Controller

About the role

A professional position responsible for managing key finance operations, assisting the Director in providing financial advice to the City Manager and Council; overseeing the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report and the development of the City’s budget through the finance managers; overseeing customer service/billing, procurement, grants, and internal audit programs; and, providing financial oversight for daily finance operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) with help from the Finance Manager of Accounting. May include review of accounts, preparing year end journal entries, GASB accounting standards, working closely with auditors and directing staff or department/divisions in pulling together required documentation and compiling the document.
• Completes the State’s filing of the Annual Financial Report (AFR).
• Oversees the preparation of the annual City budget document by the Finance Manager of Budgets and Grants. May include but not limited to review of department budget submittals, revenue projections, trend analysis, communications with departments’ staff, meetings with the City Manager and City Council, preparation of transmittal letters, proposed budget and millage advertisements, TRIM compliance, presentations at public meetings, and publication and distribution of the adopted budget.
• Oversees and approves budget amendments, cash receipts, and journal entries.
• Provides information; responds to inquiries and questions from the public, the news media, elected officials, senior management, other government entities, and other employees as needed or directed by Finance Director.
• Oversees daily operations of the finance department including accounts receivables, accounts payables, banking and investments, financing, payroll, internal controls and fixed assets.
• Works with grants management team to ensure that key processes and systems are in place to manage grant risk assessments, financial compliance, and reporting management processes. Assist with Single Audit reporting.
• Communicates clear direction, manages for results and leads organizational change. Monitors purchases to ensure compliance with the budget. May Prepare or oversee financial analyses in support of management initiatives and union negotiations.
• Supervises, trains, and develops staff. Assist Finance Director in establishing and updating documented policies and procedures. Seeks new ways to improve efficiency and increase fiscal strength to the city. Makes recommendations for business practices to enhance revenues or reduce expenditures.
• Serves as Finance Director in the absence of the Finance Director, as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of municipal financial management, accounting and budgeting theory and practice.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance, budgeting, accounting, and debt management.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of computerized financial information management.
• Knowledge of economic trend forecasting and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of special requirements pertaining to accounting and investment of government funds.
• Knowledge of government auditing procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, utilizing financial computer software programs.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, objectives, and methods of municipal finance, accounting, and budget preparation;
• Current supervision and management techniques;
• Skills in operating office equipment such as a computer and calculator.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Ability to communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Ability to produce written documents in the English language with clearly-organized thoughts with proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and report research findings, recommend and take appropriate action.
• Ability to prepare difficult and complex financial and administrative reports.
• Ability to perform financial investment analysis.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field required.
• Five (5) years of related experience required, preferably in governmental accounting.

Supplemental Information

• Essential Physical Abilities: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time N/A = Not applicable
• Environmental Conditions: Constant Frequent Occasional N/A