March 29, 2024

City officials announced  that Laura Rocha will take over as the City’s finance director on Monday, June 13. Rocha was hired following an extensive open recruitment to replace current Finance Director Liliane Serio who will retire on June 14 after 11 years of service.

Rocha has more than 20 years of experience as an accounting professional with more than 15 years of senior public sector experience in finance and consulting for City government and special district operations. Most recently, Rocha worked for the past seven years as the interim finance director and accounting manager for the City of San Juan Capistrano. She has also worked for the cities of Santee and San Diego in addition to spending five years in San Marcos’ finance department as accounting manager (1996-2001).

“I am very excited to return to the City of San Marcos and serve its involved, engaged community,” said Rocha. “I am looking forward to building strong relationships that will benefit the community for years to come.”

Rocha holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from San Diego State University. She is also a certified public accountant and a member of the California Board of Accountancy, Government Finance Officers Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.

The City’s finance director oversees all functions, programs and operations of the finance department; produces timely and accurate financial statements and budget reports; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides complex and professional administrative support to the City Manager, City Council and operating departments.

“Laura Rocha is a well-respected, talented municipal finance officer and the City is very fortunate to have her at the helm of our financial operations,” said City Manager Paul Malone.