Controller

Position Summary:

The City of Gaithersburg is the third-largest municipality in Maryland and is centrally located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Gaithersburg is home to 70,000 residents who enjoy the vibrant culture, diversity, and variety of amenities the City has to offer. Gaithersburg is a financially stable, debt-free organization and prides itself on providing excellent service to the community. The City has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award and Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for many years.

The Finance Department is seeking an accounting professional with experience in local government accounting or auditing to join its dedicated team. The Controller manages the day-to-day accounting and financial operations for the City. Major work responsibilities include supervising the accounting, payroll, fixed asset, and accounts payable functions; problem solving; preparing financial and/or accounting reports; managing accounting records and data, and supervising accounting and administrative staff.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of internal controls, accounting processes, and financial reporting, as well as excellent communication skills. The Controller will be both detail-oriented and able to understand broader organizational needs. The candidate will be a professional that demonstrates excellent customer service skills, takes ownership of responsibilities, and can manage conflicting priorities with minimal guidance. Good judgment, objectivity, a strong commitment to professional ethics, and exemplary integrity are essential.

The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $118,000 - $132,000; starting salary is negotiable within the hiring range and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.

Job Functions/Key Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing review and evaluation of current financial business processes; ensure all regulations and procedures are followed.
• Provide ongoing review and evaluation of current financial business processes; ensure all regulations and procedures are followed.
• Manage annual external audit process.
• Assist in the development and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger accounting.
• Manage Fixed Asset and Construction-In-Process (CIP) project accounting. Review transactions, reconcile, determine eligibility for capitalization, and depreciate assets.
• Oversee all disbursements involving accounts payable, payroll, and wire transfers.
• Prepare a variety of financial records and reports.
• Provide leadership and develop goals, objectives, and performance standards for department staff and conduct performance evaluations.
• Assist in the timely and proper application of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices.
• Monitor available funds in bank accounts to ensure that optimal cash balances are maintained.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or closely related field.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience. (Additional relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education.)
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in public accounting and governmental accounting preferred.
• CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and well-developed and professional interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of general laws and administrative policies governing municipal financial practices and procedures.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial statements.
• Skill in training, supervising, coaching, managing, and evaluating personnel in a manner conducive to full performance, high morale, and effective service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and well-developed and professional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and interpret financial information.
• Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Applications accepted online only; please submit current resume with application. Review of applications will begin by June 24, 2022; position will remain open until filled.