Controller

CITY OF MINERAL WELLS JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Position:

Controller

FLSA:

Exempt

Department:

Finance

Schedule:

8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; evenings, weekends, and emergency response as needed.

Reports To:

Assistant City Manager / Director of Finance

Positions Supervised:

Senior Accounting Manager, Financial Analyst, Staff Accountant, others as assigned.

Job Summary The Controller directs the City’s accounting and financial reporting functions under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager / Director of Finance. The position supervises the Senior Accounting Manager, Financial Analyst, Staff Accountant, and other assigned Finance staff; establishes and monitors accounting controls and closing procedures; reviews the integrity of financial records; and leads the preparation of the annual financial statements and coordination of the external audit. The Controller provides reliable financial information to City leadership and supports sound stewardship of public funds. Roles & Responsibilities

• Accounting leadership: Direct the City’s accounting functions and general ledger, including fund accounting, cash and investment accounting, capital assets, debt accounting, grant accounting, and related functions; assign work and establish review and approval procedures.
• Budget and analysis: Provide actual results, forecasts, variance explanations, and guidance for operating and capital budget development and monitoring. Support financial planning and presentations to City management and Council under the overall budget leadership of the Assistant City Manager / Director of Finance.
• Staff supervision: Supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop the Senior Accounting Manager, Financial Analyst, Staff Accountant, and other assigned staff. Set priorities, coordinate workload, establish deadlines, support cross-training, and provide coverage for essential functions.
• Financial close and statements: Set the monthly and annual close calendar; review reconciliations, journal entries, fund balances, and financial schedules; investigate significant variances; direct preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report and other required financial reports in accordance with applicable GAAP and GASB standards.
• Audit management: Serve as the primary accounting lead for the annual external audit; manage the prepared-by-client schedule, coordinate responses to audit findings, and track corrective actions with the Assistant City Manager / Director of Finance.
• Internal control and compliance: Design, document, and test controls over receipts, disbursements, payroll, procurement, financial systems, and financial reporting; enforce segregation of duties and escalation procedures; recommend changes to policies and procedures.
• Transaction oversight: Oversee the administration of accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, and related accounting functions; review exceptions and higher-risk transactions and resolve complex accounting issues.
• Financial systems oversight and management: Oversee the City’s financial software and related systems, including configuration, account structure, user access, interfaces, data integrity, vendor coordination, upgrades, training, and process improvements; maintain controls over system changes and supporting financial records.
• Grant financial management: Oversee the financial components of grant administration, including grant budgets, expenditure tracking, allowable-cost documentation, drawdowns, reimbursement requests, reconciliations, required financial reports, and coordination with program staff to meet grant deadlines and requirements.
• Five-year capital planning: Lead development and annual updates of the City’s five-year capital plan in coordination with departments and the Assistant City Manager / Director of Finance. Compile project costs, schedules, funding sources, debt considerations, and future operating impacts for leadership review.
• Collaboration: Advise departments on accounting treatment, grants, capital projects, and financial reporting requirements; coordinate with auditors, banks, consultants, and other outside parties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Interpret governmental accounting standards and communicate their practical effect clearly.
• Review complex reconciliations and financial reports, identify errors, and make supportable corrections.
• Lead staff, set priorities, manage deadlines, and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and integrity with confidential financial and personnel information.
• Use spreadsheets and financial systems effectively and improve processes without weakening controls.
• Knowledge of Governmental Standards Board statements, their rule making process, and the application of these standards to City accounting activity to ensure compliance. Demonstrated experience in past roles managing this process.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds

Work Environment

• Primarily office setting
• May require extended hours during budget preparation, audits, or special projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, with substantial coursework in accounting.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible accounting or financial reporting experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management responsibility; substantial local government accounting experience is required.
• Five years experience with governmental accounting, fund accounting, financial statements, annual audits, internal controls, budgeting, and application of GAAP and GASB standards.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered where permitted by City hiring requirements; demonstrated governmental accounting and supervisory experience are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred. An applicant must be able to obtain CGFO certification within eighteen (18) months of employment.

Additional Information This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The City reserves the right to modify or revise this job description at any time.

Approved by: ___________________________ Date: ____________________

I have read and understand the job description for this position in which I hold with the City of Mineral Wells. I understand that this description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and physical demands required. I understand that I may be required to perform other duties as needed. I further understand that this job description may be changed at any time without notice.

Employee Signature: ______________________ Date: ___________________

Compliance & EEO Statement:

The City of Mineral Wells is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we do not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in our hiring or employment practices. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require accommodation during the application process or in the workplace, please contact the City’s Human Resource Manager, at 940-328-7701.

The City of Mineral Wells is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join us in serving our community.

Apply Online for Controller