices, audits check runs, and resolves vendor inquiries.
- General Ledger & Reconciliations: Reviews, analyzes, and reconciles general ledger accounts; prepares journal entries, including accruals, reclassifications, and adjustments.
- Financial Reporting & Compliance: Prepares financial statements, cash statements, and audit work papers; supports month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Fixed Asset Accounting: Maintains fixed asset records, determines capitalizations, reconciles schedules, and assists with the annual fixed asset inventory.
- Training & Customer Support: Trains accounting staff and Authority employees on financial processes, system updates, and best practices; provides responsive customer service by addressing financial inquiries and assisting departments with accounting-related needs.
The Skills You Need:
Technical Expertise & Problem-Solving – Strong understanding of core principles and best practices for operational tasks, policy implementation, and process optimization. Ability to analyze complex data, identify discrepancies, and develop effective solutions. Process Management & Compliance – Knowledge of operational procedures, regulatory requirements, and internal controls. Ability to ensure that all processes, from payments to documentation, meet established standards and timelines. Analytical & Critical Thinking – Skilled in assessing, organizing, and reconciling data from multiple sources, making informed decisions, and identifying areas for improvement in workflows. Technology Adaptability & System Proficiency – Comfortable using software tools and systems to manage tasks efficiently. Capable of adapting to new technologies and optimizing their use within the organization. Communication & Collaboration – Strong interpersonal skills to work with cross-functional teams, explain complex processes clearly, and offer proactive solutions. Demonstrates an ability to train, support, and communicate with stakeholders at all levels. Integrity & Confidentiality – Committed to upholding high standards of professionalism and discretion. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with integrity.
The Experience You Need to Have**:
- Three years of increasingly responsible accounting experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, or a closely related field, or equivalent years of experience.
Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
- Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Bookkeeper (CB), Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).
**Lacking some of the skills, education, or experiences we've listed? No worries! Here at the San Diego International Airport, we're on a mission to cultivate a workforce as dynamic and diverse as the community we serve. While certain roles may require specific qualifications, we understand that talent comes in many forms. Some of our positions may not require specific degrees, and we're always open to individuals who bring a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. If you think this could be you, we encourage you to apply, and even if this position isn't the right role for you, we will add you to our database to consider for other opportunities in the future that align with your unique knowledge and skills. There's a chance we have the perfect spot for you to land!
EEO Statement
It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Physical & Mental Demands
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.
