The City Controller is an executive level position for the City of Boston that reports to the Chief Financial Officer/Collector-Treasurer and is appointed by the Mayor. The City Controller serves as City Auditor, ex-officio member of the Boston Retirement System Board and is the primary point of contact to the City of Boston Audit Committee and the City’s external auditors.

The Auditing Department acts as the Controller of the City, establishes policies that serve as rules or guidelines for City departments so that they may conform with regulatory requirements for handling revenue and expenses, and other areas of financial oversight. The City Controller plays a critical role in managing the City’s over $4 Billion annual general fund budget as well as all external funds. The City Controller is also integral to developing strategies for managing the City’s long-term liabilities and developing policies for maintaining internal controls. 

As an advisor and resource to the Chief Financial Officer, the City Controller works to ensure effective and efficient management of the City’s operations; compliance with all relevant laws and regulations; and is responsible for transparent financial practices. The Auditing Department centrally manages and conducts pre-audits of all City payroll and accounts payable transactions, also serving as the official keeper of the records.

The City Controller works collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office, Cabinet Chiefs, Department Heads and other members of City Leadership to enhance municipal operations, and is an advocate for change building on best business practices in government by promoting accountability, integrity and clarity in the City’s business operations. 

The City Controller is responsible for planning and directing the financial and fiscal compliance, program, operational, and information technology audits of all City departments and programs. This involves directing a professional staff to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles, governmental auditing standards and federal uniform guidelines, coordinating audits and communicating the results to the Chief Financial Officer and elected officials.

The Controller directly participates in the ongoing management of the City’s financial and human capital management systems.

• • Guides financial decisions by establishing, monitoring and enforcing policies and procedures.
  • Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
  • Monitors and confirms financial condition by conducting audits and providing information to external auditors.
  • Provides status of financial condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data.
  • Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; filing financial reports; and advising management on needed actions.
  • Provides oversight of the city-wide financial and human capital management systems.
  • Coordinates investigations of irregularities in accounts or inadequacies in systems of any City department.
  • Oversees the preparation of periodic monthly reporting, the City’s Basic Financial Statement, Official Statement, Management Letter, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Single Audit, Other Post Employment Benefit Actuarial Valuation, Schedule A, MSBA Audits, Free Cash Certification, other third party reports, and departmental reports and documents.
  • Plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Auditing Department engaged in the approval, payment, and maintenance of financial records of all transactions for all departments of the City.
  • Develops the Auditing Department budget and coordinates the procurement activities including the selection of the external auditor.
  • Ensures the team meets the administration’s performance targets, follows policies and procedures, and delivers projects on time and on budget.
  • Ensures the safe custody of contracts, employees bonds and insurance policies required.
  • Exercises control over procurement orders and contracts and encumbrances as required ensuring availability of funds for payment against appropriate budgetary account codes.
  • Ensures the prompt and accurate examination of payrolls to assure proper authorization for payment, the propriety of charges against sick and vacation leave allowances, and the control of payroll deductions.
  • Establishes accounting policy and procedures for all municipal departments consistent with statutory regulations and budgetary controls.
  • Maintains complete and accurate records of the City’s funded debt.
  • Directs the Auditing of city-wide financial and accounting systems to assure conformance to established accounting procedures and pertinent laws.
  • Maintains the continuity of a qualified and motivated staff by hiring, training, assigning and reviewing the work performance of managers, accounting and other personnel.
  • Represents the City before the City Council, Legislature, and/or any governmental regulations.
  • Advises the Chief Financial Officer, department heads, and city officials concerning financial and administrative matters, proposed legislation, and fiscal policy and operations.
  • Coordinates and integrates the activities of the Auditing Department with  the Treasurer, Collector Treasurer, Supervisor of Budgets, Purchasing Agent, Director of Human Resources, Chief Information Officer, Department Heads and City Officials, to assure efficient and effective working relationships.
  • Performs related work as required.

Education and Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of full time professional experience in government financial management, accounting and/or grant related functions.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration preferred.
• Certification as a Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor preferred.
• Experience with Financial and Human Resource database software such as Oracle/PeopleSoft Financials and Human Capital Management or compatible systems preferred.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); governmental and/or business auditing and accounting theory and practices.
• Municipal fiscal, budgetary and financial operations of city government.

Skill In:

• Intermediate to advanced applications software expertise (Excel and accounting software).
• Government accounting experience, including payroll.

Ability to:

• Formulate major operating and accounting policies and procedures.
• Design, modify and implement accounting and control systems and their integration with other related technology.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• See the big picture while focusing on the process and procedures necessary to produce deliverables.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Establish and meet deadlines.
• Operate flexibly and to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Engage and support diverse business stakeholders.
• Plan, direct, manage and integrate a broad program of centralized management, finance, human resources, and administrative services.
• Define complex management, finance, budget and administrative issues; perform difficult and complex analyses and research; evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Analyze, interpret and explain proposed legislation and programs in terms of their implications and impacts on City programs, operations and sources of revenue
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Balance long-term and short-term goals; identify and set priorities
• Exercise seasoned management and political acumen, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, City Commissioners, department directors, managers, elected and appointed officials of other governmental agencies, City employees, business and community leaders, the media, and City residents encountered in the course of work.

Boston Residency Required

Terms:

Non-Union/Non-Graded

Hours per week: 35

Salary Range: $140,000 - $165,000 Depending On Experience