Controller

City Of St. Joseph - Saint Joseph, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Joseph, MO

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Controller plays a crucial role in the Finance Department of the City of St. Joseph, overseeing major functions and activities including finance, accounting, revenue management, budgeting, and purchasing. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the department's operations, ensuring that all financial activities align with the city's goals and regulations. The Controller assists in coordinating activities with other city departments, outside agencies, and the public, fostering cooperative relationships to enhance the effectiveness of the Finance Department. In addition to administrative oversight, the Controller provides complex professional assistance to the Director of Finance, stepping in to direct operations in the absence of the Director. This includes managing staff across the Accounting, Revenue, and Purchasing Divisions, and ensuring that all financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), are prepared accurately and in compliance with the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. The Controller also directs special projects and analyses as requested by the Finance Director and City Manager, and plays a key role in managing relationships with independent auditors and third-party service providers. The position requires a strong understanding of governmental fund accounting procedures, public finance administration, and the ability to analyze complex financial problems. The Controller must also be adept at implementing automated financial information systems and establishing controls to enhance existing processes. Overall, this role is integral to the financial health and transparency of the City of St. Joseph, ensuring that all financial operations are conducted with integrity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction for the Finance Department.
• Coordinate activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the public.
• Foster cooperative working relationships among various stakeholders.
• Provide professional assistance to the Director of Finance and act in their absence.
• Direct all operations and manage staff of the Accounting, Revenue, and Purchasing Divisions in the absence of the Finance Director.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Direct special projects, analysis, and research as directed by the Finance Director and City Manager.
• Review and analyze the accuracy of accounting and financial reports.
• Analyze and monitor City fund balances.
• Serve as a primary resource for accounting and payroll-related information analysis and assistance.
• Manage relationships with independent auditors and third-party service providers.
• Coordinate the preparation of external audit materials and financial reporting systems.
• Provide guidance in the sale of bonds and review bond documents.
• Advise on the design and implementation of automated financial information and payroll systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration, finance, or a related field.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience.
• Knowledge of governmental fund accounting procedures and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial statements.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and interpret financial information.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.

Benefits

• Negotiable salary based on experience and qualifications.