Deputy Controller

City of Elkhart•Elkhart, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Controller serves as the second-in-command of the City of Elkhart Controller’s Office and as a key member of its management team. Reporting directly to the City Controller, the role provides leadership and oversight of the City’s financial operations, accounting, financial reporting, budget administration, internal controls, and department personnel. The Deputy Controller supports strategic financial planning, promotes regulatory compliance and operational improvements, ensures accurate and timely financial information, and performs authorized Controller duties in the Controller’s absence. The position oversees budgeting, general ledger and fund accounting, financial reconciliations, reporting, audit coordination, cash management, financial controls, and significant financial transactions. It supervises and develops assigned personnel and works with City departments, officials, auditors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Work is primarily in an office setting and may require additional hours during budget, audit, reporting, and close deadlines, as well as occasional local travel. A post-offer drug screen and acceptable BMV and criminal history checks are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience may be considered.
At least six years of progressively responsible accounting, finance, budgeting, or public-sector fiscal experience.
At least two years of supervisory or management experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Advanced understanding of governmental accounting, fund accounting, internal controls, financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis.
Working knowledge of applicable Indiana municipal finance requirements, SBOA guidance, DLGF reporting, and public purchasing and claims procedures.
Ability to lead personnel, delegate work, establish controls, resolve problems, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and financial data and make well-supported recommendations.
Proficiency with financial ERP systems, spreadsheets, reporting applications, and standard office technology, and ability to improve system processes.
Ability to prepare and present accurate reports and respond effectively to questions from City officials, staff, auditors, and the public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and manage competing deadlines and high-priority issues.
Ability to perform the described physical, mental, and visual skills and essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Municipal government accounting, Indiana public finance, budgeting, and audit experience are strongly preferred.
CPA, CGFM, CPFO, or comparable professional credential is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, prioritization, and accountability for Controller’s Office operations and serve as the Controller’s principal operational and financial management partner.
Assist the Controller with developing and administering the annual City budget, including departmental coordination, revenue and expenditure analysis, budget monitoring, appropriations, transfers, and required State submissions.
Oversee general ledger accuracy, fund accounting, month-end and year-end closing, financial reconciliations, and resolution of accounting discrepancies.
Direct and review monthly City bank-account reconciliations and related cash and investment activity; support cash management, liquidity monitoring, and segregation of duties.
Lead preparation and review of the Annual Financial Report, Local Road and Street report, appropriation reports, and other required governmental financial reports and submissions.
Coordinate audit preparation, documentation, responses, and corrective actions, and maintain readiness for Indiana State Board of Accounts examinations and applicable reporting requirements.
Oversee financial controls and compliance across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, claims, revenue collections, and debt service, coordinating with responsible supervisors and departments.
Review and oversee authorized bond and debt-service payments, fund transfers, appropriation entries, corrections, and other significant financial transactions within applicable approvals and internal controls.
Supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop assigned personnel; establish performance expectations, support cross-training and succession planning, and address workflow and service concerns.
Partner with department heads, the Mayor’s Office, Common Council, external auditors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders on financial matters as directed by the Controller.
Analyze financial trends, fund balances, budget-to-actual results, and operational risks; prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for City leadership.
Lead improvements to financial systems, ERP processes, documentation, reporting tools, and internal procedures; coordinate system issue resolution with technical support.
Ensure continuity of critical functions through documented procedures, backup coverage, and timely escalation of material financial or compliance concerns.
Perform Controller duties during the Controller’s absence to the extent authorized by law, appointment, and City policy, exercising delegated authority within established approval limits.
Provide backup coverage for payroll, accounts payable, and claims processing during staff absences.
Attend Common Council, Board of Works, or committee meetings as requested.
Assist with grant financial reporting and special projects.
Respond to public records requests related to financial matters in coordination with Legal.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Controller or authorized City leadership, and other job-related duties requested by the Mayor.