Manager, Airport Finance

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 Manager, Airport Finance is starting at $125,078. The full pay range for Manager, Airport Finance is $102,944-$175,006.
• 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: April 27, 2025. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Finance Department is looking for a Manager, Airport Finance with a strategic and analytical focus on budgeting to lead the development, oversight, and execution of the SAN’s operating budgets, including long-range financial forecasts that align resources with organizational priorities. This role is more than just numbers—it’s about shaping how financial strategy supports key initiatives across the organization.

This is more than a technical role—it’s a chance to contribute to an organization known for its stability, strong financial stewardship, and employee-focused culture. With a reputation as a respected public agency, SAN offers a secure and purpose-driven environment where people come to build meaningful careers.

The Manager serves as the Authority’s lead budget strategist, advising departments, collaborating with executive leadership, and coaching a high-performing team. It’s also a people-first leadership opportunity, designed for someone who thrives on developing others and building trusted partnerships across the organization.

This role reaches far and wide—from the runway to the boardroom—where financial decisions ripple through infrastructure, shape passenger journeys, and impact the community. The ideal candidate doesn’t just crunch numbers. They interpret them, forecast them, and most importantly, apply them in ways that elevate both the passenger experience and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Budget Leadership: Oversees development, implementation, and monitoring of operating budgets across SAN, evaluates financial projections and supporting documentation.
• Financial Analysis: Leads detailed revenue and expenditure analysis; tracks performance by cost centers and forecasts project spending.
• Staff Development: Sets performance goals, provides coaching and recognition, and fosters continuous growth for assigned team members.
• Budget Administration: Directs SAN’s overall budget process, ensuring alignment with operational needs and strategic goals.
• Strategic Advising: Partners with the Director of Financial Planning and Budget to support feasibility studies and provide financial guidance to internal stakeholders.

The Skills You Need:

1. Leadership & Influence – Motivates and develops others through clear expectations, relationship building, and recognition; gains buy-in for ideas and solutions.
2. Project Management – Assesses scope, budget, and timelines; ensures compliance with laws and regulations while resolving coordination issues for timely project delivery.
3. Change Management – Translates strategy into action, identifies solutions, and guides teams through change by addressing resistance and adapting to evolving needs.
4. Problem Solving & Agility – Responds to challenges with flexible thinking and collaborative solutions; adapts to new methods and unexpected obstacles.
5. Relationship Building – Develops strong internal and external partnerships; communicates clearly and engages others to work toward shared goals.
6. Persuasive Communication – Articulates ideas with clarity and confidence; balances assertiveness with flexibility to influence outcomes.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Five years of financial, budgeting and/or accounting experience, at least two of which were in a supervisory or program management capacity, preferably supporting a business unit or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Project Management Professional (PMP).

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Lacking some of the skills 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.