City Controller

CornerStone Professional Placement; Mineral Wells (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct Hire

Full-time schedule

On-site location

Job summary

CornerStone Professional Placement partnered with a local government organization to fill a Controller position overseeing accounting and financial reporting. The role includes GAAP/GASB-based close, audit coordination, internal controls, and government fund accounting while leading the accounting team.

The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of accounting experience with 3+ years in supervision, strong governmental accounting expertise, and CPA or CGFO preferred. On-site in Texas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with substantial accounting coursework.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting or financial reporting experience, including 3+ years in supervision.
• Substantial local government accounting experience required.
• 5+ years with governmental accounting, fund accounting, financial statements, audits, internal controls, budgeting, GAAP and GASB.
• Experience interpreting and applying GASB standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct accounting and general ledger functions including fund, cash and grant accounting.
• Lead monthly and annual financial close processes with reconciliations and variances.
• Prepare annual financial statements under GAAP and GASB.
• Serve as primary accounting lead for the annual external audit.
• Supervise accounting staff and develop the team with clear priorities.
• Design, document and test internal controls over receipts, disbursements, payroll and reporting.
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable and related functions.
• Oversee financial software and systems configuration, access, interfaces and upgrades.
• Oversee grant administration including budgets, tracking and reporting.
• Lead development of the five-year capital plan and related funding analyses.
• Support budgeting through forecasts, variance analysis and financial guidance.
• Advise departments on accounting treatment, grants and reporting requirements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB standards

Governmental accounting

Supervisory experience

Financial reporting

CPA or CGFO preferred

CGFO within 18 months

Budgeting

Audit coordination

Financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

CornerStone Professional Placement has partnered with a local government organization in their search for an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting functions. This position will oversee key accounting operations, financial close and reporting, audit coordination, internal controls, governmental accounting compliance, and financial systems while providing leadership and development to the accounting team.

We are seeking a hands-on financial leader with substantial governmental and fund accounting experience, strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards, and demonstrated success managing financial reporting, audits, internal controls, budgeting, and accounting teams.

Responsibilities:

• Direct accounting and general ledger functions, including fund accounting, cash and investment accounting, capital assets, debt accounting, grant accounting, and related activities.
• Lead monthly and annual financial close processes, including review of reconciliations, journal entries, fund balances, financial schedules, and significant variances.
• Direct preparation of annual financial statements and other required financial reports in accordance with applicable GAAP and GASB standards.
• Serve as the primary accounting lead for the annual external audit, coordinating schedules, audit requests, findings, and corrective actions.
• Supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop accounting and finance staff while establishing priorities, deadlines, cross-training, and coverage for essential functions.
• Design, document, monitor, and test internal controls over receipts, disbursements, payroll, procurement, financial systems, and financial reporting.
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, and other accounting functions, including review of exceptions and higher-risk transactions.
• Oversee financial software and related systems, including configuration, account structure, user access, interfaces, data integrity, upgrades, vendor coordination, training, and process improvements.
• Oversee the financial components of grant administration, including budgets, expenditure tracking, drawdowns, reimbursements, reconciliations, and required reporting.
• Lead development and annual updates of the five-year capital plan, including project costs, schedules, funding sources, debt considerations, and future operating impacts.
• Support operating and capital budget development through financial results, forecasts, variance analysis, and financial guidance.
• Advise departments on accounting treatment, grants, capital projects, and financial reporting requirements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field with substantial accounting coursework.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial reporting experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Substantial local government accounting experience is required.
• At least 5 years of experience with governmental accounting, fund accounting, financial statements, annual audits, internal controls, budgeting, and application of GAAP and GASB standards.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements.
• Strong ability to review complex reconciliations and financial reports, identify discrepancies, and make supportable corrections.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to establish priorities, manage deadlines, and develop accounting staff.
• Strong spreadsheet and financial systems capabilities.
• CPA or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain CGFO certification within 18 months of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Employment Type: Direct Hire
• Schedule: Full-time; may require extended hours during budget preparation, audits, or special projects
• Location: On-site