Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a hands-on leader and manager with a "big picture" vision and the proven ability to identify solutions for business problems to fill the position of Controller. The Controller will be a self-starter who possesses excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving skills.

Under general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will assume full responsibility for the Accounting Department consisting of eight full-time employees, and be responsible for: external audit administration and financial reporting; general ledger maintenance; in-house payroll and tax reporting: grant billing and accounts receivable; accounts payable and other Accounting tasks. The Controller will collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer, Division Heads, Finance Managers and staff to pioneer best practices and streamline Finance processes to support Agency activities. It is crucial that the Controller possess good judgment and decision-making skills, excellent communication skills, employee management and development skills, and a customer-service orientation to serve as a resource to all SCAG divisions.

When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. At SCAG, we are committed to ensuring employee safety and well-being. SCAG is currently developing a hybrid workforce model to provide flexible work options and enhanced well-being. At the time, All SCAG staff are working remotely until further notice.

OUR LOCATION

SCAG headquarters is located in the hub of busy downtown Los Angeles, at Figueroa and 7th streets. SCAG has recently relocated to the 900 Wilshire Building, a new, multi-use hotel and office complex that features state of the art architecture and technology. The downtown area has expanded with LA Live, new restaurants, music, sports, shopping, libraries, museums and theaters. SCAG is in a culturally diverse area near Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Olvera Street and Grand Central Market. Southern California boasts near-perfect weather and close proximity to mountains, beaches and deserts, which encourages physical fitness and year-round activities.

For ease of commuting, the LA office is located across the street from the Metro Red Line 7th St. station and is easily accessible by commuter trains and buses serving surrounding areas. Metro's light rail and subway connect downtown LA to Hollywood, Universal City, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Azusa, Long Beach and many vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhoods.

WHO WE ARE:

Founded in 1965, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is a Joint Powers Authority under California state law, established as an association of local governments and agencies that voluntarily convene as a forum to address regional issues. Under federal law, The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. The agency develops long-range regional transportation plans including sustainable communities' strategy and growth forecast components, regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing needs allocations and a of the South Coast Air Quality management plans. Currently, the Regional Council consists of 86 members.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

1. Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
2. Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
3. Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
4. Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume management responsibility for all Accounting Division services and activities.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for accounting and finance programs including the General Fund and all Special Revenue Funds.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Chief Financial Officer; direct the implementation of improvements.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan in Accounting; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participate in the development and administration of the SCAG annual budget; assist in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison for Accounting with the Regional Council, other SCAG departments and divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the Chief Financial Officer; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Lead the preparation and review of SCAG’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
• Monitor, record and report OPEB and Pension Obligations.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Accounting programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Monitor costs and expenses approved by the Regional Council and other expenses that can only be charged to the General Fund; monitor dues collections from member jurisdictions; assume responsibility for long-term strategy and implementation to conserve the agency's financial reserves.
• Communicate directly with Federal and State administrators, contractors, subregions and other vendors to discuss and resolve problems that affect SCAG's financial interest on an ongoing basis.
• Access financial data and information for preparation of reports pertaining to the General Fund, Special Revenue funds, and other reports to assess fund utilization by SCAG and use of resources available to SCAG.
• Serve on a variety of committees and task forces; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of accounting and finance.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Cultivate healthy working relationships with staff at SCAG and at the agencies with which SCAG interacts, such as Caltrans and the other transportation agencies in the SCAG region.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• EXPERIENCE: Equivalent to eight years of responsible finance and accounting experience, including three years of auditing and financial reporting. Four years of management experience is required. Prior experience working at a CPA firm is preferred.
• EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, or a related field. A CPA is highly desirable.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALITIES:

• Strategic and thoughtful leader who collaborates with the Finance Division in achieving SCAG's mission and goals
• An emotionally intelligent leader with the ability to motivate and mentor Accounting staff to develop their skills and achieve shared goals and objectives
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement procedures to streamline processes
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusting and collaborative working relationships with management and staff
• Customer advocate who will strive to make SCAG staff successful in their work
• Effective communicator with the ability to translate technical information to all levels of staff and stakeholders both in written form and verbally

KNOWLEDGE OF: Governmental accounting and auditing standards as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the US Government Accountability Office (GAAP and GAGAS) operational characteristics, services, and activities of finance and accounting programs; organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluations of programs, policies, and operational needs; modern and complex principles and practices Knowledge of federal and state grant administration guidelines.

ABILITY TO: Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Accounting Department; recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices to provide effective and efficient accounting and finance services; manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, professional, technical, and administrative personnel; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; identify and respond to finance and accounting issues, concerns, and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques; prepare and administer budgets; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships, team spirit, and collaboration with those contacted in the course of work.

Important Applicant Information: Candidates must fill out the application and supplemental questions completely. Incomplete applications including references to see the resume for qualifications are incomplete and will be disqualified. Candidates are encouraged to provide accurate answers as SCAG will verify the qualifications for each candidate.

SCAG is an equal opportunity employer. SCAG's policy is to provide employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression and pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.