SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Deputy General Manager, the Controller position serves as chief accountant and is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day oversight and management of the San Antonio River Authority finance division. Activities include but are not limited to oversight and management, accounting, strategic direction, financial analysis and forecasting, and special projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Ensures compliance with the policies, goals, and objectives established by the Deputy General Manager, General Manager, and the Board of Directors.
Provides interpretation of financial policies, governmental legislation, accounting theory, and customer financial regulations. Researches, recommends, and implements solutions to problems relating to accounting, auditing, budgeting, legal contracting, and other business practices.
Oversees independent auditors with the River Authority’s annual financial statements and general audit, the A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations audit, completion of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or other special audits.
Oversees the planning and preparation of financial statements and reports including the Annual Budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Five-year Plan, Quarterly Investment Report, and quarterly operating statements. Briefs the Board of Directors to ensure compliance with State law.
Supervises the activities of department staff to ensure compliance and implementation of various administrative functions and financial activities, including scheduling, training, coaching, mentoring, evaluating work performance using written performance evaluations, hiring, and counseling staff to correct deficiencies and implement discipline procedures.
Coordinates and may lead budget preparation by planning budget guidelines and instructions, reviewing budget requests and recommendations, preparing budget proposals, monitoring department and project budget execution, recommending budget adjustments, and linking the strategic plan to the budget.
Supports the development of the utility rate models and makes recommendations on proposed rate structure and rate changes.
Responsible for overseeing grant administration and reporting. Coordinates grant development, submission, award, and reporting in conjunction with other River Authority departments.
Works with the River Authority’s Financial Advisor to provide necessary information related to the issuance of debt instruments or other services. Ensures compliance with debt covenants and annual reporting requirements.
Balances and closes financial books monthly and for the annual audit.
Monitors the balancing of subsidiary ledgers monthly including payroll, accounts receivable, fixed assets, encumbrances, utility billing, and accounts payable.
Develops financial models and reports to communicate information to the management team and inform financial plans and forecasts.
Reviews monthly entries to the general and statistical ledgers to assure accuracy and compliance with established accounting principles and procedures.
Reviews internal controls and updates as needed; investigates variations in established internal controls.
Oversees the River Authority’s bank depository contract and reviews the River Authority’s banking activity.
Coordinates the River Authority’s daily Cash Management Program, to include monitoring and investing idle funds in accordance with the River Authority’s Investment Policy, while ensuring adequate and readily available funds to meet the cash flow needs.
Assists in preparing agenda items and supporting documentation for presentations to the Board of Directors.
Serves as one of the River Authority’s Investment Officers.
All other duties assigned.
The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENT:
This position directly supervises analysts, accountants, technicians, specialists, and/or interns.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
An Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration and eight (8) years of increasing responsibility in finance, accounting, or economics; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of accounting such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), financial policies, Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR); and computer proficiency in the current Microsoft Office package is required.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
LANGUAGE AND REASONING SKILLS:
Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures is essential. Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) are required to effectively present information in a one-on-one, small or large group setting. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, agency representatives, civic groups, employees, and members of the general public. The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under sometimes stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Work is largely sedentary; must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time and intermittently walk, climb, balance, bend, crouch, and reach while performing office duties. Regularly and safely lifts, carries, and handles supplies and equipment weighing at least 20 pounds. Occasionally lifts and carries up to 30 pounds approximately 15 feet.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Work is typically performed in a well-lit and adequately heated and ventilated office environment and requires observance of safe work practices, fire regulations, and avoidance of falls, trips, and similar office work hazards. Occasionally, work is performed outdoors when visiting worksites and projects.
The stress level for this position is high and the workload often requires this position to work non-traditional hours to ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner. Must be able to perform in a small but highly professional team-oriented environment.
Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.