Finance Department

The Finance Department provides accurate, transparent, complete, and timely financial information to support the City’s operations while ensuring South San Francisco long-term fiscal sustainability. The department is responsible for safekeeping, management, and accounting of the City’s financial assets. The department is responsible for payroll administration, accounts payable processing, business licenses issuance, risk, and debt management, while acting in a fiduciary capacity for assessment districts.

Department Overview

The department supports its mission to the City through:
• Budgeting and accounting for financial transactions to ensure optimal management of City revenues and appropriations, and accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions in accordance with regulations and standards;
• Building multi-year forecasts to assist effective financial decision-making and future application of resources;
• Managing payment of vendors and City employees to effect continued provision of City services and programs, and avoid delays to public projects;
• Receiving and accurately recording revenues from various sources to ensure funds are available to support City projects and programs;
• Overseeing the City’s cash flow needs to support prudent investment of funds by the City Treasurer;
• Establishing strong internal controls to maintain control of, and accountability for, City funds;
• Managing the City’s annual financial audit and production of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in conjunction with the City’s independent auditor;
• Managing and maintaining the City’s Business License program.

Karen Chang received her Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University, with dual majors in Accounting and Finance. She is a member of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Karen is a seasoned finance professional with more than 25 years of experience in both the private and public sector. Her public sector experience began in 2009. She worked her way up the financial ranks during her tenure with various cities in East Bay, California.

As Director of Finance, Karen is responsible for a combined City operating and Capital Improvement Budget of nearly 400 million. She serves as fiscal advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and City Departments to develop creative and sound strategies that benefit the community. She is also responsible for formulating, managing, and controlling fiscal policies, as well as strategic planning for accounting, treasury, and debt management, purchasing, budget and financial planning. In addition, she oversees the daily operations of the Finance Department.

Location

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Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Phone

Fax

Email