Assistant Controller

Position Summary

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Finance Department is seeking an Assistant Controller to provide operational leadership for day-to-day accounting functions while Metro implements a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This position will play a key role in maintaining stable, reliable financial operations during a major organizational transformation. Working closely with the Controller, you’ll oversee core accounting functions, lead the general ledger function, and supervise a team of accounting professionals. The role ensures strong internal controls, consistent application of accounting policies, and the accurate, timely financial reporting required for regulatory compliance. Your leadership will be central to ensuring continuity, stability, and confidence in Metro’s financial operations throughout the ERP implementation.

This is a full-time, limited-duration position (estimated 18-24 months) created to support the Finance team during the ERP implementation. The duration of the role may be subject to change based on business needs. The position is hybrid telework eligible, with in-office work expected on Wednesdays and as needed for specific projects.

As the Assistant Controller you will:

• Partner with the Controller to lead corporate accounting activities and month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Provide guidance on accounting treatment for complex or routine transactions, ensuring policy compliance and GAAP adherence. Serve as primary point of contact for accounting inquiries from departments.
• Maintain and provide recommendations for accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating documentation as areas for improvement are identified. Assist in documenting existing internal controls for current state processes.
• Lead and supervise the accounting team responsible for general ledger operations and core financial processes, setting priorities, monitoring workloads, reviewing work for accuracy and compliance with GAAP and Metro policy, and supporting staff development through coaching and training.
• Assist in preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including the drafting and reviewing workpapers, GAAP conversation journal entries, and major elements of the financial statements.
• Coordinate assigned aspects of Metro’s annual audit by interfacing with external auditors and internal staff.
• Provide coverage for the Accounting Operations Manager (Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable) and General Ledger staff, as needed, to maintain continuity while these roles focus on ERP implementation activities.

Attributes for success:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Enjoys problem-solving and collaboration
• Ability to think independently and make sound judgment calls, while recognizing when decisions carry broader risk or impact and require escalation.
• Thrives in environments with ambiguity, adapting quickly while maintaining focus and momentum.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and the ability to interpret and apply financial concepts with confidence.
• An excellent communicator, able to build strong working relationships and translate complex financial information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Expert level proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, and an understanding of database management.

Approximate Recruitment Timeline:

• Applications close on 4/26.
• Interviews will be on 5/7 and 5/8.
• Reference checks completed after interviews.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the assigned program area or a related field, and
• Three (3) years leading or supervising people, and
• Two (2) years progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting in the area of responsibility, or
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Additional Requirements

• Finalist will need to be able to successfully pass a background check.

This position is being recruited as a full-time role; however, we recognize that candidates may have varied availability. We are open to flexible scheduling options, including part-time arrangements where appropriate. We encourage anyone who is interested in the role to apply, at time of hire we can explore scheduling options that can work for both you and the team.

Limited Duration

This position is a limited duration position and has a tentative conclusion date of December 31, 2027.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Hybrid Telework

This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” with in-office work expected on Wednesdays and as needed for specific projects. You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Previous experience using Peoplesoft Financials.
• CPA certification or candidacy.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed Resume that includes the details for each employer
  • Name of employer,
  • Working title,
  • Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time,
  • Number of employees supervised
  • Summary of your responsibilities
• Answers to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $118,785.08 to step 6: $151,603.70 annually. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $118,785.08 to the equity range step 3: $130,960.55 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as a Manager I.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Additional Information

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department