SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY CONTROLLER (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Job Description:

SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY CONTROLLER (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT CITY OF HOUSTON EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY, 6TH FL.
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the guidance of the City Controller or designee, the Senior Assistant City Controller oversees the initial processes related to the certification of the availability of funds and assists in directing the accounting and Integrated Financial Management Information Systems activities in the City Controller's office and recommends financial record-keeping and cost-control systems policies and procedures. In addition, the Senior Assistant City Controller serves as the primary liaison to assigned departments, agencies and organizations to effectively coordinate financial operating and management policies, procedures, and systems. The Senior Assistant City Controller will support the City Controller's Office in implementing process improvements, monitoring operational effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies.
The Senior Assistant City Controller duties will include but are not limited to:

• Serves as a strategic planner and policy advisor to the City Controller and the department’s Chief Administrative Officer on policy initiatives.
• Plans and directs major division-wide projects and administrative operations, establishes project objectives and timelines to ensure assignments are completed proficiently and expeditiously, and evaluates departmental operations and oversees the development and modification of work standards, policies and procedures to improve operations and address areas of deficiencies.
• Represents the City Controller at meetings with City officials, governmental agencies and project consultants, and communicates project goals to managers, the general public and outside agencies.
• Oversees the conduct of research to gather information on proposed initiatives and special projects, analyzes research findings, and directs the preparation of reports and the presentation of recommendations to the City Controller.
• Provides technical assistance and serves as liaison to departmental managers and private consultants involved in program planning and implementation, directs the compilation of comprehensive operations and administrative reports for the department, and coordinates and directs staff training and development activities.
• Directs the development and implementation of internal accounting controls, policies, procedures and management techniques for the city's various integrated accounting systems.
• Develops and maintains a cohesive, talented and motivated team in each of the divisions.
• Supervises the recording and analysis of city transactions and preparation of financial statements and routine special reports.
• Assists and advises the department head on a broad range of financial problems; provides recommendations on fiscal and budgetary implications of specific accounting applications.
• Coordinates developing, implementing and maintaining the department's data processing system.
• Ensures that internal controls are robust, effective and enforced; updates and/or implements new controls to maintain an effective internal control framework.
• Manages standardization of citywide accounting procedures; disseminates accounting procedures and information to department heads.
• Evaluates the adequacy of, recommends improvements to, and maintains compliance with internal accounting controls.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding proper disbursement of City funds.
• Serves as liaison between the accounting and audit sections of the City Controller's office, the Steering Committee and other city organizations.
• Works cross-functionally with senior leadership team with domain expertise (such as IT, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Procurement) and with operational responsibility (such as Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Operations).

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field. Professional certification is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Eight years of accounting and/or auditing experience are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who can conduct in-depth analyses of city operations across various departments to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with a track record of working with department heads to map and assess key operational processes, focusing on aligning them with budgetary constraints and organizational goals. The ideal candidate will be able to evaluate operational performance and make recommendations to enhance service delivery while optimizing resource utilization.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership track record.
• Self-directed, solutions-oriented, multi-tasker; strong communication and organizational skills; ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Adept at managing peak work periods and changing circumstances; tenacious in meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and be responsive to internal and external inquiries; technical knowledge pertaining to division operations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments.
• Exceptional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Use of appropriate written and verbal language and grammar with minimal errors.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple demands and customer needs using a variety of methods and best practices while incorporating customer feedback.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 32

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 5/15/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00 Annually