Controller

 The class is accountable for the fiscal management of a Town’s finances which includes developing, implementing, and maintaining financial policies and procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance and the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and relevance of all financial reports.

Receives administrative direction from the Chief Fiscal Officer.

• Accesses, inputs, and retrieves information from a computer using word processing, spreadsheet, financial accounting and database software.
• Achieves budget objectives by scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Attends Board of Finance Committee meetings and other Board and Commission meetings as required.
• Balances and reconciles various accounts and ledgers of all municipal funds.
• Collaborates with CFO to maximizes return on financial assets by establishing financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems.
• Collaborates with the CFO and the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to develop and publish timely, informative reports for senior leadership and satisfy the Board of Finance’s information requests and requirements.
• Collaborates with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and Department Heads to develop and monitor budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively.
• Develops and implements required internal control procedures and systems to support internal financial policies as well as GASB standards, State and Federal mandates.
• Develops and maintains financial policies and procedures to enhance fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Ensures compliance with financial regulations and maintains the integrity of financial data.
• Ensures compliance with Town wide as well as Department policies, State/Federal laws and regulations.
• Is responsible for performing budgeted transfers and interfund charge transactions, as well as special journal entry transactions as necessary.
• Is responsible for the management of the balance sheet of the municipality.
• Liaises with Fairfield Emergency Dispatch, providing all financial services.
• Maintains the fixed (capital) asset inventory system, prepares journal entries and updates fixed (capital) asset system in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Oversees the management of the Town’s financial operations and reporting, emphasizing financial control and continuous improvement, and the management, maintenance and control of financial records – including Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll.
• Partners with the CFO to maintain a credible and strong working relationship with the Board of Finance.
• Prepares specialized financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
• Provides financial status condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data.
• Provides for training, development, performance evaluation of Department staff and makes recommendations for the hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination of personnel.
• Receives, analyzes and processes complex or specialized financial transactions, ensures compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and completeness and accuracy.
• Stays informed of changes in municipal finance regulations and best practices, implementing necessary adjustments to Town policies.
• Supervises and mentors finance department staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance work environment.
• Verifies appropriate accounts affected by transactions processed to ensure credit or charging and summarizes transactions and disposition for reporting and control purposes.
• Works closely with external auditors during annual audits and ensure the timely completion of audit requirements to monitor and confirm the Town’s financial condition.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Considerable knowledge and experience in accounting, including accounting principles, standards and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of financial management: budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting specific to the municipal sector.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply ethical standards to ensure transparency and integrity of financial systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to develop and implement financial policies and controls.
• Knowledge of and skill in computer software and report writing, specifically in MS Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of and skill in technology and with financial management systems, data analytics tools, and software used in public finance.
• Knowledge of policy and practice related to the organizational needs of the Town and with applicable Federal and State laws, Town Charter, and Town ordinances.
• Considerable problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to address financial challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership skills including the ability to develop of financial teams.
• Skill in communicating complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and in writing.
• Ability to perform complex and highly sensitive project work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and manage multiple priorities and assignments concurrently.
• Ability to prepare financial presentations to assist decision-makers in achieving strategic goals.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of the team.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications: Ten (10) years of experience in accounting, auditing, business administration with a major emphasis in an accounting area, information technology, administration of employee pension plans or other benefit programs or legal experience in the area of benefits administration. Three (3) years of experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity. College training in accounting, computer science, or business administration may be substituted for experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree. A Master's degree in accounting or business administration may be substituted for one (1) additional year of experience. Certification in any of the following may be substituted for one (1) additional year of experience: Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. 

Working Conditions, Physical and Mental Requirements: Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical and/or mental stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. Equipment used includes computers, financial software, phones, office equipment and a vehicle. A physical examination may be required.

The Town of Fairfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Town when necessary.

Salary : $145,000 - $155,000