Controller

A 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 Oversee the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) with help from the Finance Manager of Accounting. Complete the State’s filing of the Annual Financial Report (AFR). Oversee 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, communications with departments, meetings with the City Manager and City Council, preparation of transmittal letters, proposed budget and millage advertisements, TRIM compliance, presentations at public meetings, and publication and distribution of the adopted budget. Oversee and approve budget amendments, cash receipts, and journal entries. Provide information; respond to inquiries and questions from the public, the news media, elected officials, senior management, other government entities, and other employees as needed or directed by Finance Director. Oversee daily operations of the finance department including accounts receivables, accounts payable, banking and investments, financing, payroll, internal controls and fixed assets. Oversee other annual reporting such as pensions, transportation report, W‑2s, 1099s, etc. Work with grants management team to ensure that key processes and systems are in place to manage grant risk assessments, financial compliance, and reporting management processes; assist with Single Audit reporting. Communicate clear direction, manage for results and lead organizational change. Monitor purchases to ensure compliance with the budget. Prepare or oversee financial analyses in support of management initiatives and union negotiations. Supervise, train, and develop staff. Assist Finance Director in establishing and updating documented policies and procedures. Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase fiscal strength to the city. Make recommendations for business practices to enhance revenues or reduce expenditures. Assist Finance Director in meeting the City and departmental goals. Serve as Finance Director in the absence of the Finance Director, as needed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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 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. Knowledge of principles, practices, objectives, and methods of municipal finance, accounting, and budget preparation. 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 the English language with customers, clients, and the public in one‑to‑one or group settings. Ability to produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts and proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. Ability to analyze, interpret, and report research findings, recommend 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/CGFO certification highly desirable, but not required. Supervisory Responsibilities Exercise direct supervisory authority over Finance Managers, accountants, and clerks in the Department. Occasionally act as Finance Director as circumstances require. Essential Physical Abilities Perform heavy, moderate, and light lifting and carrying up to 45 lbs. Reaching above shoulder level, use of fingers, both hands required, climbing (legs only or with legs and arms). Maintain good vision (near and distant), hearing, depth perception, color recognition, and overall dexterity. Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and work in various conditions, including walking over uneven surfaces or on slippery surfaces. Drive light vehicles (cars, vans, pick‑ups) and operate heavy equipment or trucks when necessary. Environmental Conditions Work inside and outside, including exposure to heat, cold, high humidity, dampness, dryness, noise, dust, fumes, chemicals, solvents, grease, radiant and electrical energy, slippery and uneven surfaces, moving objects, ladders/scaffolding, heights, below ground level, water, explosives, and other hazardous conditions. 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 in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. 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 or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. 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. Certain Service Members and Veterans, and the spouses and family members of such Service Members and Veterans, receive preference and priority, and that certain Service Members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Punta-Gord