Controller-Finance

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a senior level management position reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer for the Finance Division of the Office of Children and Families/Department of Human Services. The principal objective for the Controller is to provide management, leadership, strategic direction and oversight to the accounts payable, budget, contracts and fiscal operations units within the Department of Human Services. The Controller is a key position in the fiscal stability of the department. The Controller position will provide leadership and management to the daily operations of the following units: Accounts Payable: The accounts payable team is responsible for the provider invoicing and payment remittance process. The department has well over 200 professional services contracts. City Budget Process: Annually, the Department of Human Services is responsible for submitting a Plan and Budget to Central Finance in alignment with the Mayor and Commissioner’s priorities. The Operations Director will take a lead role in coordinating the Budget Narrative compilation and supporting documentation. Fiscal Operations: This unit provides custodial support and expense coverage to employees who incur expenses in the performance of their departmental duties. Revenue Enhancement: The Revenue Enhancement team is responsible for quarterly invoicing to the department’s grantors, which includes various State & Federal funding streams.

Requirements

• Must be able to communicate financial information, via presentations in either written or verbal formats, into sound business language so people of all levels can understand.
• Experience with city systems, such as FAMIS, ACIS and ADPICS preferred.
• Ability to independently learn and use multiple accounting software packages.
• Track record in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, including external partners.
• Ability to effectively communicate – verbally and in writing - with a variety of stakeholders including direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.
• Strong analytical capability and the ability to formulate effective and actionable solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, persuasion, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to deliver quality work on tight deadlines, with strong organization and priority setting skills.
• Understanding importance of transparency and confidentiality in a government setting.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex technical policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to apply the principles and methods used in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration and budgeting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Knowledge of city, state and federal laws, policies, procedures, and standards related to children, youth, and families’ programs and services.
• Knowledge of Act148 Invoicing strongly desired
• Knowledge of Federal Funding to include Title IV-E, TANF strongly desired
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• At least 7 years of general accounting management experience that may include financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accounting policy, and auditing.
• Prior roles should include senior accountant, accounting manager or assistant controller.
• Minimum of 5 years supervising multiple staff teams.
• Knowledge and capability to link planning and administrative activities to the strategic orientation and direction of the organization.
• Thorough knowledge of financial administration, financial forecasting and implementation with Nonprofit or public accounting experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven capability to develop and implement clear and effective policies and procedures.
• Proven capability to lead strategic planning activities by working closely with cross functional leaders to deliver on identified priorities and mitigate high risk areas.
• Previous experience with FAMIS, ACIS and COGNOS preferred

Nice To Haves

• Experience with city systems, such as FAMIS, ACIS and ADPICS preferred.
• Knowledge of Act148 Invoicing strongly desired
• Knowledge of Federal Funding to include Title IV-E, TANF strongly desired
• Previous experience with FAMIS, ACIS and COGNOS preferred

Responsibilities

• Assess process improvement opportunities to increase staff efficiency and effectiveness and management of division functions.
• Serve as first point of contact for City budgeting oversight and development informing the Operation/ Target and Quarterly Budget process.
• Guide financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures.
• Advise executive management on the financial/accounting implications of major decisions and issues facing the department.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of reporting.
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports, such as the departments operating budget.
• Ensure the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities for cash disbursements, expenditure tracking, budget forecasting, professional services contracts, revenue confirmation, and subrecipient management.
• Facilitate regular financial communication to external provider network.
• Monitor the annual update, distribution, and communication of department’s Provider Fiscal Guidelines document.
• Maintain financial control within the accounting department, which includes attending monthly meetings with central finance to communicate key cash flow and budgetary updates.
• Work closely with other senior management staff within Finance division to address issues impacting reimbursement and invoicing.
• Work closely with divisional leaders to address issues impacting assigned responsibility programs.
• Demonstrate ability to manage staff.
• Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with direct reports, peers, supervisor, and departmental leaders.
• Represent Chief Financial Officer at meetings and/or work group committee meetings related to the City Funding policies and procedures.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
• Tuition Discounts and Scholarships (10% to 40%) for employees, spouse and dependents
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior