Controller, Deputy

City of Atlanta • Atlanta, GA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Controller is responsible for the day-to-day management of key operational areas within the Controller’s Office, including Financial Reporting, Grants Accounting, General Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. This position ensures accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations and reporting, and provides oversight to ensure strong internal controls and operational efficiency. This is a senior management role that reports directly to the Controller and supports strategic initiatives while ensuring execution of core accounting functions. This is a policy-making level of management and would be considered "upper middle" management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting and reporting experience.
• At least 3 to 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing audits, reporting, and staff development.
• Strong knowledge of public sector accounting, audit standards, and financial reporting.
• Proven experience managing large accounting teams and complex operations.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and present findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as Oracle and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (equivalent professional experience may be considered to substitute the Master’s degree on an exception basis)
• Experience with municipal government or public sector financial management.
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP.
• Certifications such as CPA, CGFM, or CPFO are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Financial Reporting, Grants Accounting, General Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Payroll.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and City financial policies.
• Supervise the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), Single Audit, and related regulatory filings.
• Manage the coordination and execution of external audits, including federal funds and pension audits.
• Oversee the accurate and timely recording of capital assets, debts, and liabilities.
• Monitor and maintain strong internal controls across financial operations.
• Support implementation of accounting system upgrades and integrations (e.g., Oracle ERP).
• Lead, coach, and develop staff to maintain a high-performing, service-oriented team.
• Serve as acting Controller in the Controller’s absence.

What This Job Offers

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