Controller

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

5d•$85,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Controller provides leadership and oversight of the Secretary of State agency’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, fiscal reporting, internal controls, and assigned administrative and human resources functions. As a member of the agency’s leadership team, the Controller advises the Secretary of State and agency management on financial matters, offering analysis and recommendations to support decision-making, responsible stewardship of public resources, and effective delivery of agency programs and services. The role ensures compliance with applicable state and federal requirements and promotes operational efficiency and accountability. The Controller performs annual budget development and administration, long-term financial planning, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and cash flow management. The role monitors fund balances and financial performance to ensure resources meet operational needs and expenditures remain within authorized funding levels. It reviews financial operations, internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial management practices for compliance with regulations, policies, and generally accepted governmental accounting principles; identifies opportunities to improve financial systems and administrative processes; and assists with policy development, procurement, human resources, asset management, and related operations. The Controller serves on the agency’s Management and Legislative Team, participates in assigned initiatives, and collaborates with division managers and other partners. The position directly supervises two accountants and works with other staff who perform accounting functions. Other related duties are assigned by the Secretary of State. The position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, or financial management.
Experience developing, implementing, or administering budgeting and accounting systems.
At least three years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, financial management, internal controls, cash management, revenue administration, and fiscal reporting.
Ability to analyze complex financial information, evaluate fund relationships and long-term sustainability, identify trends and risks, develop projections, and recommend corrective actions.
Ability to prepare and explain budgets, fiscal notes, fee analyses, financial reports, and fiscal impacts of legislation, policy changes, and agency initiatives.
Knowledge of applicable accounting standards, state and federal financial requirements, audit procedures, grant requirements, and statutory restrictions governing public funds.
Ability to develop short- and long-term financial plans, anticipate resource needs, assess competing priorities, and support executive-level decisions.
Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and develop employees; establish performance expectations; delegate responsibilities; resolve workplace issues; and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to people without an accounting or finance background.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and the ability to provide objective, well-supported financial recommendations.
Ability to use financial systems, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and other technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and service delivery.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency leadership, employees, auditors, governmental entities, vendors, and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to changing requirements, maintain attention to detail, and meet critical deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Degree in accounting or finance.
Experience preparing, administering, and monitoring Nebraska state government budgets and accounting systems.
Experience with governmental accounting, revenue and expenditure forecasting, cash management, and long-term financial planning.
Experience managing complex financial operations involving multiple divisions, fund types, revenue sources, and statutory requirements.
Experience conducting fee analyses, financial reviews, fiscal impact assessments, and legislative budget analyses.
Experience responding to state and federal audits, implementing internal controls, and resolving audit findings.
Experience supervising and developing a team.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and applicable state financial and accounting systems, including EnterpriseOne or equivalent systems.

Responsibilities

Develop and administer the annual budget, conduct long-term financial planning, forecast revenue and expenditures, and manage cash flow.
Monitor fund balances and financial performance to ensure resources meet operational needs and expenditures remain within authorized funding levels.
Review financial operations, internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial management practices for compliance with applicable requirements and governmental accounting principles.
Identify opportunities to improve financial systems and administrative processes; assist with policy development, procurement, human resources, asset management, and related operations.
Serve on the agency’s Management and Legislative Team, participate in assigned initiatives, and collaborate with division managers and partners on financial and administrative matters.
Directly supervise two accountants and work with other staff performing accounting functions.
Prepare and provide financial reports, fiscal notes, fee analyses, annual financial reporting, and year-end close information to agency and external stakeholders.
Prepare and submit agency budget requests, monitor budget status reports, and respond to budget and expenditure questions from the Legislative Fiscal Office and State Budget Division.
Approve and post documents and run financial reports in the Payroll and Financial Center.
Establish and maintain internal controls and accounting procedures; coordinate state and federal audits, address findings, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, accounting standards, grant requirements, and reporting obligations.
Advise the Secretary of State and agency management on financial strategy, resource allocation, legislative impacts, and operational priorities.
Supervise and develop assigned financial and administrative staff through policy development, workload allocation, cross-training, and organizational planning.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Secretary of State.