Controller

The City of Alameda is looking to fill (1) one vacancy in the Finance Department.

Under general direction, the Controller is responsible for management, coordination, and control of all City financial and fiscal activities, internal controls, and financial systems; performs other related work as required.

The Ideal Candidate

The Controller must be technically proficient with a deep understanding of municipal finance. They must understand and remain current on governmental accounting standards regulating the financial administration of an agency. In addition, the ideal candidate will be a committed team player with strong interpersonal skills who is willing and able to step in to help others. They will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Technically sound. Well versed in accounting and auditing theory, principles and practices, and their application to a wide range of financial transactions with an emphasis in governmental accounting practices. Pursues training and development opportunities to remain abreast of financial requirements, strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, shares expertise with others. Knowledge of Tyler Munis financial management system is desired.
• Effective manager. Engages staff in improving processes, takes responsibility for staff activities, is accessible to staff, provides regular performance feedback, develops staff skills and encourages growth, continually works to improve leadership skills.
• Develops positive working relationships. Develops and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with staff, City departments, Council members, and other stakeholders.
• Problem solver. Sees the big picture, understands the full financial process, and identifies issues, support change efforts, and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Prioritization and delegation. Prioritizes and delegates work assignments to meet multiple deadlines related to various responsibilities, matches the assignment to the appropriate person, gives authority to work independently, sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.

Benefits of Employment

For a comprehensive listing of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix here (Download PDF reader).

• Four day, 36 hour work week (Monday through Thursday)
• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula,  8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays
• Floating Holidays: 4 days
• Administrative Leave: 3 days
• Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.

Distinguishing Features

Work in this class is characterized by full management responsibility for all aspects of City financial and accounting service functions. 

Examples of Duties

1. Plans, coordinates and controls all fiscal functions and services.
2. Develops and implements comprehensive financial and accounting services, programs, functions, and activities.
3. Plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages all work related to the City's financial and accounting services and operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, general ledger, auditing, treasury management, asset management, debt service administration, and financial reporting.
4. Manages financial planning programs and projects including revenue forecasting and expenditure control.
5. Provides staff support to, and works with, the City's elected City Treasurer to manage the investment portfolio of the City and oversee treasury/cash management functions.
6. Ensures provision of an effective system of internal controls and audits; provides staff support to, and works with the City's elected City Auditor to oversee the comprehensive independent audit of all City funds, including those of its component units.
7. Coordinates and controls the preparation, review and analysis of financial reports and statements including the City's Annual Certified  Financial Report (ACFR); ensures that financial statements are prepared on a timely basis in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and related governmental accounting regulations; prepares financial reports for the City Manager and the City Council to summarize performance and future financial plans for the City.
8. Evaluates and recommends changes to fiscal controls and fiscal policies to ensure efficiency and maintain compliance with administrative and legal restrictions and requirements.
9. Manages maintenance of all general ledger funds and account groups, including preparation of journal entries and year-end closing activities.
10. Assesses the performance and functionality of the City's automated financial systems; prioritizes and directs financial system development, implementation and enhancement.
11. Coordinates performance of complex advanced accounting and financial analysis; prepares and presents studies, analysis, and reports; provides financial expertise.
12. Coordinates activities with other departments and agencies; provides information and assistance regarding financial matters, policies and procedures.
13. Develops goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards; determines priorities, staff assignments and work methods.
14. Functions as acting department head as required.
15. Supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff.

Employment Standards

Education/Experience
 
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 

Education  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, financial management, economics, business administration or related field.

Experience  

Eight years of broad management and supervisory experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in a public agency or governmental setting.

Knowledge
Knowledge of principles and practices of public sector financial management and administration, general, fund, and governmental accounting including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting; principles and practices of cost accounting, internal control and audit procedures and practices; principles and practices of municipal budgeting; practices and methods of public agency financing; municipal government functions and associated financial management issues; principles and practices of information services particularly related to the processing of accounting and financial information; applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
 
Ability
Ability to effectively manage, coordinate and control all financial and fiscal activities, internal controls and financial systems; develop and implement comprehensive accounting services, programs, functions and activities; manage financial planning programs and projects; manage the City's investment portfolio and Treasury/Cash Management functions;  manage internal controls, conduct internal audits, and oversee comprehensive independent auditing; develop and implement improved financial management systems and procedures; plan, coordinate and direct assigned staff, activities, projects and programs; demonstrate effective leadership; develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls; review and analyze complex and technical information; draw valid conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendations; interpret and apply relevant state, federal and local laws and regulations; interpret and explain complex governmental regulations, policies and procedures; establish and maintain accurate records; plan, administer and evaluate work programs and schedules; prepare complex technical studies and reports; set priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other departments and agencies, vendors and the general public; and supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
 
Other Requirements
Current and continued licensure by the California Board of Accountancy as a Certified Public Accountant is desired.

For more information, please see our Controller Brochure.