Controller

Fort Worth ISD; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 117,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Worth ISD seeks a Controller to organize, direct, and oversee the accounting and accounts payable functions of the district. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will ensure GAAP compliance, prepare monthly and annual financial statements, and coordinate the annual external audit.

You will lead budgeting, financial reporting, and the implementation of accounting policies, while supervising staff and collaborating with district departments to meet regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Valid CPA license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate annual external audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and TEA guidelines.
• Develop and monitor Accounting Department budget and forecasting.
• Direct staff and coordinate with district departments and external agencies.

Skills

Financial management

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Auditing & financial reporting

Staff supervision

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree preferred

CPA License preferred

Job description

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer Pay Grade: 407 Salary Range: minimum $117,081 - maximum $165,044 Duty Days: 239

Position Purpose

The Controller organizes, directs, and oversees the accounting and accounts payable functions of the district. This individual analyzes financial and technical reports, interprets and evaluates staff reports, studies and applies applicable laws, regulations, and codes, and is responsible for identifying solutions for complex financial and administrative issues while explaining, interpreting, and applying district and department policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions

Accounting

• Manages, directs and oversees the accounting functions of the district, including general ledger, accounts payable, campus and student activity funds, grant accounting, fixed assets, the treasury and MAC/SHARS financial reporting, and the annual Cost Report.
• Directs and monitors the timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports in conformance with GAAP, GASB and TEAs Texas Financial Accountability Resource Guide.
• Reviews and approves external reports required by regulatory entities and prepares the Annual Financial Accountability Management Report (School FIRST) with all required publications and other schedules.
• Coordinates the annual external audit of districts financial records and oversee the timely preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and TEA guidelines; prepares required documentation for ASBO and GFOA excellence awards.
• Participates in the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Prepares the Accounting Departments budget and administers the approved budget.

Administration

• Directs and participates in the development and/or amendment of accounting policies and procedures.
• Monitors and participates in the selection and implementation of automated and integrated financial management computer systems; and coordinates or provides staff training on the use of new equipment, if necessary.
• Assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; and reviews and evaluates work product, methods, and procedures.
• Coordinates Accounting Department activities with other District departments and campuses and with external agencies and organizations as necessary.
• Analyzes laws, regulations, legal opinions and decisions, office methods, rulings, and procedures as they pertain to the work of the accounting division and the correct accounting for district financial activities.
• Oversees compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act; reviews and approves reports to the Texas Education Agency and other entities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff, and makes recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the Districts mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local school accounting regulations.
• Knowledge of theory and practice of accounting and auditing, including governmental, tax and school accounting and auditing; grant financial reporting; budgetary controls; payroll/personnel systems; and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of cash-flow management.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience and in accurate report writing using business language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex or technical data and completing assignments accurately with attention to detail.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret data highly technical information.
• Ability to direct and coordinate diversified activities through lower-level managers.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations.
• Ability to direct and coordinate diversified activities through lower-level managers and to organize and coordinate work effectively.
• Ability to work with others under pressure and adhere to tight timelines.
• Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, or a-related field;
  • Masters degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Certification/License:
  • Valid CPA License preferred.
• Experience:
  • 5 years of experience in financial management, fund accounting, or school district finance is required.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.