Controller

Controller

The Controller is a balanced, hands-on leader who thrives in a collaborative, team-centered environment. The successful candidate provides efficient and effective leadership across the organization and embraces a continuous improvement philosophy. With a forward-looking approach to accounting and financial management, the Controller is committed to operational excellence and providing services through a customer-centric approach. The Controller brings prior experience in both the private and public sectors and truly enjoys working for municipal organizations. They are skilled in navigating a hybrid financial model incorporating centralized and decentralized functions. Advanced knowledge of accounting standards such as GASB and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is essential to success. A confident leader, the Controller is an excellent communicator who enjoys building and maintaining relationships across the organization. They are known as effective problem solvers who enjoy managing complex projects through a collaborative and solution-oriented approach. With strong people skills and a supportive, approachable demeanor, the Controller fosters a culture of growth and continuous learning by mentoring staff, encouraging cross-training, and empowering team members. The successful candidate is a working manager who enjoys being a resource for their team, welcoming the exchange of ideas, and providing constructive feedback to bring out the best in others. The Controller builds trust through consistency, humor, and close connection, creating a high-performing, engaged team aligned with organizational goals.

Core competencies include : analytical, organized, leadership, communication, and professionalism.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions include :

• Financial management and planning : Assist the Finance Director in developing, implementing, and overseeing the County's annual budget, including preparation of revenue and expenditure projections.
• Accounting, internal controls and financial reporting : Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, purchasing, accounts receivable, payroll, grants management, and general ledger. Maintain strong internal controls and implement best practices to safeguard assets. Review monthly financial reports to ensure accuracy and transparency. Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports for leadership and the Board of County Commissioners. Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. Ensure month-end reconciliation of all bank statements is accurate. Regularly review budget-to-actual reports and collaborate with department managers to ensure expenditures and revenues are aligned with adopted budgets. Assist with completion of CTF, HUTF, SEFA, and coordination of the 2 CFR 200 Cost Allocation Plan if requested.
• Audit and compliance : Coordinate and oversee audits to ensure compliance with regulations and municipal policies. Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure transparency. Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, particularly concerning tax laws, grants, and public funds management.
• Leadership : Serve as second-in-command for the Finance Department, acting as Finance Director when delegated. Foster a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented work culture. Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for accounting staff. Lead, train, and supervise finance department staff, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and professional work environment.
• Revenue and debt management : Oversee revenue management, including property taxes, sales taxes, grants, permits, and other revenue sources.
• Budget and financial support : Support the Finance Director in preparing the annual budget and five-year capital / operational forecasts. Participate in budget meetings with department directors, providing financial analysis and guidance. Monitor and report on budget-to-actual performance throughout the fiscal year.
• Internal controls and reporting : Maintain strong internal controls and implement best practices to safeguard assets. Prepare and review monthly financial reports to ensure accuracy and transparency. Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports for leadership and the Board of County Commissioners.

Other duties may include :

Supervisory responsibilities : Not applicable.

Requirements

Compensation will be determined by the applicant's full skillset with consideration of the below :

Bachelor's Degree with a major in accounting or equivalent is required. CPA preferred or other governmental certification desirable. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance or accounting, including three (3) years of supervisory experience, including strong leadership and mentoring skills. A diverse accounting background, including a thorough understanding of the chart of accounts, grants, and federal grant management, is required, as is knowledge of and experience conducting audits or establishing auditing procedures and systems. Experience in compiling a full ACFR is essential. Valid Colorado driver license. Project and or cost accounting experience is a plus.

Knowledge Requirements

Comprehensive understanding of fund accounting, municipal finance and accounting principles, including full accrual and modified accrual governmental accounting systems. Expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting regulations, and statistical and budgetary analysis techniques. Proficiency in modern practices for municipal budgeting, purchasing, treasury management, inventory control, and fixed asset accounting. In-depth knowledge of organizational and management practices for evaluating programs, policies, and local government operations. Awareness of recent developments, current literature, and resources in municipal finance administration. Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database development. Working knowledge of accounting software systems, office equipment, and standard business tools. High level knowledge of practices of administration and organizational development including goal setting and program budget development and implementation. Experience setting and monitoring departmental goals, understanding of program planning, human resource management, and supervisory principles.

Skill Requirements

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills for evaluating operations and developing actionable solutions. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial data into clear, accessible formats for diverse audiences. Proficiency in public speaking, including the ability to deliver engaging presentations to elected officials, staff, and the public. High-level interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professionals, public officials, employees, and the general public. Advanced decision-making and leadership skills to manage teams and respond to interpersonal challenges effectively.

Ability Requirements

Plan, develop, and implement departmental goals, policies, and procedures to achieve organizational objectives. Conduct thorough research on applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices. Ability to collaborate with elected officials and government partners. Ability to meet multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Analyze complex issues, identify viable solutions, and implement effective action plans. Lead and coordinate finance office activities, fostering a high-performance and morale. Write professional reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals with proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Cultivate a collaborative and adaptable working environment, demonstrating tact and professionalism under stress. Work independently or as part of a team to achieve organizational goals.

Hazard notice : Work is primarily office-based with minimal physical hazards. Potential risks include ergonomic strain from prolonged computer use, stress from deadlines and financial reporting, and occasional high-pressure interactions with the public or staff. Limited travel to offsite meetings may also occur. Employees are expected to follow safety practices and request accommodations as needed.

Physical activity and work environment : Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Prolonged periods of standing or walking. Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, or climbing. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Occasionally pushing, pulling, or moving objects. Use of hands for repetitive motions such as typing, writing, or operating equipment. Operation of standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, etc.). Visual acuity to read and produce accurate documents and materials. Hearing ability sufficient to respond to spoken communication. Ability to climb stairs, ladders, or work at heights. Standard office environment with controlled temperature and lighting. Interaction with the public, sometimes in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations. Work in confined spaces or physically restrictive conditions. Occasional travel to offsite locations or satellite facilities. Work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, or high-volume environment. May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or be on-call.

Notice of emergency / disaster responsibilities : All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

EOE statement : Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of work authorization requirement : Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.