Comptroller

Kentucky League of Cities; Covington (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky League of Cities seeks a Comptroller to lead accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls for the City of Covington. You will manage general ledger, month-end/year-end closes, and ACFR preparation, serving as primary liaison with external auditors in a GAAP and GASB compliant framework.

Ideal candidates have a CPA or CPA-preferred status, supervisory experience, and strong communication skills to collaborate with staff, officials, auditors, and the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Minimum of five years of related professional experience in areas of technical accounting, auditing, financial reporting, budgeting, purchasing, information systems, cash management, or financial management is required.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• Master’s degree in accounting/finance/economics/business administration preferred.
• Two+ years of experience in administration of business/government financial systems and supervisory responsibility preferred.
• Active CPA licensure strongly preferred; certification as a CPFO or CGFM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions, including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, capital assets, debt, leases, grants, and fund reporting.
• Direct preparation and publication of the ACFR in compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Serve as the lead liaison to external auditors, coordinating annual audits and ensuring timely resolution of findings.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, perform reviews for data integrity, and investigate financial irregularities.
• Contribute to development and monitoring of the city’s operating budget and capital investment program through financial analysis and reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Government fund accounting

Internal controls

Auditing processes

Financial reporting

Written and oral communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/economics/business administration

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Enterprise financial systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the director of finance, the comptroller oversees the city’s accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions. The comptroller manages the general ledger, monthly and annual close processes, and preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) while serving as the primary liaison with external auditors. The comptroller develops and enforces accounting policies in compliance with laws, regulations, generally accepted accounting principles, and GASB standards and communicates goals and policies across the organization. The comptroller ensures accuracy in all financial transactions, maintains strong internal controls, and represents the finance director on matters affecting accounting operations while fostering effective relationships with staff, officials, auditors, and the public. This role is distinct from other financial management positions by its comprehensive responsibility for accounting and reporting rather than budgeting and forecasting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

These tasks are typical for this position and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the director of finance by managing departmental operations, evaluating and improving policies and procedures, and communicating goals to staff.
• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions, including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, capital assets, debt, leases, grants, and fund reporting.
• Direct preparation and publication of the ACFRin compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Serve as the lead liaison to external auditors, coordinating annual audits, preparing required documentation, and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
• Monitor, evaluate, and implement new accounting and reporting standards, and update policies, disclosures, and procedures to maintain compliance.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, perform reviews and analyses for data integrity, and investigate financial irregularities.
• Provide financial information and problem-solving support to departments, evaluate financial systems, and lead staff training and technology adoption.
• Contribute to development and monitoring of the city’s operating budget and capital investment program through financial analysis and reporting.
• Conduct research and analysis on financial policy issues, prepare reports, and respond to inquiries from officials, stakeholders, and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exercises supervision over managerial and professional staff either directly or through subordinate supervisors, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Minimum of fiveyears of related professional experience in areas of technical accounting, auditing, financial reporting, budgeting, purchasing, information systems, cash management, or financial management is required.
• Supervisory experience is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or closely related field is preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in the administration of business/government financial systems and significant supervisory responsibility for professional and support staff is strongly preferred.
• Active licensure as a certified public accountantis strongly preferred.
• Certification as a certified public finance officer or certified government financial manager is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, and financial management principles and practices, including GAAPworking knowledge of governmental fund accounting, internal control frameworks, and audit processes and standards applicable to municipal governments.
• Ability to make prompt decisions on complex matters and make evaluations concerning day-to-day operations.
• Ability to perform or supervise the performance of a variety of projects, receive unexpected priority assignments, and solve interpersonal or procedural problems simultaneously amidst frequent interruptions.
• Ability to resolve complex problems which require the evaluation of alternative methods or solutions.
• Ability to set objectives, delegate, and prioritize workflow in such a way that the overall mission and/or goals of the city/department are met.
• Ability to solicit cooperation from people and departments throughout the city.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and review the work of subordinate employees/supervisors.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, discretion, and independence in matters involving internal controls, irregularities, and the integrity of financial reporting.
• Proficient in written and oral communication to handle sensitive projects and problems, develop strong working relationships with diverse groups, and communicate technical and financial concepts to others without a financial background.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools; familiarity with emerging technologies relevant to accounting operations is desirable.

EEO STATEMENT:

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Salary Information: $85,000 - $105,000 USD
Application Deadline: 08/31/2026

Steven Bydalek
Personnel Specialist
20 West Pike Street
Covington, KY 41011