Controller

JOB SUMMARY

Directs financial accounting and reporting activities of the organization, establishes sound accounting policies and procedures for effectively administering the various funds and accounts of the district, operates and manages integrated accounting systems, analyzes and interprets financial data; prepares complex reports, financial statements, and other data as required by board policy and state statute.  Oversees general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grant accounting, fixed assets, treasury, coordination with external auditors, tax filings and monitors budgeted capital expenditures.

Facilitates the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) process by automating risk identification, risk monitoring and reporting in SAP to ensure transparency and to provide visibility to organizational risk to enable HISD to mitigate risks or create compensating controls. Oversees the implementation and maintenance of Segregation of Duties (SOD) for PeopleSoft. Leads the implementation and maintenance of Approva’s Certification Manager which provides visibility of user access to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and minimizes the District’s risk of noncompliance, or security breaches which may lead to fraudulent activity.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    List most important duties first
1.    Plans, directs,  and manages all accounting functions related to Accounts Payable, Internal Service Funds, Special Revenue Funds, Business Development, Medicaid, Food Services Accounting, General Accounting, Bond Fund Accounting, Property Management and Treasury.
2.    Oversees the activities of the Payroll Department to ensure payments for salaries and salary-related benefits are properly recorded, distributed, and disbursed in a timely manner.  Oversees the strategic operations of the Property Management Department’s accounting for and safeguarding of the district’s $2.0 billion in fixed assets.
3.    Collaborates with city, county, and state officials and independent auditors on financial matters to ensure that the district’s accounting records and related reports are maintained in accordance with requirements.  Collaborates with external attorneys and investment advisors in preparing prospectus and other documentation for bond offerings, contractual obligations, etc.
4.    Develops, initiates, and distributes a variety of regular and special reports relating to the financial activities and conditions of the district for the public, board, and federal, state, and local governments.
5.    Oversees annual closeout of the district’s financial records, systems, and the preparation of the comprehensive annual financial report.  Determines that all expenditures against appropriations are made pursuant to and in accordance with proper authorization.
6.    Facilitates the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) process by automating risk identification, risk monitoring and reporting in SAP to ensure transparency and to provide visibility to organizational risk to enable HISD to mitigate risks or create compensating controls.
7.    Oversees the implementation and maintenance of Segregation of Duties (SOD) for PeopleSoft.
8.    Leads the implementation and maintenance of Approva’s Certification Manager which provides visibility of user access to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and minimizes the District’s risk of noncompliance, or security breaches which may lead to fraudulent activity.

 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

9.    Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

7+ years

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Microsoft Office
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversees the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures and precedent are created and approved by this position. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Greater latitude and discretion is warranted in making decisions, which affect major areas of HISD and possibly the organization's public image. The job is constantly expected to apply creative solutions to complex problems and develop new ideas and concepts.  Reviews and approves decisions and/or recommendations that may have a significant impact on the entire organization.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have a major impact to multiple divisions or the organization and may impact the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.