Controller

DEFINITION:

The Controller is responsible for ensuring the proper accounting and reporting of North County Transit District (NCTD) financial activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, sound business practices, relevant local, state and federal regulations, and NCTD policies and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position is responsible for accomplishing the Finance Division’s planning and operational goals and objectives, and furthering NCTD goals and objectives within general policy guidelines, while exercising sound judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. This position exercises sound judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. This position is designated as “at-will” in accordance with the NCTD Employee Handbook.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and oversees activities of the Accounting and Revenue Collection departments within the Finance Division. This position also oversees the accounting of fixed assets in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and the Transit Asset Management Program and the reporting to the National Transit Database. This position provides direction and supervision for professional and technical staff in addition to performing diverse, specialized and complex accounting work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. This position also works cooperatively with other District managers. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees and participates with staff in performing the day-to-day operations, including general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and general service billing, banking and cash management, cost management, expense management, fixed assets, inventory, fare revenue, and revenue collection functions.
• Plans, organizes, leads, and monitors programs and activities related to general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and general service billing, banking and cash management, cost management, expense management, fixed assets, inventory, fare revenue, and revenue collection functions.
• Manages NCTD interim and annual financial reporting requirements, internal and external audits, and systems of financial internal controls. This position plans, supervises and reviews the work of professional and technical accounting staff, prepares complex and difficult fiscal analysis, and performs related work as assigned.
• Maintains the account structure and logic of the NCTD JD Edwards enterprise resource planning (ERP) core financial system, in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Uniform System of Accounts and FTA National Transit Database reporting requirements, and rules of the Controller of the State of California.
• Develops, revises and implements accounting policies and procedures for the applicable departments within the Finance Division of NCTD, with concurrence of the Chief Financial Officer, within the framework of NCTD enabling legislation, Federal, State and local laws, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles set forth by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Oversees and participates with staff in the development and publication of financial and performance reporting, including monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc statements, in collaboration with Budget Department management and personnel.
• Prepares and reconciles the annual audited financial statements, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, notes to the financial statements, and statistical information within the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Prepares and reconciles the annual report to the State Controllers’ Office.
• Monitors internal controls and recommends and implements, in collaboration with other NCTD Divisions, Departments, changes and modifications to increase efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
• Plans and oversees internal audits of District operations and records, e.g., fixed assets and inventories maintained by operating divisions.
• Plans, organizes, reviews, and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical and accounting support staff, and provides training, leadership and mentoring in work-related functions.
• Responsible for the hiring, training, supervising, reviewing, disciplining, and terminating subordinate staff as needed and in accordance with District policy.
• Provides financial training and guidance to staff throughout the District regarding financial policies, procedures and reporting.
• Actively participates and supports accounting and payroll system implementations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and/or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field with major coursework in accounting, finance, or business administration, from an accredited four (4) year college or university is required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional finance experience, including three (3) years at a supervisory or management level in a finance and/or accounting department is required, preferably in a governmental or public agency setting
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience preparing full disclosure financial statements (including balance sheet, profit and loss, statement of cash flows, and related notes) is required, preferably for a governmental or public agency.
• A graduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration or closely related field is desirable.
• Minimum of five (5) years of public accounting experience in auditing and preparation of financial statements and internal controls documentation and assessments.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant professional designation is required.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than six (6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven (7) years.
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS:

• Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, internal control practices, public finance, and financial reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state and local regulations applicable to finance and accounting; ability to interpret and apply regulations.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze information, arrive at sound conclusions and synthesize concepts; effective interpersonal and supervisory skills.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals including staff, consultants, vendors and general public.
• Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs in a Windows environment, particularly the Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheet and accounting software applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described 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.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

MACHINES/TOOLS/EQUIPMENT:

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.