Controller - Finance Department

St Mary's County Government; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 109,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s County Government is seeking a senior financial leader responsible for directing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit coordination. The role ensures GASB compliance, accurate statements, and timely financial information for County leadership.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related field and substantial public-sector experience with management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret accounting standards, laws, and policies.
• Experience leading accounting staff and coordinating audits.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the County’s accounting and financial reporting operations.
• Ensure timely preparation of financial statements and schedules.
• Manage general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, cash management, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Establish and monitor internal controls and procedures.
• Coordinate year-end close and annual audit readiness.
• Liaise with external auditors and coordinate audit requests.
• Ensure GASB compliance and reporting requirements.
• Improve financial processes and automate functions where possible.
• Oversee accounting for various funds and bank/investment accounts.
• Assist with ERP/financial system optimization and policy documentation.

Skills

Governance/controls

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

7 years government/public accounting experience, 4 years in management

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsible for managing the County’s accounting and financial reporting functions and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. The position provides leadership in accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, reconciliations, audit coordination, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.

The hiring salary for this position is $109,117 - $139,693 annually.

1. Direct and oversee the County’s accounting and financial reporting operations.
2. Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, financial reports, and related schedules.
3. Manage the general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, reconciliations, and journal entries.
4. Establish, maintain, and monitor effective internal accounting controls and procedures.
5. Review and oversee accounting transactions and financial activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance with County policies and applicable accounting standards.
6. Coordinate the year-end closing process and preparation for the annual financial audit.
7. Serve as a primary liaison with external auditors and coordinate the timely completion of audit requests.
8. Ensure compliance with applicable GASB standards, governmental accounting principles, federal and State requirements, and County policies.
9. Monitor accounting practices and recommend improvements to strengthen financial controls, efficiency, and transparency.
10. Prepare the Uniform Financial Report (UFR) and other required financial reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards and reporting requirements and coordinating with external auditors as necessary.
11. Oversee accounting for governmental, proprietary, and fiduciary funds, as applicable.
12. Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, investment accounts, balance sheet accounts, and other financial records.
13. Assist with implementation and ongoing optimization of the County’s ERP/financial management system.
14. Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
15. Supervise, train, and evaluate accounting staff and promote professional development.
16. Provide guidance and technical assistance to departments regarding accounting procedures, financial transactions, and reporting requirements.
17. Identify opportunities to improve processes, automate financial functions, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

1. Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Ability to interpret and apply accounting standards, laws, regulations, and policies.
4. Ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate findings clearly.
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
6. Ability to establish effective internal controls and improve financial processes.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
9. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
10. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop accounting staff.
11. Ability to work effectively with elected officials, department directors, employees, auditors, and the public.
12. Advanced knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize financial management/ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
2. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or public-sector accounting and financial management, to include four (4) years of management experience.
3. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
2. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or similar governmental finance certification.
3. Master’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field.
4. Experience with GASB standards and preparation of a UFR.
5. Experience in a county, municipal, or other governmental finance environment.

Additional Requirements:

1. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
2. Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls.

Full salary range for this position is $109,117 - $187,928 annually. The full salary range does not reflect the anticipated hiring salary for this position. The anticipated hiring range is $109,117 - $139,693 annually, based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.