Controller

Young World Physical Education; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Portland Public Schools Central Office in Portland, Maine is seeking a Controller to lead the district's day-to-day financial operations, including purchasing, accounts payable, accounting, and payroll. The role reports to the Senior Director of Finance and ensures timely, GAAP- and GASB-compliant reporting.

You will supervise a payroll team, oversee audits, implement financial systems, and strengthen internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance from four-year college or university.
• 10+ years of accounting and fiscal management experience.
• Experience in accounting and financial reporting for public sector organizations.
• Experience with staff supervision.
• Current or former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Maine State CHRC authorization is required (cost is $70.00 - more info needed).

Responsibilities

• Oversees all aspects of the accounting, reporting, and auditing activities of the district to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, GAAP and GASB
• Develops, documents, and implements policies, procedures, and systems necessary to support the accuracy and efficiency of PPS' financial operations
• Identifies and corrects areas of potential weakness in the School Department's internal control procedures, including internal audits
• Prepares internal and external financial reports and oversees all activities related to the annual independent audit including all supporting schedules, notes and documentation
• Oversees billing and collection of the School Department's revenues, including those derived from State appropriations, student tuition/fees, grants and contracts
• Manages accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, accounts receivable and fixed asset records
• Oversees purchasing to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies; approves large purchases and reviews contracts
• Supervises the payroll team and ensures timely and accurate payroll processing and posting to the general ledger
• Implements new financial systems and processes to ensure operational efficiency and accuracy
• Supervision, coaching and development, and annual evaluation of five positions

Skills

Fund accounting

Governmental accounting

GAAP & GASB

Audit experience

Communication skills

Customer service

Financial systems implementation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Munis

Job description

Controller

Portland Public Schools Central Office - Portland, Maine Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5733072
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: May 22, 2026 1:00 PM (UTC)

Job Description

TITLE: Controller

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the day to day financial operations of the School Department including purchasing, accounts payable, accounting, and payroll. This position is responsible for the timely and accurate reporting of Portland Public School's financial status and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees all aspects of the accounting, reporting, and auditing activities of the district to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, GAAP and GASB
• Develops, documents, and implements policies, procedures, and systems necessary to support the accuracy and efficiency of PPS' financial operations
• Identifies and corrects areas of potential weakness in the School Department's internal control procedures, including internal audits
• Prepares internal and external financial reports and oversees all activities related to the annual independent audit including all supporting schedules, notes and documentation
• Oversees billing and collection of the School Department's revenues, including those derived from State appropriations, student tuition/fees, grants and contracts
• Manages accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, accounts receivable and fixed asset records
• Oversees purchasing to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies; approves large purchases and reviews contracts
• Supervises the payroll team and ensures timely and accurate payroll processing and posting to the general ledger
• Implements new financial systems and processes to ensure operational efficiency and accuracy
• Supervision, coaching and development, and annual evaluation of five positions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of fund accounting, governmental accounting, and auditing
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations, and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Experience with financial systems implementation and management. Familiarity with Munis is a plus
• Desire to constantly improve systems and processes
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to proactively establish and maintain effective working relationships

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance from four-year college or university
• 10+ years of accounting and fiscal management experience required
• Experience in accounting and financial reporting for public sector organizations
• Experience with staff supervision
• Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position
• Current or former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred
• Maine State CHRC authorization is required (cost is $70.00 - more info needed)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

• Schedule: Full Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Overtime: Not eligible for overtime
• Salary range: To be posted by May 29
• Contract: Non-bargaining
• Benefits: Eligible for a generous benefits package as outlined here

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information

• Barbara Stoddard, HR Director
• 353 Cumberland Ave
• Portland, Maine 04101
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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