Job Description

Job Summary

Job Title

Financial Controller

Job Code

FN-120

Job Grade

AA/02

Job Goal

To direct and oversee all accounting operations affecting the District's general ledger and financial reporting to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and proper reconciliation of financial data. Ensure full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) regulations. Provide strategic leadership and oversight of accounting functions, establishes and maintains robust internal controls, and ensure the timely preparation and dissemination of accurate, comprehensive financial information to management, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education.

Reports To

Assistant Chief School Finance Officer

Supervises

Financial Accounting Supervisors, Finance Specialists, General Ledger Staff as assigned


Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversees the District's general ledger accounting to ensure the accurate and timely posting of financial transactions from all sub-ledgers, including payroll, accounts payable, fixed assets, and grants.

Directs and coordinates the monthly and year-end closing processes, including the review and approval of journal entries, accruals, reclassifications, and reconciliations.

Reviews and monitors all balance sheet accounts to verify completeness, accuracy, and proper classification of assets, liabilities, and fund balances.

Supervises and reviews all bank account reconciliations and monitors daily cash activity in coordination with Finance leadership.

Reviews and approves journal entries impacting the general ledger for appropriate documentation, accuracy, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Collaborates with the Assistant Chief Financial Officer to prepare accurate and timely monthly and annual financial statements, State Department reports, and other required submissions.

Ensures that expenditures and revenues are properly coded by fund, function, and object in accordance with ALSDE requirements and local board policies.

Serves as a liaison among Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Payable to ensure the accurate and complete flow of transactions to the general ledger.

Provides technical accounting guidance to Finance staff and assists in resolving complex accounting and reporting issues.

Prepares and reviews audit schedules and supporting documentation; coordinates audit fieldwork and responses to external auditors.

Evaluates and strengthens internal accounting controls, financial procedures, and workflows to enhance operational efficiency and safeguard district assets.

Develops, documents, and maintains written accounting procedures that align with district and state guidelines.

Provides professional development, mentoring, and performance feedback to assigned staff to promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Participates in meetings as assigned to communicate and exchange financial information related to accounting operations.

Provides leadership and supervision over assigned personnel to ensure employees have a clear understanding of their job responsibilities.

Selects personnel and conducts performance appraisals on assigned employees and makes recommendations for appropriate employment action to ensure a standard of accountability is met as defined by the department's goals and objectives, as well as the policies established by the Huntsville City School System.

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving operating procedures to improve efficiency and effective use of school resources.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience is also required, preferably within a governmental or educational environment. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or an equivalent credential is preferred. Candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) accounting and reporting standards. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in enterprise accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.

Physical Requirements

Requires light work exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Job involves sitting most of the time.


Terms of Employment
Twelve month year. Salary as recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board.


Job Grade AA / 02.


This specification has been designed to represent the general nature and level of work found in this position.

As such, it is not intended to contain all duties and qualifications of an employee in this position.

Consequently, it is not intended to be perceived as an identification of essential job functions as required by ADA. Note: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to that position.