Comptroller

City of Midland, TX; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Midland, TX seeks a knowledgeable Comptroller to lead the Accounting Division, ensuring integrity of the City’s financial reporting and internal controls. You will oversee general ledger, fund, grant, and capital project accounting, and manage close processes.

You will coordinate the ACFR and annual external audit, develop staff, and drive process improvements to support budgeting and citywide financial forecasting.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience with grant, capital project accounting, and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Accounting Division staff and operations.
• Direct monthly and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate ACFR preparation and external audit.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
• Collaborate with City management and regulators on financial reporting.

Skills

GAAP | GASB knowledge

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audit coordination

Leadership & management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

The Comptroller is responsible for the overall integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the City’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This position provides leadership and oversight for general ledger accounting, fund accounting, grant and capital project accounting, accounts payable, reconciliations, financial reporting, and the monthly and annual close processes.

The Comptroller serves as the City’s principal accounting resource and is responsible for maintaining a strong system of internal controls, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements, and coordinating the annual external audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

The position leads and develops Accounting Division staff, establishes expectations and deadlines, monitors performance and work quality, promotes cross-training and continuity of operations, and continuously evaluates opportunities to strengthen accounting processes and controls.

Budgetary Responsibilities

Maintains a working knowledge of the City’s annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Program and understands the relationship between budgetary and financial accounting. Develops and monitors the Accounting Division operating budget and assists with financial analysis necessary to support Citywide budgeting and forecasting.

Strategic Alignment

Strategic Impact through these responsibilities, the Comptroller contributes to a financially responsible, accountable, efficient, and high-performing organization while supporting the City’s ability to deliver sustainable services and achieve its long-term strategic priorities.

Accounting Operations & Financial Integrity

• Oversees the City’s general ledger and ensures the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records across all funds.
• Directs fund accounting, grant accounting, capital project accounting, accounts payable, and other assigned accounting functions.
• Ensures timely completion and review of bank, balance sheet, subsidiary ledger, interfund, and other financial reconciliations.
• Reviews significant or complex journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analyses, and accounting transactions.
• Oversees accounting for grants, capital projects, fixed assets, debt, leases, subscriptions, and other complex governmental accounting activities.
• Provides technical accounting guidance to City departments and Finance staff and assists in resolving complex accounting matters.

Monthly & Year-End Close

• Directs and ensures timely completion of monthly and fiscal year-end close processes.
• Establishes closing schedules, assigns responsibilities, monitors progress, and ensures deadlines are met.
• Reviews accounts and financial activity for completeness, accuracy, and appropriate period recognition before close is finalized.
• Ensures year-end schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and adjusting entries are complete and audit-ready.

Financial Reporting, ACFR & Audit

• Oversees preparation and production of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related financial statements.
• Coordinates the annual external financial audit, including preparation of schedules, assignment of responsibilities, timely response to auditor requests, resolution of issues, and completion of required filings.
• Coordinates financial reporting for component units and assists with required annual financial statements and grant reports.
• Prepares or reviews required reports for TCEQ, the Texas Water Development Board, GFOA, and other regulatory or governmental agencies.
• Prepares, submits, and reviews financial reports and analyses as required by City management, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Develops, documents, monitors, and continuously improves internal controls, accounting policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Identifies accounting, reconciliation, reporting, or control deficiencies and ensures appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Develops accounting procedures for new programs, funds, transactions, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitors changes in GAAP, GASB standards, federal and state requirements, and other applicable regulations and leads implementation of required changes.
• Ensures appropriate documentation and retention of accounting records and supporting documentation.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Directs and oversees the daily operations of the Accounting Division, including Staff Accountants, Senior Accountants, and Accounts Payable personnel.
• Establishes clear expectations, priorities, deadlines, and accountability for Accounting Division staff and ensures work is completed accurately and timely.
• Reviews staff work at an appropriate level to ensure accuracy, quality, consistency, and compliance with established procedures.
• Provides coaching, training, cross-training, and professional development to build staff capability and ensure continuity of critical accounting functions.
• Evaluates workloads and assignments and recommends changes necessary to improve efficiency, accountability, and division performance.

Citywide Financial Support & Strategic Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with Budget, Treasury, Purchasing, Payroll, Finance Administration, and operating departments to ensure accurate and consistent financial information.
• Supports forecasting, financial analysis, capital planning, financing activities, and other strategic financial initiatives.
• Maintains an understanding of the City’s operating budget and Capital Improvement Program and assists with accounting and financial implications of City initiatives.
• Performs complex accounting analysis and special projects as necessary.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting and financial reporting, including fund accounting, GAAP, GASB standards, internal controls, financial statement preparation, audit processes, and municipal financial operations.

Strong knowledge of accounting systems, financial reconciliations, year-end closing procedures, grants, capital assets, and complex governmental transactions.

Demonstrated ability to lead professional accounting staff, establish accountability, manage competing deadlines, identify and resolve financial discrepancies, and develop effective accounting processes and internal controls.

Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to Finance staff, City management, departments, auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders.Ability to move about an office or building and sit for long periods of time.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field with substantial accounting coursework required.

Six to eight years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including significant experience with financial reporting, audit coordination, reconciliations, closing processes, and internal controls. Governmental accounting experience strongly preferred.

A minimum of four years of supervisory or management experience is preferred.

CPA or active CPA candidate strongly preferred. Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), master’s degree, or other relevant professional certification is desirable.

Must complete all applicable training requirements of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act within the required timeframe.

Required Contacts

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Chief Financial Officer, Finance leadership, City management, department directors and staff, external auditors, consultants, financial advisors, governmental agencies, and other external partners.