City Controller
Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.
The Department of Finance provides centralized structure and support for the City of Norfolk's financial operations, including financial reporting; debt and cash management; payroll; procurement; risk management; financial system administration and support; accounts payable; collections; retirement and parking financial operations. Finance's Financial Reporting division oversees the City's annual external audit, prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and ensures the integrity of the general ledger, while collaborating with every department to provide expert guidance. The City Controller oversees the Financial Accounting and Reporting division within the Department of Finance, ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The role offers robust resources, training, and support, requires independent work with regular management updates, and expects proactive improvement initiatives with management buy-in and implementation. Overtime may be necessary during peak periods and to meet federal and state deadlines; while we strive to minimize extra hours and build a strong Financial Reporting team, fulfilling essential City obligations remains our top priority.
The City Controller is responsible for:
- Directing all City accounting, auditing, and financial reporting functions, with a focus on accuracy and transparency.
- Managing Senior Accounting Managers to maintain balanced workloads and optimize team performance.
- Evaluating division processes to implement efficient workflows and drive continuous improvement.
- Mentoring senior staff through structured training and oversight of independent projects.
- Establishing division goals aligned with broader City strategic initiatives.
- Leading coordination of the annual external audit process.
- Ensuring Citywide compliance with GAAP and government accounting standards set by the GASB.
- Reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of financial documents and reports.
- Overseeing financial reporting for all federal, state, and local grant awards.
- Assisting in providing Citywide oversight of fiscal processes and the monitoring of internal controls.
- Developing internal controls, guidelines, and procedures for regulatory activities like cash management and accounting.
- Offering executive recommendations to enhance financial practices, regulatory compliance, and policy controls.
- Reviewing financial software and system capabilities to maximize efficient use of financial resources.
Required: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Master's degree preferred. Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in government or fund accounting. Minimum 5 years of direct supervisory experience managing municipal finance operations.
Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO).
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus.
Benefits: Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking. Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization. Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union. Retirement: If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.