Controller (CPA Required)

Senior Accounting & Financial Reporting Leader

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to lead and enhance the organization's accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll oversight, audit coordination, and internal control functions. This is a highly visible leadership role that serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership while maintaining responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of day-to-day financial operations.

This position requires an active CPA license. Candidates without an active CPA will not be considered.

Position Overview

The Controller will oversee all accounting operations, financial reporting activities, budget support functions, and compliance initiatives within a complex public-sector environment. This individual will be responsible for ensuring adherence to governmental accounting standards, maintaining strong internal controls, directing annual audit activities, and leading the preparation of the organization's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

The ideal candidate is a seasoned governmental accounting professional who can operate both strategically and tactically. Success in this role requires the ability to advise executive leadership on financial matters while remaining actively involved in financial reporting, audit management, process improvements, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Direct all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll oversight, financial reporting, and month-end/year-end close activities.
• Ensure financial records are maintained accurately and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review complex account reconciliations, revenue transactions, and financial activity to promote accuracy and compliance.
• Strengthen and maintain internal control processes designed to safeguard organizational assets.
• Oversee financial close timelines and ensure timely completion of reporting deliverables.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and financial accountability.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Lead the preparation and coordination of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Develop timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages.
• Analyze financial results, trends, and variances and communicate findings to senior leadership.
• Support long-range forecasting, operational planning, and organizational decision-making through meaningful financial analysis.
• Provide executive leadership with actionable recommendations based on financial data and performance metrics.

Budgeting, Compliance & Audit

• Support annual operating and capital budget development and ongoing forecasting efforts.
• Ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP, and other applicable governmental reporting standards.
• Lead relationships with external auditors and oversee annual financial statement audits.
• Coordinate audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to audit inquiries.
• Monitor changes in accounting regulations and implement necessary updates to policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and development.
• Allocate departmental resources and prioritize workloads to ensure successful completion of responsibilities and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with leadership teams across the organization to improve financial processes and reporting capabilities.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive leadership team.
• Support organizational strategy through financial insight, risk assessment, and operational recommendations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments to improve financial performance, reporting accuracy, and business processes.
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives that support long-term organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications

CPA REQUIRED - No exceptions

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience within an accounting or finance function.
• Demonstrated experience preparing or overseeing an ACFR.
• Strong working knowledge of both GASB and GAAP standards.
• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, audits, internal controls, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close.
• Proven ability to lead teams while partnering effectively with executive leadership.

Preferred Background

• Government, municipal, authority, utility, public-sector, or other highly regulated organizational experience.
• Experience managing complex financial reporting environments.
• Additional governmental finance certifications such as CPFO, CGFM, CGFO, or similar credentials are a plus.