Controller

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Nebraska, Secretary of State – Agency 9 in Lincoln, seeks a Controller to lead the agency’s financial operations, budgeting, accounting, and reporting. You will advise leadership on financial matters, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote efficient, accountable management of resources.

The role oversees accounting staff and partners with division managers to support programs and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or related field with five years of progressively responsible accounting/finance experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and administering budgeting and accounting systems; knowledge of state government finances (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
• Forecast revenue and expenditures; manage cash flow and fund balances.
• Review internal controls, accounting procedures, and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Prepare financial reports, fiscal notes, and analyses for leadership and stakeholders.
• Supervise and develop accounting/administrative staff; coordinate with other divisions.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

Supervisory experience

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

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

Degree in accounting or finance (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

EnterpriseOne or equivalent accounting system

Job description

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Secretary of State - Agency 9Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$40.865Job Posting:JR2026-00030343 Controller (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):11-22-2026Job Description:The Controller provides leadership and oversight of the agency’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, fiscal reporting, internal controls, and assigned administrative and human resources functions. As a key member of the agency’s leadership team, the Controller advises the Secretary of State and agency management on financial matters, providing analysis and recommendations to support sound decision-making, responsible stewardship of public resources, and effective delivery of agency programs and services. The Controller ensures compliance with applicable state and federal requirements and promotes operational efficiency and accountability.Job DutiesThe Controller performs annual budget development and administration, long-term financial planning, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and cash flow management; monitors fund balances and financial performance to ensure resources are sufficient to meet operational needs and expenditures remain within authorized funding levels.The Controller reviews and evaluates financial operations, internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial management practices to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, policies, and generally accepted governmental accounting principles.The Controller identifies opportunities to improve financial systems and administrative processes and assists with administrative functions, including policy development, procurement, human resources, asset management, and related operations.The Controller serves on the agency’s Management and Legislative Team; participates in assigned agency initiatives; and collaborates with agency division managers and other partners on financial and administrative matters. The position directly supervises two accountants and works with other staff performing accounting functions. The position performs other related duties as assigned by the Secretary of State.Annual salary range for this position: $85,000 - $135,000Examples of Work:· Prepare and provide financial reports, fiscal notes, fee analyses, annual financial reporting, year-end close processes to the Secretary of State, agency management, the Legislature, the Nebraska State Records Board, the Collection Agency Licensing Board, and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making.· Prepare and submit agency budget requests, monitor budget status reports, and respond to questions regarding the agency budget and expenditures from the Legislative Fiscal Office and the State Budget Division.· Approve and post documents and run financial reports in the Payroll and Financial Center.· Establish and maintain internal controls and accounting procedures; coordinate state and federal audits; address audit findings; and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, grant requirements, and financial reporting obligations.· Advise the Secretary of State and agency management on financial strategy, resource allocation, legislative impacts, and operational priorities.· Supervise and develop assigned financial and administrative staff, including policy development, workload allocation, cross-training, and organizational planning.Requirements/QualificationsMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, or financial management, including experience developing, implementing, or administering budgeting and accounting systems. At least three years of supervisory experience is required.Preferred Qualifications· Degree in accounting or finance.· Experience preparing, administering, and monitoring Nebraska state government budgets and accounting systems.· Experience with governmental accounting, revenue and expenditure forecasting, cash management, and long-term financial planning.· Experience managing complex financial operations involving multiple divisions, fund types, revenue sources, and statutory requirements.· Experience conducting fee analyses, financial reviews, fiscal impact assessments, and legislative budget analyses.· Experience responding to state and federal audits, implementing internal controls, and resolving audit findings.· Experience supervising and developing a team.· Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and applicable state financial and accounting systems, including EnterpriseOne or equivalent systems.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities· Financial leadership: Knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, financial management, internal controls, cash management, revenue administration, and fiscal reporting.· Financial analysis: Ability to analyze complex financial information, evaluate fund relationships and long-term sustainability, identify trends and risks, develop projections, and recommend corrective actions.· Budget and legislative analysis: Ability to prepare and explain budgets, fiscal notes, fee analyses, financial reports, and the fiscal impacts of legislation, policy changes, and agency initiatives.· Compliance and accountability: Knowledge of applicable accounting standards, state and federal financial requirements, audit procedures, grant requirements, and statutory restrictions governing public funds.· Strategic planning: Ability to develop short- and long-term financial plans, anticipate resource needs, assess competing priorities, and support executive-level decisions.· Leadership and supervision: Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and develop employees; establish performance expectations; delegate responsibilities; resolve workplace issues; and promote accountability and continuous improvement.· Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to individuals without an accounting or finance background.· Problem-solving and judgment: Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, identify solutions, and provide objective, well-supported financial recommendations.· Technology and process improvement: Ability to use financial systems, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and other technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and service delivery.· Collaboration and relationship management: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency leadership, employees, auditors, other governmental entities, vendors, and external stakeholders.· Adaptability and time management: Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to changing requirements, maintain attention to detail, and meet critical deadlines while supporting the agency’s mission and public service responsibilities.If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsEqual Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.