ASSISTANT CITY CONTROLLER IV

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking an Assistant City Controller IV to lead advanced accounting and financial operations within the City Controller's Operations Division. The role requires coordinating cross-departmental efforts, ensuring compliance with City Charter provisions, and implementing process improvements across accounting, payroll, treasury, and disbursement functions.

The position emphasizes data analysis, development of operational dashboards, and preparation of executive-level reports for

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a closely related field.
• CPA or CIA certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct, coordinate, and oversee specialized financial operations within assigned functional areas, including certification of funds, accounts payable, payroll, treasury support, banking operations, disbursement control, records management, fixed assets, and other Controller operations.
• Review, analyze, and approve complex financial transactions, accounting records, journal entries, fund transfers, payment requests, and activities to ensure compliance with policies and internal controls.
• Monitor departmental financial operations to ensure timely processing of vendor payments, payroll, EFT, ACH, wire transfers, and check disbursements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration

CPA or CIA certification preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: All Person Interested

Section: Operations Division

Reporting Location: 901 Bagby St., 7th Floor

Workdays & Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

Under the guidance of the City Controller or designee, the Assistant City Controller IV performs advanced professional accounting, financial operations, and operational management work in support of the City Controller's Operations Division. Under general direction of the Senior Assistant City Controller and the Chief Administrative Officer, the incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating complex financial operations and ensuring the efficient execution of critical accounting, treasury, payroll, disbursement, reconciliation and financial control functions.

The position exercises considerable independent judgment in managing operational processes, interpreting financial policies, analyzing business processes, and implementing operational improvements. Assistant City Controller IV serves as a principal liaison between the Controller's Office and City departments to ensure compliance with City Charter requirements, administrative procedures, accounting standards, and applicable federal and state regulations while promoting operational excellence and continuous process improvement.

The Assistant City Controller IV performs advanced operational and financial management duties and key responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Direct, coordinate, and oversee specialized financial operations within assigned functional areas, including certification of funds, accounts payable, payroll, treasury support, banking operations, disbursement control, records management, fixed assets, and other Controller operations.
• Review, analyze, and approve complex financial transactions, accounting records, journal entries, fund transfers, payment requests, and operational activities to ensure compliance with City policies, financial regulations, and internal controls.
• Monitor departmental financial operations to ensure timely processing of vendor payments, payroll transactions, electronic funds transfers (EFT), ACH payments, wire transfers, and check disbursements.
• Analyze operational workflows and recommend improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve customer service to City departments.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret operational, financial, and performance data to identify trends, improve productivity, and support executive decision-making.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards, performance measures, and management reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), workload, processing times, compliance, and financial activity.
• Conduct financial and operational analyses to identify process improvements, operational risks, cost savings, and opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating operational policies, procedures, and internal control systems governing Controller operations.
• Coordinate with City departments, Finance, Budget, Treasury, Human Resources, Procurement, and external financial institutions to resolve complex financial and operational issues.
• Serve as the Controller's Office liaison to assigned departments and agencies regarding operational procedures, financial processing, and accounting requirements.
• Review operational compliance with City Charter provisions, administrative procedures, accounting standards, grant requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Assist with internal and external audits by coordinating documentation, responding to audit inquiries, and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct operational reviews, process evaluations, and management studies to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure compliance.
• Research and interpret laws, regulations, accounting guidance, and administrative policies affecting municipal financial operations.
• Prepare executive-level reports, briefing materials, presentations, and recommendations for the City Controller, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Directors, and executive leadership.
• Lead or participate in major operational initiatives, technology implementations, business process improvements, and cross-functional projects.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to professional and administrative staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Controller or designee.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is preferred.

Experience Requirements
Six years of professional accounting and/or auditing experience are required.

License Requirements
None

PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in government accounting, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials, and familiarity with SAP trial balance systems.

• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting principles and compliance with GAAP and GASB standards
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments, including coordination with Finance, Budget, Legal, and external auditors
• Proficiency in SAP, including trial balance review, journal entries, and account reconciliation
• Commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement in public financial management
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Preference shall also be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None

However, The Department May Administer a Skills Assessment Test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 27

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.