P26/27-COMPTROLLER

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Comptroller serves as a senior member of the APS Financial Management Team and is responsible for directing and overseeing the district’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance functions. This position manages the integrity of the school division’s financial records and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, federal and state regulations, and APS policies and procedures. The Comptroller provides leadership for core accounting operations including general ledger management, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, cash and investment oversight, grant accounting coordination, audit preparation, and fiscal compliance activities. The position supports strategic financial planning, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring strong stewardship of public funds. The Comptroller assists executive leadership in maintaining transparent, accurate, and efficient fiscal operations and provides technical accounting expertise and guidance to departments and schools throughout the district.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, GASB standards, and financial reporting requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage complex accounting operations and multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to train and mentor staff.
Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations, accounting standards, and district policies.
Skill in financial analysis, reconciliation, forecasting, and internal control evaluation.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to varied audiences.
Proficiency in ERP financial systems, financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and customer service.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field and five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial management, or governmental finance, including financial reporting, financial reconciliation, internal controls, audit coordination, and supervision of accounting functions.
Experience utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial systems and Microsoft Office applications is required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in governmental or school district accounting operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee the district’s accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting activities.
Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records and accounting transactions.
Coordinate year-end closing activities and support the preparation of the deliverables to the Arlington County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal control systems and accounting procedures.
Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local fiscal regulations, grant requirements, and district financial policies.
Coordinate internal and external audit activities, including preparation of schedules, responses, and corrective action implementation.
Review and approve complex accounting transactions, reconciliations, and adjustments.
Oversee cash management, banking relationships, account reconciliations, and investment accounting activities as assigned.
Analyze financial data and prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for executive leadership and the School Board.
Collaborate with Budget, Payroll, Procurement, Human Resources, and IT staff to ensure accurate financial integration and reporting across systems.
Assist in ERP financial system implementation, configuration testing, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate assigned accounting personnel.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automate processes, and strengthen financial controls.
Maintain current knowledge of governmental accounting standards, financial regulations, and best practices.
Perform other duties assigned to support effective financial management and the mission of the Business and Management Services Department.