CONTROLLER

JOB DESCRIPTION

CONTROLLER
Human Resources Department

FINANCE DEPARTMENT 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200
Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: (757) 926-1800

Fax: (757) 926-1825
NEWPORT NEWS, VA

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for managing all accounting and accounts
payable functions, and maintaining the City's financial accounting records in conformity with accepted
principles of governmental accounting. Reports to the Finance Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides oversight of all functions within the Financial Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Payable
divisions including budgeting, purchasing and financial transactions, staff organization and
development, performance evaluations, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and
related activities. Researches and prepares recommendations and reports for the department director.

Directs and participates in the planning, organizing and preparation of the City’s Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including revenues and expenses, short and long-term
capital and bond-funded Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plans, financial forecasts, operating
reports, debt-service funding, grant funding, and makes recommendations as necessary. Oversees
development and implementation of accounting and financial internal controls, operating policies and
procedures as well as implementation of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB),
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and any other municipal, state, and federal government
regulations. Oversees and develops short and long-term strategic goals. Establishes departmental
programs and budgets for the maintenance, replacement, and improvement of materials and
equipment. Leads comprehensive operational projects as necessary.

Researches and proposes financial accounting and reporting process improvements; develops
accounting and payroll policies, procedures, and systems and ensures they are appropriately
administered; stays abreast of legislative activities related to government finance; participates in the
research, development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, streamline
work processes, and improve employee productivity.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

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and practices; Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP); and Generally Accepted
Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Thorough knowledge of Governmental Accounting
Standard Board (GASB) requirements. General knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws and
regulations governing the receipt, custody and expenditure of public funds. General knowledge of
public administration, grant administration, contract law, and actuarial reports relating to Pension,
OPEB, Workers Compensation and general liability claims.

• Supervision – Thorough knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign

• Customer Service — Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer

• Strategic Planning – Knowledge of strategic planning principles and theories to forecast future

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex

• Judgment and Decision Making – Evaluating the best method of research and then exercising

• Interpersonal Relationships - Maintains high morale among all department employees. Shares

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication – Excellent ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and proposals to

• Financial Management - Ability to perform arithmetic and statistical calculations. Ability to employ

• Coordination of Work - Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and

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completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Performs a broad
range of supervisory responsibilities over others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Math, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a closely related field
and 5-7 years of increasingly responsible accounting experience or an equivalent combination of
education and experience, including 3-4 years of supervisory experience. Master’s Degree and
Designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid
driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
  

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.

• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

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