Controller

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. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Oversees the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) with help from the Finance Manager of Accounting, including review of accounts, year‑end journal entries, GASB accounting standards, and coordination with auditors. 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, including review of department budget submittals, revenue projections, trend analysis, and communication with departments, the City Manager and City Council. Oversees and approves budget amendments, cash receipts, and journal entries. Provides information and responds to inquiries from the public, news media, elected officials, senior management, other government entities, and employees. Oversees daily operations of the finance department, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking and investments, financing, payroll, internal controls, and fixed assets. Oversees other annual reporting such as pensions, transportation report, W‑2s, 1099s, etc. Works with the grants management team to ensure proper processes and systems for grant risk assessments, financial compliance, and reporting; assists 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. Assists 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. Assists Finance Director in meeting the City and departmental goals. Serves as Finance Director in the absence of the Finance Director, as needed. Typical 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. Current supervision and management techniques. Skill in operating office equipment such as a computer and calculator. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others. Ability to communicate orally in English with customers, clients, and the public in one‑to‑one or group settings. Ability to produce written documents in English with clear organization, proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. Ability to analyze, interpret, and report research findings 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. Certificates and Licenses CPA, MBA, or CGFO certification highly desirable, but not required. Supervisory Responsibilities Exercises direct supervisory authority over Finance Managers, accountants, and clerks in the Department. May occasionally be required to act as Finance Director as circumstances require. Physical Demands Requires the ability to lift up to 45 lbs, with moderate lifting up to 44 lbs and light lifting under 15 lbs; heavy or moderate carrying, light carrying; reach above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; climbing; driving (cars, small vans, pick‑ups, trucks); walking; standing; repeated kneeling, bending, stooping; straight pulling; pulling hand over hand; pushing; running; throwing; scratching; and similar physical activities. Environmental Conditions Work in indoor and outdoor environments, including heat, cold, high humidity, dampness, dryness, noisy conditions, dust, silica, asbestos, fumes, gas, smoke, flames, chemicals, solvents, grease, oils, radiant and electrical energy, slippery and uneven surfaces, moving objects, ladders, scaffolding, heights above ground level, below ground level, water, explosives, poor ventilation, odors, and unusual fatigue factors. Disclaimers All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Individuals who cannot perform some of the requirements because they pose health or safety risks to themselves or other employees may be excluded from this position. This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by this supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each duty proficiently. It is the policy of the City of Punta Gorda to recognize and fulfill its commitment to the community in the area of Equal Employment Opportunity. The City will not knowingly permit discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other conditions of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Emergency Response Statement Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees may be subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee’s official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions. Disclaimer: The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Certain Service Members and Veterans, and the spouses and family members of such Service Members and Veterans, receive preference and priority, and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Click here to view employee benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr