Controller

Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Human Services seeks a Controller to oversee the state's financial management and accounting systems, ensuring integrity of reporting and compliance with laws.

The Controller reports to the Director of Finance and Administration, guiding junior staff, coordinating monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and ensuring proper controls, budget oversight, and transparency in state financial operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licence issued by the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and maintenance of financial records for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure financial processes comply with state, federal, and departmental regulations.

Skills

GAAP

Internal controls

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

Position Number: 22100379
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: November 13, 2026

Preferred qualifications, specific skills and/or professional background details:

• This position serves as the Assistant Director of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)-Office of Finance
• Experience in Arkansas Administrative Statewide Information System (AASIS) and/or S4/Hana.
• Knowledge of state fiscal and budgetary laws and processes and administrative practices and procedures.
• Experience in completing the ACFR for a state agency.
• Experience in responding to annual auditor’s financial inquiries and developing corrective action plans.
• Experience overseeing Asset management.
• Knowledge of State Treasury and commercial banking principles to establish, manage and reconcile bank statement.
• Knowledge of the Schedule of Expenditure of Federal Assistance reporting.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a plus.
• Experience in compiling complex financial data and the ability to clearly communicate finding in a comprehensive report.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centres and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Public Relations – Competitive

Classification: Controller

Class Code: FAC10C

Pay Grade: SPC06

Salary Range: $94,537 - $139,915

Job Summary

The Controller is the highest-ranking financial officer within the state government and is responsible for overseeing the entire financial management and accounting systems for the state of Arkansas. This position ensures the integrity and accuracy of all financial reporting, compliance with state and federal laws, and the effective allocation of state resources. The Controller directly reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and works closely with other senior leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in state financial operations.

Primary Responsibilities

The Controller will:

• Provide oversight and guidance to junior accounting staff, ensuring proper training and adherence to accounting procedures and policies.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of financial records for accuracy and completeness of all accounting transactions.
• Coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
• Coordinate accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to policies.
• Ensure that all financial processes and transactions comply with applicable state, federal, and departmental regulations.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government accounting standards, and financial reporting practices.
• Strong understanding of tax laws and regulations affecting governmental entities, including state and federal tax reporting and filing requirements.
• Expertise in conducting audits, evaluating internal controls, and ensuring financial operations comply with regulations.
• Advanced skills in analysing financial data, developing budgets, and making strategic recommendations based on financial trends.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software and financial systems (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle, etc.) as well as advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, and financial modelling).
• The ability to accurately process financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licence issued by the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy.

Licensure/Certifications

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.