Controller

About the role

The Controller works under the general guidance and direction of the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer to formulate, implement, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. This position ensures the integrity of the city's financial operations, develops and provides accurate and timely financial reports for both internal and external users in accordance with GAAP and professional standards, and supports accounting management, internal controls, and financial reporting.

The Controller oversees the accounting team, manages journal entries, reviews accounting information for accuracy, assists with budgets, forecasting, and compliance, and works closely with the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer to ensure adherence to regulations and accounting guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and summary schedules with staff assistance.
• Coordinate the annual independent audit of the city’s financial records, resolving auditor requisitions.
• Plan and execute preparation of the ACFR as required by the Government Accounting Standards Board and bondholder covenants, including year-end procedures for closing funds.
• Oversee and assist accountants with workloads, including training, cross-training, and providing support to all accountants within the Finance Department.
• Supervise accounting clerks, including hiring, coaching, assigning duties, and exercising independent judgment to direct work and take corrective action.
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer in developing the city’s budget, including maintaining the personnel budget database, compiling and analyzing financial data, and creating reports for publication.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis of budgeted and actual citywide or departmental costs and revenues, including cash reconciliation for multi-fund/multi-bank accounts, interfund and transfer charges, and budget worksheets.
• Produce the salary projection report and oversee all bookkeeping and audits under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer.
• Assist departments with budget preparation, analysis, and composition, and train Finance Department staff.
• Analyze user and operational needs to develop or modify budget and finance systems.
• Oversee the reconciliation of cash on a daily and monthly basis and prepare the Treasurer’s Report for Council meetings.
• Oversee the development of the annual Service Level Report.
• Provide oversight to other staff in the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer’s absence.

Requirements

• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to conduct detailed financial analysis and prepare periodic financial reports and projections.
• Cooperative attitude and ability to work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public, and other organizations.
• Ability to exercise independent professional judgment and manage an accounting team.
• Experience in enforcing internal controls, implementing accounting policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations and accounting guidelines.

Work Environment

The work is conducted in a general office environment with stable temperatures and a moderate level of noise.