Controller

City of Aspen; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 131,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Aspen is seeking a Controller to serve as the senior accounting and financial reporting leader, ensuring GAAP compliance and accurate reporting. You will oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, and general ledger, coordinate the annual audit, and drive improvements in internal controls.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will mentor staff, build cross‑department partnerships, and align financial operations with city priorities, while embracing Aspen’s values and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience, including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Governmental accounting experience; CPA/CPFO designation preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems; Oracle Fusion experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees recording of all City financial transactions in GAAP/GASB standards and City policies.
• Plans and coordinates external financial audits, including ACFR/PAFR processes.
• Oversees core accounting functions: accounts payable/receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general ledger operations.
• Establishes internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard City assets and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Postings Closing Dates: A job posting may close before the listed deadline if the number of applications reaches the limit for that position. If the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected, the posting may remain open longer.

Bonus: Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus may be available.

Pay Ranges:

• Hiring Range: The hiring range covers the starting segment of the pay scale, from the entry point up to the first quartile (Q1). Starting pay is determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Salary Range: The salary range reflects the full pay range for the position, from the minimum rate to the maximum rate. This represents the earning potential employees can achieve over time while in the role.

Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus may be available.

• Be part of a collaborative, supportive team in a positive work environment
• Make a real impact in the Aspen community through meaningful public service
• Enjoy flexible schedules and a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Access generous paid time off, holidays, and wellness bonuses
• Take advantage of free or discounted transportation around Aspen and the Valley
• Grow your skills with professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Protect your health with medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs
• Earn monetary wellness bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices
• Plan for the future with competitive retirement options (Social Security, 401a, 457b, Roth IRA) and life/disability insurance
  

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Title: Controller

Department: Finance

Classification: Exempt

Hiring Range: $130,645/ annually - $146,994/ annually (DOE)

Salary Range: $130,645/ annually - 195,998/ annually

Direct Link to posting: Controller - Position Description

Position Summary: The Controller serves as the City of Aspen’s senior accounting and financial reporting professional, responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the City’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Finance Director, the Controller leads the City’s accounting, payroll, and financial reporting functions, oversees internal controls and compliance, coordinates the annual audit and ACFR, and supports enterprise-wide financial systems and process improvements. This position plays a critical leadership role in advancing best practices in governmental accounting, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement consistent with the City’s organizational values.

Supervision Exercised and Received: Position works under the general direction of the Finance Director and exercises direct supervision over the Accounting Manager and Accountants.

Essential Job Functions

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Directs and oversees the timely and accurate recording of all City financial transactions in accordance with GAAP, GASB standards, applicable laws, and City policies.
• Oversees preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), including coordinating schedules, reviewing workpapers, and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Plans, coordinates, and serves as the primary liaison for the City’s external financial audit, including audits of related and component entities.
• Reviews and approves journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Researches and implements new or revised accounting standards, ensures timely and effective adoption across the organization.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establishes, maintains, and evaluates internal controls, accounting policies, and fiscal procedures to safeguard City assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducts reviews of existing programs and systems. Recommends and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.
• Supports enterprise risk management efforts related to financial operating and reporting.

Treasury, Payroll & Operations

• Oversees core accounting functions include accounts payable, account receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general ledger operations.
• Ensures proper integration of subsidiary systems and modules into the City’s fiscal management system.
• Supports cash management, banking relationships, and debt-related accounting in coordination with the Finance Director.

Financial Systems and Technology

• Serves as subject-matter expert for the City’s financial enterprise system (Oracle Fusion)
• Oversees accounting system configuration, chart of accounts integrity, and data accuracy.
• Leads or supports system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements. Develops and delivers training for finance staff and system users citywide.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provides leadership, supervision, and mentorship to assigned staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performing team environment grounded in accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Supports the Finance Director in departmental-wide leadership initiatives and cross-functional collaboration with other City departments.

Strategic & Organizational Support

• Partners with Finance Director and senior leadership to support strategic financial initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Provides technical accounting guidance to departments and external stakeholders.
• Models and reinforces the City of Aspen’s organizational values in daily work and decision-making.

City Organizational Values

• Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions.

Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Displays the following key competencies and behaviors in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.
• Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.
• Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.
• Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen’s unique culture, opportunities, and challenges.
• Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.
• Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.
• Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.
• Team Building: Works to build and maintain high performing teams to includes appreciating differences and reinforcing a sense of belonging.
• Accountability & Trust: Follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for outcomes, and values relationships.
• Strategic Thinking: Works to bring a strategic focus to daily work, anticipates problems and considers solutions.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrates understanding of business processes, objectives, and goals.
• Accounting: Knowledge of and ability to use the principles and practices of basic accounting functions, including the current GAAS (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards) and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) standards, and an understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
• Policies & Regulations: Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal accounting. Including applicable state fiscal policies and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is required.

Experience: Five or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience is required, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership responsibility. Experience in governmental accounting is strongly preferred. A strong understanding of accounting systems, internal controls, and financial reporting is required, including familiarity with chart of accounts structures, grants, and audit processes. Experience preparing or overseeing complex financial statements, including an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), is highly desirable. Exposure to treasury, cash management, or debt-related functions is also beneficial.

Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook (Email), Excel, and have a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web based platforms. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, mentorship, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across departments. A solid understanding of financial systems and technology is expected. Experience with modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is required, with Oracle Fusion experience preferred.

Preferred Candidate: A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date. Must complete Incident Command System (ICS) training levels 100 and 200 within the first six months of start date.

NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

NOTE: This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

Position Type and Work Hours

• Regular full time, hours may vary with workload.
• Evenings/Weekends may be required depending on department needs and special projects.

Work Environment

• Indoors: Office environment.
• Outdoors/Off-Site: Meetings, trainings, and site visits at a variety of city facilities and areas.

Physical Demands

Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium.
Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another.
Carrying: Transporting or moving up to 10 lb. equipment, etc., unassisted.
Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.
Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.
Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.
Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.
Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 10 pounds from one level to another
Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.
Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.
Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.
Standing: Ability to sustain position for a period of time.
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.
Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.
Walking: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Direct Link to posting: Controller - Position Description