Financial Reporting Director (Assistant Auditor V (U)) (Unclassified)

Under general direction, is responsible for the direction, management, and/or preparation of all audited financial statements and reports for the City of Columbus; performs related tasks as required.

Examples of Work

Are you a professional with working knowledge of Statements of Governmental Accounting Standards issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)? The Columbus City Auditor is seeking an experienced and highly regarded accounting professional to serve as our Financial Reporting Director. The individual will collaborate with other members of our leadership team in support of a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and transparency.

The City of Columbus

Columbus is at the epicenter of the state’s political, economic, and social presence. The 14th largest city in the nation, Columbus is growing in every way: we’re adding people, more diverse cultures, and vibrancy to our neighborhoods. The city is a thriving hub of startups, healthcare innovation, and big-name tech companies, so much that we have earned the nickname “Silicon Heartland.” Our job market is fueled by the top-notch talent graduating from our region’s numerous colleges and universities, including research and innovation superstar The Ohio State University. The city also boasts a foodie atmosphere that makes delicious dishes a way of life.

Office Culture

We strive for a culture where our employees feel valued, empowered, and supported. Our senior team includes nationally recognized leaders in their respective fields, some of whom serve on committees with other public sector leaders, advise on certain subjects, and routinely present at industry conferences. We encourage our employees to pursue these opportunities and reward innovation, creativity, and service.

The City Auditor’s Office maintains a national reputation for excellence in financial reporting.

Role Overview

The Financial Reporting Director reports to the Deputy Auditor and is a member of the senior leadership team. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Financial Reporting participates in the strategic planning processes of the office.

The City maintains a history of strong financial management. The City’s credit ratings of AAA/AAA/Aaa reflect an adherence to high quality financial reporting.

Position Description

• Responsible for coordination of annual independent audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and submittal of such documents to the GFOA Excellence programs.
• Serves as a member of the senior leadership team and as the liaison to the Auditor of State’s Office or Independent Public Accountant on external audit matters.
• Functions as the Subject Matter Expert on audit matters and financial reporting.
• Performs preliminary planning and establishes direction for audits, provides leadership to assigned auditors, and manages projects to quality outcomes while meeting established timelines.
• Ensures that the ACFR and PAFR are produced in a timely and effective manner. The City’s ACFR has been filed within 90 days of the close of the fiscal year for the last 20 years. Coordinates all phases of the city’s annual audit and communicates year-end closing responsibilities with staff.
• Provides technical guidance on emerging financial issues.
• Ensures the highest level of financial accountability and transparency.
• Oversees testing, including coordinating with Financial Management Systems technical staff, during upgrades of accounting-related software.
• The desired candidate will be investigative, diagnostic, and analytical with strong reasoning skills and the ability to work independently on special projects.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications.

Essential Duties and Qualifications

• Minimum: at least 7 years of experience managing government financial operations.
• Highly Desired: 10 years or more of experience in governmental accounting with increasing responsibility and 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Principles for Public Sector financial management, including payroll, treasury, grant funds, and public debt management, is required. Strong knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards is essential.
• Able to review and analyze new accounting pronouncements issued by the GASB and/or FASB as well as other relevant accounting literature to determine their applicability on the City’s financial statements.
• Microsoft Dynamics D365 experience is a plus.
• Experience providing technical assistance and validating financial data for state and federal reporting.
• Experience with fund accounting.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and other entities’ laws, statutes, ordinances, contracts, regulations, and other requirements, applicable to financial issues, generally accepted accounting principles, auditing, funds use, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Highly developed knowledge of finance theories such as present values theory/cash flow analysis and accounting principles. Has advanced knowledge of financial policies, practices, and systems.
• Provides senior-level assistance with implementing new GASB requirements as deemed necessary for proper governmental accounting practices and procedures.
• Manages successful rollout of GASB 87 requirements and implementing lease accounting module.
• Maintains knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200, the Grants Management Lifecycle, audit process, and uniform code.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field required
• CPA designation
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification preferred

Additional Information

• This position is eligible to work a hybrid/flex schedule to be determined upon hire.

Definition

A person who has been selected by an appointing authority in accordance with the Columbus City Charter, Section 148(1) is said to have received an unclassified appointment. Those individuals receiving unclassified appointments serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and may be terminated from employment at any time. Please contact the Civil Service Commission if you would like additional information regarding this process

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position.

Test/Job Contact Information
Recruitment #: 22-0658-V1
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

If you wish to apply in person, please submit an application and any supplementary materials to:

Michelle Parsell
Columbus City Auditor
77 N. Front St. 2nd FL.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
P: (614) 645-0539
E: mlparsell@columbus.gov

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer