Controller

Job Summary The Controller serves as a senior financial leader for Rockdale County government and is designated as a key successor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and/or Deputy CFO. This position oversees the strategic and operational functions of Finance, Procurement, and Grants Management, ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across the County's fiscal operations. The Controller performs highly responsible, complex professional and administrative duties requiring substantial independent judgment. Under the general direction of the CFO/Deputy CFO, this role supports long-range financial planning, internal controls, and enterprise-wide financial strategy, while ensuring timely and accurate reporting of the County's financial condition. Essential Functions Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Finance Department, Procurement Division, and Grants Management Office. Directs, supervises, and evaluates management, professional, and clerical staff, including hiring, training, assigning work, resolving conflicts, and conducting performance management. Serves as acting CFO/Deputy CFO in their absence and provides leadership on major financial initiatives and special projects. Oversees preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reporting documents. Ensures compliance with applicable GAAP, GASB, and relevant state and federal regulations. Reviews and approves general ledger entries, account reconciliations, schedule preparation, and financial adjustments. Develops, implements, and maintains strong internal control systems to safeguard County assets and reduce risk. Supports development and execution of the County's annual operating and capital budgets. Provides financial analysis, forecasting, and data-driven recommendations to executive leadership and elected officials. Reviews departmental spending, interprets budget variances, and ensures adherence to County fiscal policies. Provides executive oversight of County procurement operations, ensuring fairness, transparency, compliance with purchasing laws, and adherence to internal policies. Responsible for implementation of new accounting software and cleaning up the old accounting system keeping in view of Georgia Chart of Accounts. Works with Procurement staff to refine purchasing processes, enhance internal controls, and improve efficiency. Oversees grants administration, ensuring compliance with all grantor requirements and effective monitoring of grant-funded programs. Ensures timely reporting, documentation, and audit readiness for federal, state, and other external grant sources. Prepares and reviews audit workpapers; serves as one of the primary liaison for external auditors. Ensures timely completion of annual audits and supports corrective action plans when applicable. Periodically reviews financial operations countywide and recommends process improvements. Maintains an expert-level understanding of financial systems modules, including general ledger, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, budgeting, and fixed assets. Recommends, coordinates, and implements system enhancements and integrations. Develops and updates departmental procedures to promote efficiency, data accuracy, and compliance. Provides counsel to the CFO/Deputy CFO and County leadership on financial strategy, fiscal policy, and operational performance. Prepares presentations and reports for the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, and other stakeholders. Coordinates with other County departments to support organization-wide financial administration. Additional

Duties

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority (CFO/Deputy CFO). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial management. Expertise in GAAP, GASB, internal controls, procurement regulations, and grant compliance. Ability to lead and mentor staff at multiple organizational levels. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Working Conditions Typically performed in an office with occasional field visits. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field is required.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible governmental finance experience, including management/supervisory responsibility.
• Experience in public sector budgeting, procurement, grants management, and financial systems administration preferred.
• OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience equivalent to numbers #1, #2, and #3 above.
• Valid State of Georgia Driver's License Preferred Qualifications
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is strongly preferred.
• CGFO, CPFO, or similar certifications.