Controller

The City of Belgrade, Montana is seeking a full-time Controller to join our Finance team! This position is responsible for the daily administration of financial and accounting operations of the City including maintaining the general ledger, assisting with internal and external procedures, and directing the work of the accounting and utility billing staff. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Executive Director of Financial Services, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires the employee to establish and maintain effective working relations with City employees and the general public. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient processing of all government financial transactions and the accurate reporting of the government’s financial condition.

Job Description/ Essential Duties:

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

• Plans, performs, and coordinates the accounting functions of the City to ensure all financial activity is in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) practices, including maintaining the financial records of the City and managing the preparation of State and Federal reports, including tax and grant reports.
• Performs varied and complex administrative, accounting, and financial duties while balancing frequent interruptions and deadline requirements.
• Reviews, maintains, and modifies the Chart of Account structure.
• Identifies needs and prepares a variety of reports and related information for decision-making purposes by Finance Department staff, City management and the City Council.
• Performs monthly closing procedures.
• Assists in reviewing current year’s financial records against previous year’s records and current year budget and investigates variances.
• Prepares/reviews journal entries to balance general fund, special fund, enterprise fund and fiduciary accounts.
• Provides guidance to department and division heads on complex accounting matters as requested.
• Plans, evaluates, performs, and coordinates the internal auditing functions of the various departments, including periodic internal control reviews and making appropriate corrective recommendations to department heads.
• Assists in procedures for annual closing of financial records; reviews pre-closed accounts and makes necessary journal entries to reconcile, to book receivables and payables, and to close for fiscal year end.
• Assists with coordination of the annual audit and preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Ensures appropriate and sufficient documentation to substantiate financial statement presentations.
• Reconciles bank accounts and subsidiary ledgers and takes necessary action to correct errors.
• Reconciles subsidiary ledgers to general ledgers.
• Initiates wire transfers and monitors incoming transfers.
• Books receipts of bond issuances, process, and books payments on bonds; reconciles to the General Ledger.
• Oversees collection of utility revenue; ensures accuracy of utility data; assists as needed.
• Provides training and professional development of staff and ensures the morale, productivity, and discipline of department personnel.
• Works with employees to correct deficiencies and implement discipline and termination procedures as necessary.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Keeps Executive Director of Financial Services informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for addressing such problems.
• Responds to citizen questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Coordinates and/or completes special projects or other related work as required by the Executive Director of Financial Services.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, Public Administration, or related field with an emphasis in accounting and/or finance; and
• A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible accounting or auditing experience, preferably in a government environment; and
• At least two (2) years successful supervisory experience; and
• Ability to be bonded; or

Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in governmental accounting highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) highly preferred.

Special Requirements/Licenses or Certificates:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of employment.
• Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background check and reference checks.

Full-time position with excellent benefits! For more information and to apply, please go to: https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6192709.careers?CareersSearch