Comptroller

Job Description

Posting Type: Entry-Level & Promotional

Current City Employees may apply, but must have completed initial Civil Service probationary period and must have received a satisfactory performance rating on their last evaluation to receive promotional preference.

Entry Level Salary: $92,964 Pay Grade Range: $92,964 - $148,743 (Pay Grade 324)

Civil Service Exam: Training & Experience Questionnaire

Essential Functions

Provides direct supervision, instruction, coaching, and mentorship to Accounting and Budget staff; conducts performance evaluations; supports professional development; and builds a high-performing team culture focused on accuracy, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Supervises Accounting/Budgeting personnel and monitors those functions for proper compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Oversees the City's Accounts Payable function to ensure proper controls, accuracy, and timely vendor payments.

Prepares and oversees the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and related analytical reports.

Conducts long-range financial planning and forecasting activities to support sound fiscal management and inform organizational decision-making.

Oversees all reporting activities, including standard financial management reports, and Charter- and Code- mandated responsibilities such as monthly closings, quarterly reports, and the annual audit.

Leads and supervises the preparation of year-end audited financial reports, working closely with external auditors and serving as the primary coordinator of the annual audit process.

Reconciles periodic computerized reports for accuracy and completeness, including revenue and expenditure reports.

Supervise Accounting/Budgeting personnel and monitor those functions for proper compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Develops, recommends, tests, and implements improvements, adaptations, or revisions to accounting systems, procedures, and internal controls.

Revises or develops new accounting policies to ensure compliance, clarity and operational effectiveness.

Marginal Functions

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop a professional accounting and budgeting staff, including building a high-performing team culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct work activities in a complex financial environment with competing priorities, strict deadlines, and evolving organizational needs.

Knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, and the ability to coordinate, support, and respond to external audit activities.

Ability to analyze financial transactions, prepare original and adjusting entries, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data and reports.

Skill in preparing financial and statistical reports, including multi-year projections, trend analyses, and budgetary summaries.

Ability to evaluate internal controls, identify risks, and recommend improvements to strengthen compliance, financial safeguards, and operational efficiency.

Ability to maintain accurate financial records, prepare administrative and analytical reports, and ensure data integrity across systems and processes.

Ability to reconcile computerized reports for accuracy and completeness and identify discrepancies requiring corrective action.

Ability to support system enhancements, workflow improvements, and technology-driven process changes, including guiding staff through organizational and system transitions.

Skill in communicating complex financial information clearly and effectively to employees, department leaders, elected officials, auditors, and non-financial stakeholders.

Comprehensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, and methodologies, including GAAP and GASB standards.

Knowledge of Federal, State, and City fiscal regulations and the ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and professional standards.

Knowledge of legislative procedures in local government and the ability to apply such procedures to financial operations and reporting requirements.

Proficiency with automated accounting systems, financial software, and ERP platforms including Oracle Fusion Cloud Financials and skill in using Microsoft Office applications for analysis and reporting.

Physical Requirements

This position consists of primarily sedentary work, requiring the incumbent to exert up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally, or a lower amount of force frequently, in order to lift/carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects. A description of the specific physical requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

Mental Requirements

This position uses logic and/or scientific thinking to solve a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. A description of the specific mental requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from a CHEA accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field, including a minimum of two (2) basic and two (2) intermediate or advanced accounting courses and seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience in professional accounting or related field including supervisory experience.

OR

Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field AND four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in professional accounting or a related field including supervisory experience.

Must obtain State of Tennessee Certified Municipal Finance Officer certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants with supervisory experience.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Hybrid Work Eligibility

This position is ineligible for hybrid work.

Note: Background checks will be conducted.

Drug testing may be required.