Controller (Finance Department) at DeKalb County in Decatur, Georgia

Job Description:

Salary Range: $124,516-$200,470 Pay Grade: 30 FLSA Status: Exempt

The purpose of this classification is to manage County accounting and financial reporting operations and staff and to ensure official financial records are compliant with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and accounting practices.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of policy and procedure manuals as appropriate.

Oversees financial information system user operations and reporting; manages system stability, evaluation of internal controls over data and business processes; and conducts and oversees analysis and testing of applicable upgrades to financial system.

Oversees production of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with governmental accounting standards; presents reports to external auditor for attestation as required by state law; compiles and evaluates information from County's financial system, data from other areas, departments, and other legal entities to incorporate into County financial statements; and determines appropriate internal controls to ensure accuracy of financial transactions.

Assists in preparation and review of bonded debt and credit rating documents; evaluates professional services related to issuance of debt; evaluates financial disclosure options in consultation with financial advisors and bond counsel in drafting the provisions of newly issued bond offerings; researches federal provisions of new debt available to the County; ensures debts are paid in accordance with bond or lease provisions; oversees recording of debt payments; establishes financial system chart of accounts; prepares information related to national rating agency inquiries; and participates in interviews with rating agencies.

Supervises various financial operations, including cash management, general accounting, accounts payable, and project accounting; and analyzes, recommends, and implements changes in the accounts payable and project accounting process.

Performs a variety of activities in support of County accounting and finance administration; researches and evaluates financial impact of proposed legislation; performs detailed cash flow projections and analysis; analyzes complex investment alternatives based on the level of risk; reviews actuarial reports for accuracy; revises financial policies and procedures as required; and acts as a departmental liaison to other boards and committees as required

Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles and practices relating to government accounting and financial reporting; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business of Public Administration or a related field required; ten years experience in the field and five years of progressively responsible experience managing accounting and cash management operations, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license, and licensure as a Certified Public Accountant is preferred.