Controller

Full information on the position, including examples of typical duties performed and a comprehensive list of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job can be found on the City of Midland website: www.cityofmidlandmi.gov. Interested candidates must submit an on-line application and resume through the City employment page: https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/1412/Current-Job-Openings

Summary

The Controller ensures accuracy and efficiency of City financial reporting, budgeting and processing, through direct professional accountancy work and through leading the Finance Department team. Plans and directs accounting functions for all city revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the City’s financial records, and the integrity of the City’s internal controls.

Manages the annual audit and the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, in accordance with GASB requirements. Oversees the preparation and enforcement of the City’s Annual budget. Provides support on the management of the City’s property and general liability insurance policies.

Supervision

This position supervises the Finance Department, including direct and indirect supervision (through subordinate supervisors) of the following positions: Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, Accountant, Accountant, Payroll Coordinator and Accounting Specialist.

Examples of Job Duties

The following is intended as a brief description/illustration of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of this position and are not intended to be all encompassing or all-inclusive.

1. Establishes and maintains an effective system of internal controls that provides for the proper safeguarding and accounting of all City assets. Conducts internal audits, supervises physical inventories, and supervises the annual audit performed by external certified public accountants.

2. Maintains updated accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely payments of payroll, vendors, and City obligations; accurate and timely recording of receipts, materials, and other assets; and accurate and timely posting of journal entries.

3. Plans and coordinates year-end procedures, the performance of the annual audit, and the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Prepares schedules, footnotes, and/or other documentation as requested to be included in the City’s ACFR.

4. Provides assistance and answers questions from the City’s auditors, as needed, in their performance of the City’s annual financial audit. Prepares work papers to support year-end account balances and financial activity, as required by year-end procedures and the auditors.

5. Plans and coordinates the annual budget process. Reviews, analyzes and negotiates departmental budget requests. Provides budget training as needed. Prepares the annual budget document. Prepares complex analyses with long range projections for Proprietary Funds. Participates in meetings with department heads and attends City Council Meetings throughout the City budget process to answer questions regarding the budget.

6. Develops and maintains budget procedures for use by City departments throughout the year to ensure accuracy and timeliness in measuring, planning, and controlling department operations.

7. Provides guidance to other City staff and department heads, as appropriate, in carrying out daily accounting functions to ensure the efficient and accurate accounting of the City’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities.

8. Provides leadership and mentoring to all department Finance staff to ensure their work is completed in accordance with established procedures and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Trains and coaches staff as necessary to optimize department performance.

9. Compiles information for periodic financial reports to City Council.

10. Coordinates with Information Services on new technology initiatives for the Finance Department, including software improvements.

11. Maintains the City’s chart of accounts for compliance with State of Michigan standards.

12. Reviews special assessment annual billings for accuracy, makes changes as needed, and performs annual billing and transfer to tax of all special assessments.

13. Prepares other analyses, charts, graphs, and/or overhead presentations as requested by the Director of Fiscal Services, Assistant City Manager or City Manager to assist management in solving operational problems or analyzing financial operations. Provides assistance when requested in presentations to City Council.

14. Oversees maintenance of Finance Department records in accordance with approved retention schedules.

15. Participates in special project assignments to assist management in the development of solutions

16. Provides support to the manager of the City’s property and general liability insurance.

17. Furthers the mission, vision and values of the City and Finance Department through excellent customer service, creative problem solving, decision making, and stewardship of City resources.

18. All other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or related. Certified Public Accountant certification preferred. Master’s degree preferred.

2. Five years of progressive leadership experience in governmental accounting or auditing.

3. Knowledge of accounting theory and practice; knowledge of accounting systems, procedures, and internal controls; ability to analyze complex financial data and prepare meaningful reports.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of technology and software applications for delivery of financial services; aptitude to learn and master operation of financial enterprise software. Must be highly proficient in spreadsheet applications to solve complex financial/accounting problems including the use of formulas and writing macros. Must be highly adept at key tools used for accounting and reporting, such as MS Excel, Access, Adope Pro.

5. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated history of effective leadership.

6. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to a wide variety of audiences.

7. Ability and initiative to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.

8. Attention to detail with strong aptitude for business processes.

9. Ability to exercise good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness in dealing a wide variety of individuals including subordinates, co-workers, internal customers and external contacts such as audit staff.

10. Ability to work under stress and use good judgment in critical situations.

11. Ability to work evenings and weekends when required.

12. Skill in assembling information, analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and formulating policy and service recommendations.

13. Must possess a valid State of Michigan driver’s license with a good driving record.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The City of Midland (City) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. In addition, the City complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. The City also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $97,043.00 - $125,296.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Accounting: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Michigan Driver's License with a good record (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $97,043 - $125,296