City Controller

• The City Controller is an appointed fiscal officer of the City and the head of the Department of Finance.  To be eligible to be appointed as the head of the Department of Finance for the City of Lawrence, a person must be a resident of Marion County.

• Manage the finances and accounts of the City and make investments of City money, subject to the ordinances of the Common Council;
• Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures; implements a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk.
• Oversees the production of periodic financial reports; ensures that the reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards. 
• Recommends benchmarks that will be used to measure the company’s performance.
• Produces the annual budget and forecasts; reports significant budget differences to management.
• Provides financial analysis, with emphasis on capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Works with external auditors and provides needed information for the annual audit.
• Files quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the organization and the community through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

• Judgment and Decision Making -Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate complex situations.  Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches or solutions to a situation.  Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities.                      
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees at all levels, representatives from various departments, and outside agencies. Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes.                    
• Computer Skills - Utilization of modern office technology, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, and related software with reasonable speed and accuracy, as it is related to the position.
• Communication - Excellent ability to listen and understand information presented verbally and in writing.  Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Coordination of Work - Ability to plan and organize a daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk using a computer.
• Occasional need to travel between locations of city buildings and offices.
• Interaction with various departments, vendors, and external partners.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration required.
• Five years or more of related experience required.
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred.
• Previous experience in government entity preferred.

Requires a background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry, consumer report. Requires satisfactory results from pre-employment drug screening.

• Full-time, civilian, salary position.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other Voluntary policies.
• Paid holidays, earned vacation and sick time.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the City Controller role within the Controller’s Office. The specific duties may vary based on the municipality's needs, structure, and existing processes.