Controller/CFO
Apply NowCompany: Fresno Irrigation District
Location: Fresno, CA 93722
Description:
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must complete the Supplemental Application available HERE prior to submitting the main application.
The completed Supplemental Application, Resume and Cover letter must be uploaded as part of your application submission.
Please note: Only candidates who submit both the main application and the completed Supplemental Application will be considered for the Controller/CFO position.
Controller/CFO Job Description
The Controller or Controller/CFO is responsible for ensuring the District meets its fiscal responsibilities while supporting its mission and goals. This position exercises considerable judgment and discretion. The Controller plans, organizes, and directs the daily financial activities of the District and the Accounting Department, including financial planning and management, budgeting, compliance and reporting, fund investment, accounting, billing, payroll, and auditing. The Controller provides supervision to the District's accounting staff, protects the assets of the District, and prepares the annual budget with the assistance of the department heads, Assistant General Managers, and the General Manager. On a monthly basis, the Controller presents the budget and financials during board meetings and gives presentations to the board finance and audit committee as needed, working closely with the senior leadership team.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Whether the individual in this position is a Controller or a Controller/CFO, this is a single position under the direction of the General Manager. This position supervises the Accounting staff, consisting of a Payroll Administrator and three Account Clerks.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Controller:
This position is part of the Management Team. The Controller-level in the Controller series is a management role with a focus on internal day-to-day financial operations of the District and the Accounting Department staff, and successfully handles several different activities concurrently. The Controller diligently focuses on ensuring the accuracy of the District's financial records, operational smoothness and efficiency, updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal controls, the timely production of financial reports, as well as oversite of accounting, budgeting, cost control and regulatory compliance. This position requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. The Controller understands the overall operations of the agency, how the financial system interrelates with operations, fixed assets, financial reporting, financial and non-financial risk and risk mitigation practices, capital structures, government funding, and cash management as well possessing a deep understanding of government accounting principles such as GAAP and GAAFR.
The Controller effectively communicates with all internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to FID executives, department heads, supervisors, staff, as well as outside agencies such as cities, counties, USBR, FWA, KRWA, etc., and to constituents who have questions about assessments, past liens (ISIP projects), etc.
This position successfully maximizes the potential of direct reports, understanding human behavior/motivation, and effective communication practices.
CONTROLLER - EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work and essential functions that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or is a logical assignment to this class.
Develops, establishes, assesses, monitors, updates and coordinates the implementation of short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget, providing insights and recommendations to optimize financial performance.
Ensures the day-to-day financial operations run smoothly and efficiently, effectively supervising department staff including evaluation of staff, mentorship, and training, development, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Oversees, directs and ensures adherence to internal controls, compliance with GAAP, applicable governmental accounting standards, and all federal state and local regulatory and reporting requirements related to all aspects of government accounting and finance functions including but not limited to payroll processing, recording of assets, timely and accurate posting and reconciliation of revenue and expenditure data to the general and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring accuracy of financial data.
In compliance with GAAP and GAAFR, gather data, prepares reports and supporting documents, submits and/or distributes documents including but not limited to budgets, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, monthly fund statements, financial reports and statements, annual government reports (Use Tax return, Diesel Tax return, , Worker's Compensation, 401k, OPEB)
Coordinates and oversees internal and external audit processes of financial records, prepare supporting documents, addressing findings and implementing corrective actions as necessary. Performs periodic audits of internal accounting records, as needed, to ensure accurate controls.
Track District investments, bonds/warrants, grants, and related administrative activities.
Presents and discusses reports as needed to management
Attends board meetings and presents financial information to the Board of Directors.
Presents to the Audit Committee
Coordinates, as needed, with third-party consultants
Complete Public Records Act (PRA) requests and know what and when to report.
Research, propose, and implement new technology for the Accounting Department and assists other departments as needed in the implementation of software.
Submitting financial records, reports, audits to appropriate agencies, ensuring compliance.
As needed, manage District owned properties.
Deposit checks at the bank as necessary
Perform other duties as assigned.
Controller/CFO:
This position is part of the Management Team. The Controller/CFO level in the Controller series successfully completes all the activities of the Controller position and demonstrates the reliable and consistent skill set and bandwidth to drive more impactful results through excellent leadership skills, shaping the District's financial strategic planning, financial forecasting, guiding major financial decisions, managing risks, and overseeing capital structure. Makes decisions with a long-term view.
The Controller/CFO performs additional financial functions of the district including investing, procuring bonds and warrants, ensuring the highest rating levels with Standard and Poors (S&P), and annual financial reporting to Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), S&P and other government agencies.
CONTROLLER/CFO - EXAMPLES OF ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work and essential functions that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
Facilitates issuance of bonds and warrants with outside counsel and banks.
Understand business risks, both financial and non-financial, and how to mitigate those risks
Advise Executive Team as requested on the development of District financial resources and programs as well as program impacts from a financial perspective
Presents to the Finance Committee
Plan, organize, track, direct, and manage District financial, accounting, investments, bonds/warrants, grants, and related administrative activities.
Assist the General Manager with long range financial planning, and protection of District assets.
Provide strategic financial guidance to the Executive team and the board, contributing to organizational planning and decision-making.
Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the long-term financial health of the organization.
Perform special analytical studies as directed by the General Manager.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education, Training, and Experience:
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting management or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate program typically provides the foundation for basic accounting practices and understanding of FASB and GAAP principles.
MBA/MPA or CPA is desirable.
Experience:
Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in public and/or private sector performing accounting, finance, and budgeting work at the level of this position.
At least five (5) years' experience in management or supervisory capacity.
An in-depth knowledge of governmental accounting principles, financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, regulations, and financial management practices is preferred.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of budgeting, accounting, finance, investment, and the development and maintenance of fiscal controls.
Laws, rules, ordinances, and legislative processes controlling District financial functions and operations.
Legislation guiding public sector practices such as the Public Records Act (PRA) and the Brown Act.
A basic understanding of the principles and practices of auditing.
Investment principles and practices.
Principles of supervision, training, and management.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) regulations.
Strong proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
Cost estimating and contract administration.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the financial, budgeting, investment functions, fiscal controls of the District.
Provide supervision, training, work development and evaluations for District finance and accounting staff.
Direct the maintenance of ledgers and journals.
Oversee the preparation of financial reports and statements.
Interpret and analyze governmental laws, codes, and ordinances.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
Exercise leadership, authority, and supervision tactfully and effectively.
Coordinate District budget development and fiscal controls.
Conduct performance audits of District services and functions.
Maintain responsibility for insurance and risk management functions.
Communicate well during public presentations.
Exercise leadership, authority, and supervision tactfully and effectively.
Provide advice and consultation to the General Manager on the development of fiscal systems, policies, and assets.
Represent the District's financial functions with individual citizens, community groups, and other government organizations effectively.
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships.
Physical and Mental Standards
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk bend and twist.
Repetitive use of hands is required to keyboard, grasp, manipulate, push and pull items, and reach above and below shoulder level.
Talk, hear and communicate with a wide variety of people.
Occasionally lift and/or move moderately heavy boxes of up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Performs related work as required.
Employee will follow all safety rules.
Employee will observe and follow all District policies and regulations.
Employee will report to work at the appointed time for each day he or she is scheduled to work.
During paid work time, employee will perform all work tasks and responsibilities to the best of their ability with the focus on quality and timely completion.
Employee will work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors.
Employee will represent the District in a positive and professional manner at all times.
Employee will attend out of town conferences and seminars on occasion that will require overnight stays
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an office environment but may require driving to other sites.
Applicants must complete the Supplemental Application available HERE prior to submitting the main application.
The completed Supplemental Application, Resume and Cover letter must be uploaded as part of your application submission.
Please note: Only candidates who submit both the main application and the completed Supplemental Application will be considered for the Controller/CFO position.
Controller/CFO Job Description
The Controller or Controller/CFO is responsible for ensuring the District meets its fiscal responsibilities while supporting its mission and goals. This position exercises considerable judgment and discretion. The Controller plans, organizes, and directs the daily financial activities of the District and the Accounting Department, including financial planning and management, budgeting, compliance and reporting, fund investment, accounting, billing, payroll, and auditing. The Controller provides supervision to the District's accounting staff, protects the assets of the District, and prepares the annual budget with the assistance of the department heads, Assistant General Managers, and the General Manager. On a monthly basis, the Controller presents the budget and financials during board meetings and gives presentations to the board finance and audit committee as needed, working closely with the senior leadership team.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Whether the individual in this position is a Controller or a Controller/CFO, this is a single position under the direction of the General Manager. This position supervises the Accounting staff, consisting of a Payroll Administrator and three Account Clerks.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Controller:
This position is part of the Management Team. The Controller-level in the Controller series is a management role with a focus on internal day-to-day financial operations of the District and the Accounting Department staff, and successfully handles several different activities concurrently. The Controller diligently focuses on ensuring the accuracy of the District's financial records, operational smoothness and efficiency, updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal controls, the timely production of financial reports, as well as oversite of accounting, budgeting, cost control and regulatory compliance. This position requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. The Controller understands the overall operations of the agency, how the financial system interrelates with operations, fixed assets, financial reporting, financial and non-financial risk and risk mitigation practices, capital structures, government funding, and cash management as well possessing a deep understanding of government accounting principles such as GAAP and GAAFR.
The Controller effectively communicates with all internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to FID executives, department heads, supervisors, staff, as well as outside agencies such as cities, counties, USBR, FWA, KRWA, etc., and to constituents who have questions about assessments, past liens (ISIP projects), etc.
This position successfully maximizes the potential of direct reports, understanding human behavior/motivation, and effective communication practices.
CONTROLLER - EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work and essential functions that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or is a logical assignment to this class.
Develops, establishes, assesses, monitors, updates and coordinates the implementation of short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget, providing insights and recommendations to optimize financial performance.
Ensures the day-to-day financial operations run smoothly and efficiently, effectively supervising department staff including evaluation of staff, mentorship, and training, development, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Oversees, directs and ensures adherence to internal controls, compliance with GAAP, applicable governmental accounting standards, and all federal state and local regulatory and reporting requirements related to all aspects of government accounting and finance functions including but not limited to payroll processing, recording of assets, timely and accurate posting and reconciliation of revenue and expenditure data to the general and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring accuracy of financial data.
In compliance with GAAP and GAAFR, gather data, prepares reports and supporting documents, submits and/or distributes documents including but not limited to budgets, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, monthly fund statements, financial reports and statements, annual government reports (Use Tax return, Diesel Tax return, , Worker's Compensation, 401k, OPEB)
Coordinates and oversees internal and external audit processes of financial records, prepare supporting documents, addressing findings and implementing corrective actions as necessary. Performs periodic audits of internal accounting records, as needed, to ensure accurate controls.
Track District investments, bonds/warrants, grants, and related administrative activities.
Presents and discusses reports as needed to management
Attends board meetings and presents financial information to the Board of Directors.
Presents to the Audit Committee
Coordinates, as needed, with third-party consultants
Complete Public Records Act (PRA) requests and know what and when to report.
Research, propose, and implement new technology for the Accounting Department and assists other departments as needed in the implementation of software.
Submitting financial records, reports, audits to appropriate agencies, ensuring compliance.
As needed, manage District owned properties.
Deposit checks at the bank as necessary
Perform other duties as assigned.
Controller/CFO:
This position is part of the Management Team. The Controller/CFO level in the Controller series successfully completes all the activities of the Controller position and demonstrates the reliable and consistent skill set and bandwidth to drive more impactful results through excellent leadership skills, shaping the District's financial strategic planning, financial forecasting, guiding major financial decisions, managing risks, and overseeing capital structure. Makes decisions with a long-term view.
The Controller/CFO performs additional financial functions of the district including investing, procuring bonds and warrants, ensuring the highest rating levels with Standard and Poors (S&P), and annual financial reporting to Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), S&P and other government agencies.
CONTROLLER/CFO - EXAMPLES OF ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work and essential functions that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
Facilitates issuance of bonds and warrants with outside counsel and banks.
Understand business risks, both financial and non-financial, and how to mitigate those risks
Advise Executive Team as requested on the development of District financial resources and programs as well as program impacts from a financial perspective
Presents to the Finance Committee
Plan, organize, track, direct, and manage District financial, accounting, investments, bonds/warrants, grants, and related administrative activities.
Assist the General Manager with long range financial planning, and protection of District assets.
Provide strategic financial guidance to the Executive team and the board, contributing to organizational planning and decision-making.
Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the long-term financial health of the organization.
Perform special analytical studies as directed by the General Manager.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education, Training, and Experience:
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting management or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate program typically provides the foundation for basic accounting practices and understanding of FASB and GAAP principles.
MBA/MPA or CPA is desirable.
Experience:
Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in public and/or private sector performing accounting, finance, and budgeting work at the level of this position.
At least five (5) years' experience in management or supervisory capacity.
An in-depth knowledge of governmental accounting principles, financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, regulations, and financial management practices is preferred.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of budgeting, accounting, finance, investment, and the development and maintenance of fiscal controls.
Laws, rules, ordinances, and legislative processes controlling District financial functions and operations.
Legislation guiding public sector practices such as the Public Records Act (PRA) and the Brown Act.
A basic understanding of the principles and practices of auditing.
Investment principles and practices.
Principles of supervision, training, and management.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) regulations.
Strong proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
Cost estimating and contract administration.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the financial, budgeting, investment functions, fiscal controls of the District.
Provide supervision, training, work development and evaluations for District finance and accounting staff.
Direct the maintenance of ledgers and journals.
Oversee the preparation of financial reports and statements.
Interpret and analyze governmental laws, codes, and ordinances.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
Exercise leadership, authority, and supervision tactfully and effectively.
Coordinate District budget development and fiscal controls.
Conduct performance audits of District services and functions.
Maintain responsibility for insurance and risk management functions.
Communicate well during public presentations.
Exercise leadership, authority, and supervision tactfully and effectively.
Provide advice and consultation to the General Manager on the development of fiscal systems, policies, and assets.
Represent the District's financial functions with individual citizens, community groups, and other government organizations effectively.
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships.
Physical and Mental Standards
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk bend and twist.
Repetitive use of hands is required to keyboard, grasp, manipulate, push and pull items, and reach above and below shoulder level.
Talk, hear and communicate with a wide variety of people.
Occasionally lift and/or move moderately heavy boxes of up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Performs related work as required.
Employee will follow all safety rules.
Employee will observe and follow all District policies and regulations.
Employee will report to work at the appointed time for each day he or she is scheduled to work.
During paid work time, employee will perform all work tasks and responsibilities to the best of their ability with the focus on quality and timely completion.
Employee will work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors.
Employee will represent the District in a positive and professional manner at all times.
Employee will attend out of town conferences and seminars on occasion that will require overnight stays
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an office environment but may require driving to other sites.