Travel Compliance Manager (Accounting Administrator II)

Job Description and Duties Under general direction of the Accounting Administrator III, the Accounting Administrator II (Travel Compliance Manager) manages the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Travel and Revolving Fund Section. The Travel Compliance Manager is responsible for analyzing, auditing, and reviewing travel and relocation claims submitted by high level staff, including Executive management and Board Members. This includes in state, out of state, and international travel. The incumbent ensures that all claims comply with the California Human Resources (CalHR) Manual, California Code of Regulations (CCR), State Administrative Manual (SAM), and Department of General Services (DGS) State Travel Program requirements (STP). The incumbent provides guidance and support to Contracts and Procurement Section on travel regulations that can fall within scope of contract agreements l-i.e., related matters for consultant’s travel that falls under contract. The Travel Compliance Manager trains Travel staff on applicable travel rules and regulations and conducts periodic audits of processed claims to ensure compliance. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for developing, updating, and implementing travel policies and procedures. The Travel Compliance Manager safeguards the Authority’s assets and ensures adherence to all applicable policies and regulations. Duties are performed using CalHR laws and rules, Government Claims Board regulations, State Controller’s Office (SCO) guidelines, the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal), and Microsoft Office applications, as well as through meetings, one on one discussions, telephone communications, and email correspondence. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process. 1. This position must identify risks and improve internal controls. Provide an example where you identify a process inefficiency or compliance risk within an accounting or auditing environment. What steps did you take to implement improvements? 2. Describe your experience working with high-level staff or executives to resolve fiscal issues. How did you communicate findings, recommendations, or required corrective actions? Applications received without the SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process. For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Experience and knowledge of travel reimbursement rules and regulations, including travel claim approval processes.• Experience with FI$Cal, PeopleSoft or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.• Knowledge of state accounting systems.• Experience in Governmental Accounting Standards and the State Administrative Manual.• Experience with external fiscal control agencies (Department of Finance, SCO, etc.).• Experience in supervisory capacity.• Experience leading, training, or evaluating staff. • Ability to qualify for a fidelity bond.• Excellent organizational, research, and analytical skills.• Ability to maintain a positive, creative, and flexible approach to issues and problems while working in a fast-paced team environment.• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate effectively to all staff levels.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.