Job Description:
The Financial Services Manager (Controller) is responsible for leading the agency's accounting and financial reporting functions, with a primary focus on grant management, fiscal compliance, and financial accountability. The position serves as the agency's senior accounting leader and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting of ARC's financial activities. This position will oversee daily accounting operations, including maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger, preparation and review of journal entries, month-end and year-end closing processes, cash management, accounts payable oversight, and preparation of financial statements, as well as accounts receivable and other accounting activities within the Controller's area of responsibility. The Financial Services Manager (Controller) develops subject matter expertise in the agency's financial management system and ensures the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of financial data and reporting. The Controller also provides leadership for financial system controls and continuous process improvement. This role is also responsible for coordinating and preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), managing the Single Audit process, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including grant and Uniform Guidance requirements. Financial transactions and reporting must also comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and ARC policies and procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage all accounting operations and financial reporting activities.
- Maintain and reconcile the general ledger and ensure accurate financial records. Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and ensure appropriate accounting treatment of agency transactions.
- Review, approve, and prepare complex journal entries and account reconciliations including accruals, adjustments, and other complex accounting transactions as appropriate.
- Coordinate month-end and year-end closing processes using appropriate closing schedules, procedures, and internal review requirements.
- Manage grant accounting, reimbursement requests, expenditure tracking, and compliance reporting. Responsibilities include grant setup, drawdowns/reimbursements, grant receivables, allowable cost review, cost allocation, reconciliation, and grant closeout.
- Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for the ACFR and Single Audit. Lead and coordinate these processes, serve as a primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee responses and corrective action plans associated with audit findings or recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, internal controls, grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend enhancements to strengthen financial processes, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency. Maintain appropriate segregation of duties, approval controls, and financial review processes to safeguard agency assets.
- Develop expertise in the agency's financial management system and recommend process improvements to enhance financial operations and reporting. Provide leadership for system workflows and access controls in coordination with Information Technology and other appropriate stakeholders.
- Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to executive leadership, management, governing bodies, and external stakeholders to support strategic decision-making and organizational objectives.
- Collaborate with program managers, project leadership, and external partners to provide financial guidance, monitor project budgets, forecast expenditures, and ensure the effective financial management of grants and special initiatives. Identify and communicate financial risks and support effective stewardship of agency resources.
- Assist with budget development, budget monitoring, audit coordination, financial forecasting, and financial analysis and support long-range financial planning as appropriate.
- Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to accounting and finance staff, including performance management and professional development.
- Oversee accounts receivable accounting activities and related controls and reporting, as applicable.
- Oversee cash management activities, including cash reconciliations, cash flow monitoring, banking activity, and applicable treasury controls.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, desk guides, and other financial documentation necessary to support operational continuity and accountability.
- Stay current on changes in governmental accounting practices, federal grant requirements, and other laws, regulations, and professional standards affecting ARC's financial operations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Masters’ degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience, preferably within a public sector or governmental environment.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing or overseeing grant accounting, financial reporting, and compliance activities.
- Experience preparing or supporting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Single Audit process.
- Strong knowledge of governmental accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and internal controls.
- Valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required. This requirement may not be substituted by an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, where permitted.
- Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for accounting or financial operations.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Costpoint Financial Software or comparable enterprise financial management/ERP systems
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
- Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, standards, and practices, including GASB requirements and GAAP.
- Knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, Uniform Guidance, and Single Audit requirements.
- Proficiency in financial management systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret financial regulations, policies, and procedures and apply them effectively
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to executive leadership, program managers, governing bodies, auditors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment, integrity, and accountability.
- Strong knowledge of financial risk management and audit requirements.
- Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, capital asset accounting, and related financial controls.
- Ability to identify financial risks, control weaknesses, and process inefficiencies and develop practical solutions.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments while maintaining appropriate financial controls and professional independence.
Benefits
ARC offers our full-time regular employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and more! For additional information, please visit: Employment at ARC - ARC (atlantaregional.org).
Additional Information
About ARC:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region’s success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region’s collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.
ARC Strategic Framework
Vision - ONE great REGION
Mission Statement
The Atlanta Regional Commission fosters thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Our Goals
- Healthy, safe, livable communities in the Atlanta metro area.
- Strategic investments in people, infrastructure, mobility, and preserving natural resources.
- Regional services delivered with operational excellence and efficiency.
- Diverse stakeholders engage and take a regional approach to solve local issues.
- A competitive economy that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
Our Core Values
Excellence | A commitment to doing our best and going above and beyond in every facet of our work allowing for innovative practices and actions to be created while ensuring our agency’s and our colleague’s success.
Equity | We represent a belief that there are some things which people should have, that there are basic needs that should be fulfilled, that burdens and rewards should not be spread too divergently across the community, and that policy should be directed with impartiality, fairness and justice towards these ends.
Integrity | In our conduct, communication, and collaboration with each other and the region’s residents, we will act with consistency, honesty, transparency, fairness and accountability within and across each of our responsibilities and functions.
Application Process:
The Atlanta Regional Commission is looking for individuals who enjoy working in a public service environment where the mission is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Atlanta region. ARC serves as a forum where leaders come together to discuss and act on issues of regionwide consequence, so it is important that our staff share the public entrepreneurial spirit that defines ARC.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, ARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion or disability.
To request a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or testing process, please contact ARC at 404-463-3100 or Human Resources via email at hr@atlantaregional.org.