Controller

The Finance and Accounting Division is seeking a Controller. This position manages and coordinates the programs and activities relating to financial reporting and accounting functions. Oversees compliance with statutory, regulatory, and financial accounting requirements and financial policies and procedures for Clean Water Services (CWS). Ensures a system of internal controls is in place to safeguard CWS assets while efficiently and effectively accomplishing strategic objectives. Manages CWS financial position and performance reports and treasury activities and prepares financial cost analyses and accounting related to CWS operations.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Directs operations, reporting, and processes in the following areas: accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing card administration, treasury management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting.
2. Oversees and guides the development, modification, and implementation of CWS procedures and policies as they relate to financial information, accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. Provides advice and interpretations of laws, regulations, and professional standards affecting fiscal activities and related operations.
3. Participates in the development and modification of department priorities, goals, objectives, and policies; establishes department initiatives and standards. Serves as a liaison between Accounting and other CWS departments and facilitates training sessions for staff on accounting functions, policies, and procedures.
4. Oversees the preparation and administration of CWS Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting (ACFR) planning, communication, and delivery. Prepares and supervises the preparation of financial statements and various financial analyses and reports; conducts and directs monthly and year-end closings; oversees and directs external audits. Ensures financial reports comply with accounting standards and regulations.
5. Acts in assistant treasurer role in review and authorization of payments for appropriate approvals and compliance with CWS policies. Oversees treasury management services monitoring, forecasting, and managing daily cash flows to ensure adequate liquidity; identifies and implements banking payment processing options and fraud prevention services; analyzes data to inform decisions on investments; and directs cash account reconciliations and investment reporting.
6. Conducts surveys, analyses, and evaluations of procedural and operational accounting systems and problems; recommends modifications and improvements.
7. Safeguards the accuracy and integrity of CWS accounting information. Supports and maintains an established, effective system of internal control, balancing accepted risk with potential benefit; ensures a comprehensive system of internal controls to safeguard assets and provide reliable financial records.
8. Manages the work of technical, professional and/or supervisory staff. Oversees employee development and performance, including selection and training; preparation of performance appraisals, and development or improvement plans; resolves complaints and grievances; implements disciplinary actions.
9. Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within the department to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace, and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
10. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a financial management information system
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for state and local governments
• Auditing and internal controls
• Advanced principles and practices of financial management
• Advanced principles and practices of budget analysis and control
• Advanced principles and practices of economic and financial analysis, financial forecasting, and public finance
• Advanced principles and practices of rate analysis
• Business or utility enterprise processes
• Purchases and contracting
• Principles of supervision
• Teambuilding and coaching techniques and practices
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations

SKILL IN:

• Managing and coordinating the work of professional and technical personnel
• Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff
• Managing large, complex projects
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating financial operations, programs, policies, procedures, and techniques
• Interpreting and applying pertinent federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and professional accounting standards
• Use of computers and computer software for financial information management, word processing, spreadsheets, and database

ABILITY TO:

• Prepare and analyze fiscal data, reports, procedures, and systems
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient financial management and accounting services
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations related to financial record keeping and reports, local budget law, and government utilities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years of supervisory or managerial experience;

5 years of experience in financial management, including accounting, auditing, economic or financial analysis and reporting;

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or related field.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:
Upon selection, candidate must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver’s license.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM) is preferred.

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment