Controller

The Position:

Receives general supervision from management personnel. The Controller manages the accounting division of the Finance Department, overseeing key financial functions such as customer payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, projects (construction) / assets, bank reconciliations, and general accounting. This role ensures the implementation of financial controls and security measures to safeguard District funds. Additionally, the Controller leads process improvement projects involving intricate financial systems within the District.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This management-level position is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of accounting staff. The incumbent will oversee the development and processing of financial records, reports, and statements, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Controller serves as a professional resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses. Successful performance in this role demands a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment within established guidelines.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

Applications will be accepted continuously until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on March 5, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close without notice after the first review deadline.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon headquarters or Operation office full-time, without the option for remote work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Plans, organizes, supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of direct reports, setting performance goals and providing ongoing coaching and development.

Provides leadership and work with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment which aligns with the District’s core values.

Develops and implements goals, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs in alignment with strategic objectives.

Supervises the daily operations of the accounting division, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, payroll, projects, assets, and recordkeeping.

Prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including financial statements, notes, and supplementary information.

Coordinates external audits and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards.

Develops and implement financial controls, internal auditing processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Provides financial guidance to District departments and ensures adherence to financial policies and procedures.

Stays updated on industry trends and regulatory changes to enhance the District’s financial practices.

Responsible for the preparation of the annual operating budget.

Manages the process of generating rates based on annual operating costs and presents rate recommendations to the necessary Committees and the Board of Directors.

Manages the update process for the rates and charges schedule for all changes throughout the fiscal year

Directs the generation of the mailing lists for, and the presentation of proposition 218 notices.

Manages the processing, reviews and/or approves payroll batching reports, tax deposits, tax tables, and periodic tax returns and reports.

Directs preparation of the enterprise model for the purpose of setting connection fees and property tax rates to fund non-replacement capital.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, economics, business, or public administration from an accredited institution.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably within a governmental agency or utility, including three (3) years in a supervisory role.

License/Certifications Required

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including training and performance evaluation.
• Governmental accounting, public finance administration, and budgetary processes.
• Applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations and standards (GAAP, GASB, GFOA, OMB A-133, etc.).
• Internal controls, auditing standards, and financial reporting best practices.
• Budget preparation and administration.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Customer service principles and effective communication techniques.

Ability to:

• Supervise and develop staff while ensuring high-quality financial operations.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Prepare clear and concise financial reports and statements.
• Effectively represent the District in professional settings and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Use modern financial software applications and tools.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions.