ASSISTANT CITY CONTROLLER IV

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: All Person Interested

Section: Operations Division
Reporting Location: 901 Bagby St., 7 th Floor
Workdays & Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the guidance of the City Controller or designee, the Assistant City Controller IV performs advanced professional accounting, financial operations, and operational management work in support of the City Controller's Operations Division. Under general direction of the Senior Assistant City Controller and the Chief Administrative Officer, the incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating complex financial operations and ensuring the efficient execution of critical accounting, treasury, payroll, disbursement, reconciliation and financial control functions.

The position exercises considerable independent judgment in managing operational processes, interpreting financial policies, analyzing business processes, and implementing operational improvements. Assistant City Controller IV serves as a principal liaison between the Controller's Office and City departments to ensure compliance with City Charter requirements, administrative procedures, accounting standards, and applicable federal and state regulations while promoting operational excellence and continuous process improvement.

The Assistant City Controller IV performs advanced operational and financial management duties and key responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Direct, coordinate, and oversee specialized financial operations within assigned functional areas, including certification of funds, accounts payable, payroll, treasury support, banking operations, disbursement control, records management, fixed assets, and other Controller operations.
• Review, analyze, and approve complex financial transactions, accounting records, journal entries, fund transfers, payment requests, and operational activities to ensure compliance with City policies, financial regulations, and internal controls.
• Monitor departmental financial operations to ensure timely processing of vendor payments, payroll transactions, electronic funds transfers (EFT), ACH payments, wire transfers, and check disbursements.
• Analyze operational workflows and recommend improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve customer service to City departments.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret operational, financial, and performance data to identify trends, improve productivity, and support executive decision-making.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards, performance measures, and management reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), workload, processing times, compliance, and financial activity.
• Conduct financial and operational analyses to identify process improvements, operational risks, cost savings, and opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating operational policies, procedures, and internal control systems governing Controller operations.
• Coordinate with City departments, Finance, Budget, Treasury, Human Resources, Procurement, and external financial institutions to resolve complex financial and operational issues.
• Serve as the Controller's Office liaison to assigned departments and agencies regarding operational procedures, financial processing, and accounting requirements.
• Review operational compliance with City Charter provisions, administrative procedures, accounting standards, grant requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Assist with internal and external audits by coordinating documentation, responding to audit inquiries, and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct operational reviews, process evaluations, and management studies to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure compliance.
• Research and interpret laws, regulations, accounting guidance, and administrative policies affecting municipal financial operations.
• Prepare executive-level reports, briefing materials, presentations, and recommendations for the City Controller, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Directors, and executive leadership.
• Lead or participate in major operational initiatives, technology implementations, business process improvements, and cross-functional projects.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to professional and administrative staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Controller or designee.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Six years of professional accounting and/or auditing experience are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in government accounting, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials, and familiarity with SAP trial balance systems.

• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting principles and compliance with GAAP and GASB standards
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments, including coordination with Finance, Budget, Legal, and external auditors
• Proficiency in SAP, including trial balance review, journal entries, and account reconciliation
• Commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement in public financial management
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.

**Preference shall also 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: None

However, the department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
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 : 27

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.

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
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
• 13 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: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central