Controller

THE POSITION : THE OPPORTUNITY :

THE OPPORTUNITY :

Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.

Are you an experienced and detail-oriented accounting professional with a strong ability to lead and manage in a dynamic environment?

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is looking for a strategic and skilled Controller to guide and oversee its Accounting Unit.

In this key role, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily operations of a team of professional accountants, ensuring accurate and timely recording of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

You will also oversee critical functions such as accounts payable, payroll, project accounting, fixed assets, accounts receivable, general ledger, and grant accounting.

Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region.

Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct.

We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. In order to ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.

• A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
• A pension through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Competitive vacation, floating holidays, sick time, and agency paid holidays
• 10 Floating Holidays per fiscal year (prorated upon hire)
• $300 Monthly Vehicle Allowance
• Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
• Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
• Basic life insurance coverage provided
• 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
• Interest-free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000

This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11 : 59 PM on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

There is one (1) vacancy in the Finance Department.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range : UN 190

FLSA : Exempt

Probationary Period : At Will

• Under the general direction, plans, organizes, integrates, and directs the daily activities of the Accounting Unit to accurately record revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities;
• participates in the preparation, maintenance and interpretation of financial records for the Agency and Joint Powers Authority (JPA);
• directs Accounting Unit functions in the areas of accounts payable, payroll, project accounting, fixed assets, accounts receivable, general ledger, and grant accounting activities;
• monitors the business system for further enhancement and development; provides expert professional assistance and guidance to management on public financing, accounting;

and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

The Controller is responsible for performing highly specialized accounting work for the Agency and JPA. The incumbent is responsible for planning, managing, directing, controlling, and integrating a wide range of complex financial transactions for Agency and JPA financial recordkeeping, and performs services functions including analysis and reporting, and grant accounting administration.

Work is broad in scope and requires seasoned judgment and a high degree of initiative and independence.

The incumbent in this class typically reports to the Director of Finance and directs the work of professional and administrative financial, accounting staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of the Accounting Unit; with supervisors and staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives;

contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual unit budget; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

• Manages the performance of unit staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets;
• regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance;

hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to leadership concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the unit's and the Agency's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect;

applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in the formulation and directs the implementation of unit plans and policy; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in unit work processes.

• Through subordinate supervisors, directs and oversees the analysis, development, implementation and monitoring of monthly and annual financial statements and schedules including Agency and JPA Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR);
• prepares Board letters and attends Board meetings to provide explanations and answer questions; directs month-end, quarterly and year-end closing processes;

and audit and compliance activities related to awarded grants; leads and assists external auditor during annual audit and ensures staff availability, answers auditor questions, and provides auditor access to Agency financial data.

Analyzes and updates Agency financial systems and controls, practices, procedures and policies; coordinates internal, independent, federal and state audits of the Agency's and JPA's financial statements and systems and develops remedies for audit discrepancies;

reviews and ensures adequate internal controls for all areas of direct responsibility and the Agency as a whole. Reviews, examines, and ensures accounting and financial reports, records, and documents for accuracy and timeliness.

Prepares and coordinates a variety of work reports and records; attends meetings; ensures the Agency's safety program and goals are implemented and carried out in the assigned areas of responsibility.

Represents the Agency in a variety of public forums including business, financial and community events and with federal, state and local governmental bodies;

stays abreast of new trends and innovations and develops opportunities for new sources of funding.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES :

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE :

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in finance, accounting, business or public administration or a closely related field, and at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in performing complex financial, statistical, treasury and budgetary analyses, at least three of which were at a management or supervisory level;

or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A master's degree in business administration or public administration and experience in a public agency are preferred.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, a Master's in Public Administration and a Certified Public Finance Officer certification, are highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

Principles and practices of strategic enterprise planning and financial planning.

Advanced governmental accounting theory, practices and financial statement preparation, as well as state and federal grants management and fund management.

Advanced principles, practices and techniques of grant development and administration including contract monitoring and financial / program reporting.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) accounting standards and requirements applicable to public agencies.

Internal control and audit principles and practices.

Agency policies, procedures and practices regarding financial operations.

Principles, practices, laws and regulations governing the investment and management of public funds.

Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to the financial administration of a public agency.

Federal and state grant funding agencies, regulations and requirements related to management and compliance expectations.

Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.

Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.

Principles and practices of effective management and supervision with an organization-wide perspective.

Basic principles and practices of organization and culture change.

Principles and practices of sound business communications.

Agency human resources policies and labor contract provisions.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

ABILITY TO :

Lead people in a manner that promotes accountability, employee engagement, staff development, respect, and collaboration.

Manage the performance of staff by coaching for performance.

Effectively and professionally work with a diverse group of staff and community members.

Be present onsite at Agency locations during the normal business hours.

Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite.

Plan, control, direct and integrate the activities of a financial management, accounting, and grants accounting.

Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations on complex financial, budgetary and investment issues in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.

Work collaboratively with other managers and directors and provide expert advice and counsel to develop alternatives and solutions to complex issues.

Organize, set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive financial and investment statements, compliance reports and other written materials.

Develop and implement sound internal control procedures and practices.

Understand, interpret, explain and apply complex documents applicable to Agency debt financing and other financial issues.

Select appropriate methodologies and perform complicated mathematical calculations and financial analyses.

Negotiate effectively on behalf of the Agency.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Represent the Agency effectively in financial interactions with grantors, the financial and investment community and Agency partners.

Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.

Operate a computer and spreadsheet, word processing, financial modeling and other standard software.

Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCESS :

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications.

Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following : written test, oral interview, performance / practical and / or agility examination.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a background / reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate.

Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.

org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".

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