Controller- Financial Services

Dona Ana County; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 81,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Doña Ana County in Las Cruces, NM seeks a Controller to provide financial, accounting, and analytical services for the Accounting Division. You will oversee the general ledger, help prepare financial reports, and support management in monitoring revenues and expenditures.

The role requires seven years of accounting experience with at least three years in a supervisory capacity. CPA or public accounting background is preferred; strong GAAP knowledge and internal controls are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or University.
• Seven (7) years of full-time professional accounting experience, incl. three (3) years supervisory.
• Three (3) years in public accounting and/or CPA license preferred; ACFR and Single Audit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related schedules.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, internal controls, and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and respond to audit findings.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Public finance experience

Supervisory leadership

Financial reporting

Accounting software

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Job description

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.Under the general supervision of the Finance Director, the Controller will provide financial, accounting, and analytical services for the Accounting Division of the Finance Department. The Controller is responsible for the management of the general ledger, assist accounting staff with the accurate preparation of financial reports and statements, and support management in controlling and monitoring revenues and expenditures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Supervisory Responsibilities

• Make hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Prioritize, plan and assign work to staff.
• Supervise, train, motivate, and develop staff.
• Counsel, coach, and disciplines staff and conduct performance evaluations.
• Approve leave requests and oversee payroll timekeeping functions.

2. Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting

• Oversee accounting activities, to include accounts payable, accounts receivable, property and cost accounting, revenues and receipts.
• Perform complex professional accounting work and ensure accuracy of financial transactions.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Design and review financial reports, schedules, and statements to demonstrate financial condition and compliance.
• Perform independent balance and reconciliation of County financial statements.
• Compile fiscal estimates, conduct special projects, and prepare fiscal reports.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the County’s accounting policies and procedures.
• Manage and ensure compliance and coordinate the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Review revenues and expenditures and communicate with departments, agencies, and the public as needed.

3. Compliance and Internal Controls

• Monitor, evaluate, and enforce internal accounting controls across departments.
• Develop, implement, and update internal control policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state financial reporting requirements.
• Ensure follow-up and corrective action on internal and external audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory standards.

4. Audit and Standard Implementation

• Coordinate internal and external audits and serve as a liaison to auditors.
• Develop responses to audit findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Stay current with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements.
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of new GASB accounting and reporting requirements and the new accounting standards imposed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
• Participate in professional trainings, meetings, and conferences to stay informed on best practices in government finance.

5. Financial Planning and Advisory Support

• Lead long-range financial planning and countywide fiscal programs.
• Advise and coordinate with departments on taxes, payables, financial reporting and statements, capital expenditures, bonds, divisional estimates, audit requirements, and finance policies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across departments on financial issues.
• Provide technical guidance on fiscal matters, reporting, and accounting procedures.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or University.

B. Experience. Seven (7) years of full-time professional accounting experience, which includes three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. Three (3) years in public accounting and/or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License preferred. Experience preparing a ACFR and Single Audit Report in a municipal government environment is preferred.

C. Education/Experience substitution. N/A

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver’s license. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with County policy.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass a background, credit and driver’s license record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of: Law and administrative policies governing financial operations of the County; Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements; principles, practices and techniques of public financial administration, auditing practices and grant administration; generally accepted accounting principles; advanced arithmetical computations adequate to correctly perform work; and principles and techniques of management and effective supervision.

Ability to: Perform computer operations, including word processing and spreadsheets; methods to maintain accurate records; principles and practices of financial operations; use initiative and independent judgement while recognizing when it is appropriate to refer matters to management; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Skill in: Analyze and evaluate information accurately and express ideas clearly; interpret statutes, rules, and regulations and make recommendations; general ledger accounting; interpret guides related to accounting and audit functions; and read, write and mathematical calculations at a technical level.

$81,328.00 - $132,704.00

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.