Controller

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Under the guidance of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller serves as the District's chief accounting officer and is responsible for managing the District's accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, monthly financial close process, accounts payable, grants accounting, fixed assets, cash management, and financial compliance activities.

The Controller ensures the integrity and accuracy of the District's financial records and reporting while supporting strategic financial planning and operational excellence. The position plays a key leadership role in modernizing financial systems, strengthening internal controls, and providing transparent financial information to district leadership, the Board of Trustees, staff, and the public.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations of the District.
• Maintain the integrity of the District's general ledger.
• Develop and implement monthly closing procedures.
• Ensure timely preparation of monthly financial statements.
• Prepare annual financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate year-end closing activities.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Prepare financial analyses and reports for the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and executive leadership.
• Develop financial dashboards and performance metrics.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)
  • Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)
  • Federal grant requirements
  • Board policies
  • District administrative regulations
• Monitor segregation of duties and financial control procedures.
• Lead corrective action efforts resulting from audit findings.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures manuals.
• Evaluate operational and financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Monthly Close and Financial Management

• Establish and maintain a monthly financial close calendar.
• Review all journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial adjustments.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, and cash flow.
• Reconcile bank accounts and investment accounts.
• Review balance sheet accounts monthly.
• Ensure timely identification and resolution of accounting discrepancies.
• Coordinate monthly budget-to-actual reporting.

Accounts Payable and Procurement Oversight

• Oversee accounts payable operations.
• Ensure vendor payments comply with District policy and Nevada law.
• Monitor purchasing card programs and related internal controls.
• Support procurement modernization initiatives.
• Review expenditure trends and recommend efficiencies.

Grants and Special Revenue Funds

• Oversee financial management of federal, state, and local grants.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Monitor grant budgets and expenditures.
• Coordinate Single Audit preparation.
• Support program managers with grant budgeting and financial reporting.

Payroll and Benefits Oversight

• Provide supervisory oversight for payroll and benefits operations.
• Review payroll reconciliations and payroll-related financial reporting.
• Monitor retirement reporting and employer contribution requirements.
• Ensure payroll-related liabilities are properly recorded and reconciled.

Budget Support

• Assist the CFO with annual budget development.
• Prepare multi-year financial forecasts.
• Analyze enrollment, staffing, and compensation impacts.
• Support collective bargaining cost analyses.
• Assist in development of long-range financial plans.

Audit Coordination

• Serve as primary District liaison for external auditors.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits.
• Coordinate Single Audits and compliance reviews.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise assigned Business Services staff.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and customer service.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational improvement initiatives.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform related duties as assigned.

WORK CONTACTS

The position requires frequent contact with administrators, teachers, other district staff, vendors, and the general public, to provide and obtain information and to direct, coordinate and manage work activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Governmental accounting principles.
• GASB standards.
• School district finance operations.
• Budget development and financial forecasting.
• Internal control frameworks.
• Federal grants management.
• Audit practices and procedures.
• Financial system administration.

Skill in

• Financial analysis.
• Accounting system management.
• Internal control design.
• Staff supervision.
• Project management.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting tools.

Ability to

• Interpret and apply complex accounting standards.
• Analyze large volumes of financial data.
• Lead organizational change initiatives.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Build productive working relationships with administrators, principals, auditors, and governing boards.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Financial Officer and functions on an independent, responsible level, with accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness. The Chief Financial Officer shall at least annually evaluate the Controller's performance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Immediate to general supervision is exercised over the Payroll & Benefits Analyst and the Accounts Payable & Procurement Analyst positions in the Business Services Office.

CONDITIONS OF WORK

Work is performed under the following conditions: 

• Exposure to climate-controlled office settings to outside weather with temperatures ranging from mild/moderate to extreme cold/heat. May involve exposure to noise levels ranging from moderate to very loud and occasional to frequent time periods. May involve work in crowded environments.
• Hazards:  Office/Classroom furniture, playground/office equipment, communicable diseases, chemicals (as related to specific assignment), and power/hand operated equipment and machinery (as related to specific assignment).

SAFETY SENSITIVE: 

NO

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Related field

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental or public-sector accounting experience.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing audits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• School district finance experience.
• Nevada governmental accounting experience.
• Experience with Tyler Technologies School ERP or similar financial systems.
• Experience implementing financial process improvements.
• Knowledge of federal grant management and Single Audit requirements.

Recommended DCSD Finance Structure

Chief Financial Officer

Controller

•    Payroll & Benefits Analyst
  • Accounts Payable & Procurement Analyst

This structure creates clear accountability for:

• Monthly financial reporting
• Strong internal controls
• Financial transparency
• Audit readiness
• Payroll accuracy
• Budget development
• Financial modernization initiatives

And is appropriately sized for a district the size of Douglas County School District while still allowing the finance department to mature beyond a transaction-processing function into a strategic business office.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/INTELLECTUAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical and mental/intellectual requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Those requirements include:

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods.
• Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.
• Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, student work, and other materials.  Some reaching for items above and below waist and head level.  Some reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to access files, student work, and other items as necessary.  The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer and other educational technology (LCD projector, SmartBoard, iPads/Tablets, etc.) to enhance student learning.
• Involves hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Medium to heavy lifting (25 to 40 pounds) may occasionally be required.
• In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. 

EMPLOYEE PUNCTUALITY AND APPEARANCE

In order for DCSD schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.  Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of DCSD and is appropriate for their position.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Douglas County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed/religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age, veterans or military status, or political affiliation in admission to or access to, treatment or employment, or participation in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups, pursuant to federal and state laws including, but not limited to, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.  The Douglas County School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not knowingly discriminate in any area of employment, which includes recruiting and hiring practices, working conditions, training, promotion, and terms and conditions of employment.  Individuals with a disability who require reasonable accommodation(s) during any step of the screening process or who have questions about qualifications should notify a representative in Human Resources.  Notification may be made in person, in writing, or by calling (775) 782-7177.

The Superintendent of Douglas County School District has designated the following position to handle inquiries regarding student and employee non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources

1638 Mono Avenue

Minden, Nevada 89423

Phone: (775) 782-7177