Controller at Sitka, City and Borough of (AK) – Sitka, Alaska

The primary purpose of this position is to manage and oversee all aspects of the accounting and financial reporting systems of CBS and to support preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements. In the absence of the Finance Director, this position may temporarily assume full responsibility for the duties of the Finance Director.

Under the general supervision of the Finance Director, the Controller exercises independent judgement and discretion as a professional with technical expertise to perform the position’s daily tasks and responsibilities within department established policies and procedures. This position directly supervises accounting, billing, accounts payable, and payroll staff.

The Controller acts in a confidential capacity to the Finance Director, Municipal Administrator, Assembly, and other department heads who formulate, determine, or effectuate management policies.


• Develops, implements and manages financial accounting system and procedures consistent with GAAP, GASB, and GAAFR
• Develops, implements and manages an accounting and reporting system that will provide accurate, timely and complete financial reporting and budget execution information to the Assembly, Administrator, Department Heads and users of such data who evaluate or audit the financial condition of the CBS
• Oversees and manages all preparations for the annual external CPA audit of the financial systems, internal controls, and financial statements of the CBS, to include preparation of audit workpapers, preparation of account reconciliations, preparation of account confirmations, preparation of fiscal year-end adjusting journal entries and subsequent year reversing entries, and coordination with auditors during on-site field work
• Coordinates with external CPAs in preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Federal/State Single Audit Act Audit Report
• Assists Finance Director with preparation of quarterly financial statements and ACFR and reviews trial balance reports of all funds
• Prepares a wide variety of analysis and management reports as requested
• Audits accounts and records of receipts, expenditures, billings, debt financing, contracts, budget activities, cash and non-cash assets, accounting entries, equipment and supply inventories, payroll and employee benefits
• Prepares timely reports for appropriate officials or agencies concerning scope of audits, financial conditions found, source and application of funds and recommendations for correction and/or improvement
• Develops, coordinates and implements improved finance and accounting data processing
applications
• Performs other related duties as assigned
Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncement,
• Government Accounting and Auditing Financial Reporting (GAAFR) standards
• Fund accounting, auditing and reporting concepts and requirements
• Thorough knowledge of principles of effective office and personnel management

Skills in:

• Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, and customized financial, accounting, and auditing/ERP software
• Interpreting complex financial reports and records and analysis of financial data
• Advanced data techniques using spreadsheet software and pivot table applications
• Organizing and maintaining a wide variety of records and files, both paper and electronic with attention to detail
• Organizing and prioritizing work
• Managing financial records with meticulous attention to detail
• Tracking and documenting complex financial transactions

Ability to:

• Produce high quality work that has been self-reviewed for accuracy
• Recognize and maintain confidential information
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Interpret policies and collective bargaining agreements to effectively manage personnel
• Apply new rules and pronouncements to work already in progress
• Manage a consistent, periodic financial accounting and reporting cycle on both a soft-close and hard-close basis for a multi-departmental entity
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in accounting or related field; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in any business field which includes successfully completed coursework in financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, and auditing; and
• 7 years of experience in accounting, public sector preferred; and
• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant in the State of Alaska, or Certified Public Accountant candidate preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work


• Occasional requirement to attend evening Assembly meetings
Working Conditions:
• General office setting

Specific Physical Requirements:
• Operating office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard on a daily basis
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time either in front of computer
• Occasional bending, climbing, stooping, reaching, and twisting
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects up 50 pounds with or without the assistance of proper equipment

General Physical Requirements:
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate well with other employees and the general public
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to use a computer screen and process numeric data
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate a computer keyboard and access files
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to move about in an office environment