Career Opportunity

Accountant III - Human Rights Commission (1654)

Recruitment: RTF0159174-01158526

Published: August 25, 2025

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

Rooted in community, the Human Rights Commission works in service of the City’s anti-discrimination laws by protecting civil rights, upholding dignity, and advancing equitable outcomes in San Francisco.  For more than 60 years, HRC has served its mandate to address the causes of and problems resulting from prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination.

Established in 1964 by Mayor John F. Shelley as the Interim Committee on Human Relations, the Human Rights Commission is a department of the City & County of San Francisco.  The divisions and staff of the HRC secure, protect, and promote human and civil rights for all San Franciscans by:

• investigating and mediating discrimination complaints

• resolving community disputes and issues involving individual or systemic illegal discrimination

• providing technical assistance, information, referrals, and other supports related to human rights and social services to individuals, community groups, businesses, and government agencies

The Mayor of San Francisco may appoint up to 11 Commissioners to help develop policy at the HRC. Members of this public body represent diverse interests in the community and are able to leverage their professional and personal backgrounds to better address a wide range of issues impacting human and civil rights.

Role description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Financial Officer of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the 1654 Accountant III will perform critical accounting duties that support HRC’s mission of advancing racial justice and equity in San Francisco. This position will ensure compliance with City policies while overseeing complex financial activities. Working collaboratively with contracting and program staff, the Accountant III will be integral to maintaining financial integrity and transparency in managing HRC’s innovative programs and grants.

What You'll Be Doing

As a 1654 Accountant III, you will perform advanced accounting work, including financial analysis, compliance reviews, and budget management. You will play a key role in ensuring fiscal accuracy and accountability while supporting groundbreaking initiatives addressing systemic inequities. This position requires a detail-oriented individual with a passion for public service and the ability to navigate the complexities of government finance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Oversight:

• Perform complex accounting functions in budgeting, payroll analysis, purchasing, and grants management.
• Review, reconcile, and analyze financial data to ensure fiscal compliance with City policies and grant requirements.
• Conduct year-end closing activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulatory standards.

Compliance and Auditing:

• Audit financial reports, contracts, and grants for adherence to HRC’s standards and City policies.
• Provide recommendations for improving fiscal policies, procedures, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and alignment with HRC’s mission.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with contracting and program staff to align financial practices with program goals.
• Serve as a financial resource, presenting complex accounting concepts and reports to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor subordinate accounting and administrative staff, providing training, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth operations and adherence to deadlines.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare detailed financial reports and analyses for management, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation for internal and external audits.

Other Duties:

• Participate in financial systems testing and implementation.
• Perform special projects as assigned to support HRC’s financial and programmatic objectives.

How to qualify

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Such education must include eighteen(18) semester units or twenty-four ( 24) quarter units of coursework in accounting. AND

Four (4) years of professional accounting which includes analysis or problem solving. Experience must include: Working with an automated financial system, (preferably a government system) performing difficult and responsible accounting, as well as preparing financial records and reports. OR

2. City and County of San Francisco Employees with four (4) years of professional accounting experience including experience as a 1652 Accountant II.

Substitution:

A Master's degree in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, public policy, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of work experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong understanding of governmental accounting principles (GAAP).
• Experience with grants and contract management in a government or nonprofit setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to translate financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• A commitment to advancing equity and social justice.

What else should I know?

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Work Location and Schedule: 

• 40 hours Monday through Friday, standard work week
• In-person work requirement at the HRC headquarters
• Location, 25 Van Ness - cross street Market, located next to Van Ness MUNI and 5 minutes from Civic Center BART stations

Classification Specification: 

• 1654-Accountant III

Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Exempt Employment:

This role is exempt from the San Francisco Civil Service Rules, and employment is at the discretion of the appointing officer for a period not to exceed three (3) years. (Category 18)

For any questions regarding the position or hiring process, please contact the recruitment analyst Kristen Erbst at kristen.erbst@sfgov.org

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.