Controller

WEST VALLEY CITY; West Valley City (UT); On-site; USD 111,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits: health, dental, vision,

life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Education assistance program

Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/

401(k)

Job summary

West Valley City is seeking a Controller to oversee the city's accounting operations, ensure financial integrity, and provide accurate information to support decision-making. This role directs the Accounting Division, ensures GAAP/GASB compliance, manages year-end audits and prepares financial reports for the Finance Director and council.

The position offers full-time 4x10 shifts, a starting salary of $110,687.20–$152,195.00, and comprehensive benefits including retirement and education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum of five years of municipal accounting experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• CPA certification required.
• CGFM, CPFO or other professional certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations and ensure financial integrity.
• Prepare annual financial statements and ACFR; ensure GAAP/GASB compliance.
• Coordinate year-end audits with external CPA firm and address findings.
• Develop and implement annual budget in collaboration with Finance Director.
• Supervise accounting staff and ensure accurate processing of transactions.
• Maintain records for capital assets, bonds, and debt obligations.
• Provide monthly/quarterly financial reports to stakeholders.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Government accounting

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Description

Come join a team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, where the well-being of our residents is always our top priority. We offer flexible scheduling options (based on position) and foster professional growth through comprehensive training programs and learning opportunities. Shape your future in a career that empowers you to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the City's accounting operations, ensuring financial integrity, and providing accurate financial information to support decision-making. The Controller is responsible for the day-to‑day operations of the City's accounting division, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

This position does complex accounting work in directing the fiscal operations of the City; administrative work in planning, directing, and coordinating the accounting programs for the City; and administrative and supervisory work directing the City’s accounting activities.

Schedule: Full‑time, 4x10 hour shifts Monday‑Thursday

Starting Pay: $110,687.20 - $152,195.00 annually depending on qualifications

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: Full Benefits; health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, education assistance program

Retirement: Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/or 401(k)

Job Posting Close Date: May close any time after November 1st, 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Assist the Finance Director in developing and implementing comprehensive accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, GASB).
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, including preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The ACFR should be eligible for GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting; submit the ACFR to GFOA for review.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and other financial reports to the Finance Director, governing body, department heads, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with other City Departments and internal users.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyze financial data to support decision-making and identify opportunities for cost savings or revenue enhancement.
• Assist the Finance Director in the development and implementation of the annual budget.

Accounting Operations

• The Controller leads the Accounting Division as the Division Head in the following operations:
• Maintain overall integrity of the City's financial records and reporting system, including managing the general ledger.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions.
• Coordinate annual year-end audits with the external CPA firm and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Prepare and file required year-end reports to the Utah State Auditor and other agencies, including continuing disclosure information for long-term debt issues.
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard municipal assets.
• Compile and maintain information on City-administered grants and other government‑funded programs and submit required reports and other data to maintain program compliance.
• Maintain accurate, accessible records of capital assets owned and operated by the City.
• Maintain current, accurate records of all bonds, leases, and other ongoing debt issued by the City.
• Perform periodic internal audits of departments, including review of unclaimed property, inventory audits, and petty cash audits. This is especially important at sites with ongoing access to cash - either from transactions with the public or petty cash funds maintained by the department.

System Implementation and Maintenance

• Evaluate and implement new accounting systems or upgrades as needed.
• Ensure the security and integrity of financial data.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise the accounting staff and ensure efficient and accurate processing of transactions. Coordinate staff training, advancement, and assignments. Manage the accounting staff and delegate responsibilities effectively.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in municipal accounting or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Language Skills

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Possess a valid Utah driver's license or have the ability to obtain one, preferred.
• CPA certification required.
• CGFM, CPFO, or other professional certifications are preferred.
• Additional compensation may be given for education, certifications, or experience.

Other

• Thorough knowledge of municipal and fiscal accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal organization, including applicable budgetary ordinances and regulations.
• Ability to analyze a variety of fiscal problems and make recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities, including the ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to work independently.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The job environment is generally an indoor office setting. Occasional high-stress deadline periods may occur, as well as stress as a result of human behavior. Seasonal deadlines and work environment may require work outside of regularly scheduled hours.