City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Controller

Under general direction from the Chief Financial Officer, this position plans, directs, and oversees the City accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, and payroll operations. 

1. Directs, plans, and coordinates the activities of personnel involved in reviewing, examining, and evaluating accounting and reporting requirements for City funds, for all fund types including enterprise, governmental, fiduciary, and component units.
2. Develops processes to determine trends affecting accounting and reporting needs. Develops accounting and accounts payable preparation guidelines. Interprets laws, ordinances, generally accepted accounting principles, and City policies; and establishes procedures and practices for implementing policies.
3. Works closely with the City’s external auditor on the audit of the City’s annual financial statements and single audits.
4. Leads the implementation of new accounting standards, including the development of new procedures, policies, and accounting practices.
5. Ensures compliance with payroll laws and best practices.
6. Evaluates programs for effectiveness & accomplishment of goals.
7. Initiates and develops improvements for existing programs, projects, and procedures.
8. Develops, reviews, and analyzes financial summaries and reports.
9. Designs financial models and drafts technical reports.
10. Manages division and section activities.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of the preparation process for financial statements in conformity with accepted auditing standards and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
• Knowledge of payroll tax laws.
• Knowledge of internal control systems used for general accounting principles.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques.
• Knowledge of estimating methods and statistical concepts.
• Knowledge of the operation, applications, capabilities, and requirements of automated support systems and equipment.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Skill in analyzing complex financial data and proposing viable solutions.
• Skill in determining needs and gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to provide accurate information for management's use.
• Skill in preparing accurate and complex financial statements.
• Skill in completing accurate data for records, reports, and legal documentation.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in training and supervising the work of other staff members.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Accounting, Business, or Finance, plus seven (7) years of accounting or financial reporting experience, including (3) three years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, or another relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Certified Public Accountant.