Controller

The City Controller is responsible for directing and overseeing the financial operations of the City of Terre Haute. The position provides leadership and oversight of municipal accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll accounting, cash management, internal controls, and financial compliance. The City Controller serves as a financial advisor to the Mayor, City Council, department heads, and other City officials by providing accurate financial information, analysis, and guidance to support responsible fiscal decision-making. The position also supervises the employees of the Controller's Office and ensures the City's financial operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and State Board of Accounts requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are representative of the work performed. This list is not intended to be all inclusive. Directs and oversees the financial operations of the City in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, City ordinances, State Board of Accounts requirements, and established City policies and procedures. Oversee the City's accounting functions, including financial transactions, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, cash receipts and disbursements, account reconciliations, financial closings, and maintenance of accurate financial records. Prepares and oversees the City's annual operating and capital budgets and monitors revenues, expenditures, appropriations, encumbrances, fund balances, and other budgetary matters throughout the fiscal year. Prepares and reviews financial reports, statements, forecasts, and analyses and provides financial information and guidance to the Mayor, City Council, department heads, and other City officials regarding the City's financial condition and the impact of proposed programs, projects, contracts, personnel actions, and other initiatives. Ensures the timely preparation and submission of required federal, state, and local financial reports and financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards, laws, regulations, and State Board of Accounts requirements. Oversee payroll-related financial reporting and the reconciliation and remittance of employee benefit deductions, retirement contributions, garnishments, child support payments, tax levies, and other authorized or legally required deductions, and coordinates with the Human Resources Department and other departments regarding related matters. Oversee the City's cash management, banking, investments, and related financial activities to ensure appropriate authorization, accurate records, adequate cash flow, and compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and policies. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal controls and financial procedures to safeguard City funds, assets, records, and confidential information and reviews financial operations for risks, control weaknesses, errors, and opportunities for improved efficiency and accountability. Serves as the City's primary financial liaison with the Indiana State Board of Accounts, independent auditors, financial institutions, financial advisors, and other regulatory or oversight agencies; coordinates audits and examinations and addresses findings and corrective actions as necessary. Oversees the City's financial management, accounting, budgeting, payroll, and related software systems and works with appropriate City departments and technology personnel to maintain system security, access controls, electronic payment controls, data integrity, and effective financial reporting. Provides financial oversight and analysis related to capital projects, capital assets, debt obligations, grants, special revenue funds, and other significant financial commitments and coordinates with appropriate City officials and financial professionals regarding related financial matters. Coordinates with City departments regarding purchasing, contracting, expenditures, vendors, and other financial matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, policies, and budgetary requirements. Supervises, directs, trains, and evaluates employees of the Controller's Office; establishes departmental priorities, work procedures, performance expectations, and training requirements to ensure the efficient operation of the department. Maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, City employees, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, professional advisors, and members of the public. Attend City Council meetings, budget meetings, State Board of Accounts training, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns meetings, and other meetings or training sessions as necessary to remain current regarding municipal accounting, finance, budgeting, and governmental requirements. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and Training Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field. Experience Minimum five years progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, governmental financial administration, or a closely related field, including a minimum of three years supervisory or managerial experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience in municipal or governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, cash management, investment management, or Indiana State Board of Accounts requirements. Professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or other relevant financial certification is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, municipal budgeting, financial reporting, fund accounting, cash management, and financial analysis. Working knowledge of Indiana laws, regulations, ordinances, and State Board of Accounts requirements applicable to municipal finance. Working knowledge of payroll accounting, taxation, retirement contributions, employee benefit deductions, internal controls, audit procedures, and financial compliance. Working knowledge of financial management systems, accounting software, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and other modern office technology. Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets and analyze complex financial information. Ability to identify and resolve financial and accounting problems and establish and maintain effective financial procedures and internal controls. Ability to prioritize assignments, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees and provide effective direction and guidance. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and explain complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, and the public. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and professional integrity. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects and use a keyboard. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal range. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, and other office equipment. Ability to read and interpret financial documents, reports, spreadsheets, and computer screens. Ability to move throughout City offices and attend meetings as required. Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move office materials and records. Working Conditions Office setting. Regular interaction with elected officials, department heads, City employees, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, and members of the public. Position may require attendance at evening meetings, budget hearings, City Council meetings, training sessions, or other City functions. May occasionally require work outside normal business hours during budget preparation, audits, financial reporting deadlines, system implementations, or other critical financial activities. #J-18808-Ljbffr