Controller - City of St. Joseph, MO : Job Details

Job Title: Controller

Department: Finance

Salary: Negotiable

Closing Date: Posted until filled

Job Summary/Job Scope

Assists in planning, organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction and oversight for major functions and activities of the Finance Department, including finance, accounting, revenue (including billing, customer services, and municipal court), budgeting and purchasing. Assists in coordinating assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the public. Fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups. Provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director of Finance in areas of expertise. May act in the absence of the Director of Finance; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Integral to the position of Controller is the responsibility to coordinate with the Finance Director to for develop subordinates to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* In the absence of the Finance Director, directs all operations and manages staff of the Accounting, Revenue, and Purchasing Divisions.

* Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in accordance with the latest model approved by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

* Directs special projects, analysis, and research at the direction of the Finance Director and City Manager.

* Reviews and analyzes accuracy of accounting, GL financial reports and related systems. Analyzes and monitors City fund balances.

* Serves as a primary resource for accounting and payroll related information analysis and assistance.

* Works closely with other financial associate and assistant directors and personnel to resolve accounting differences, especially involving accounting software applications.

* Manages relationships with the independent auditors and other third-party service providers used by the Accounting, Revenue, and Purchasing divisions.

* Coordinates the preparation of external audit materials and financial reporting systems; review and interpret regulatory and post audits; direct and implement audit recommendations.

* Provides guidance in the sale of bonds and in the review of bond documents.

* Advise and/or participate in the design and implementation of automated financial information and payroll systems; establish system controls and develop procedures to enhance existing systems.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct

City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct to everyone with whom they come into contact, both internally and externally, during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being courteous, helpful, respectful, communicative, informative, fair, and honest.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of governmental fund accounting procedures, generally accepting accounting principles, internal controls, investments and loan processing.

* Knowledge of public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, reconciliation, Federal and State regulations and guidelines as they pertain to municipal finance, municipal taxation and revenue management as well as local laws, codes and regulations.

* General knowledge of accounting systems and principles and the ability to provide interpretive guidance of those systems and principles.

* Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial statements.

* Ability to analyze complex problems and interpret financial information.

* Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation.

* Ability to delegate responsibilities, resolve accounting problems and implement accounting policies and procedures.

* Ability to analyze accounting data, to develop and use spreadsheets.

* Must have strong organization, leadership, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills as well as customer service skills.

* Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

* Ability to work with all levels of the organization and on team projects.

* Skills in the use and operation of computer and related software applications.

* Two or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience. (Additional relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education.)

* CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. Work involves prolonged sitting, reaching, bending and walking. Seldom need to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Work involves oral communication through the use of telephone or in person. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration, finance or related field required.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,

which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.