Controller

General Description

Directs the preparation of the State Bar's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and all interim financial statement reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Oversee the annual internal audits and financial statement audit conducted by external auditors. Manages the accounting department, including ensuring all monthly closing processes are completed. Prepares monthly financial statements that include the governmental and enterprise funds. Assists in training State Bar staff regarding financial policies and procedures. Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Primary Functions

1. Manages accounting staff in the areas of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, investments, and bank reconciliations

2. Prepares the monthly financial statements for the governmental and enterprise funds.

3. Oversee the accounting for individual funds, which include managing over 65 separate funds for sections, related entities, trust, and grant funds.

4. Prepares audit work papers and coordinates the annual external financial audit of the financial statements, including year-end (1) reconciliation of fixed asset records; (2) calculation of depreciation; and (3) recording of leases and subscription based information technology arrangements.

5. Prepares the annual financial report of the State Bar of Texas, including government-wide financials, governmental fund, proprietary fund, and agency fund financial statements. Prepares the required disclosures for the notes to the financial statements and required supplementary information.

6. Prepares the journal entries and schedules to record pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, expenses and deferrals.

7. Implements new Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements and works with the Comptroller's Office to meet all reporting requirements.

8. Coordinates the annual audit of internal controls, working with the selected departments and drafting responses to internal audit findings. Tracks and assists with the implementation of audit recommendations.

9. Assists in the development of the internal audit plan, including risk and control assessment.

10. Prepares guidelines and policies to assist the Finance Division and other state bar staff in applying a sound internal control structure.

11. Works with the CFO in identifying potential efficiencies and implementing financial process improvements, and assists in implementing new accounting policies and procedures.

12. Supervises Accounting staff, including directly supervising the Senior Accountant, the Sections Accounting Manager, the A / P Manager, the A / R Manager, and the Payroll Officer.

13. Assist the CFO in preparing a draft of the annual budget for the State Bar's budget. Duties include (1) compiling and distributing annual budget packets; (2) uploading budget information into accounting software; (3) assisting in analyzing budget drafts for accuracy, anomalies, and in budget reporting.

14. Prepares tax form 990 for certain programs within the State Bar.

15. Assumes responsibility for additional special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements

A bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration and a Certified Public Accountant certification are required. Requires a minimum of 7 years of specific achievement in the areas of auditing, financial analysis, or financial statement preparation. Government experience and a minimum of 5 years of management experience is preferred. A strong record of applying accounting principles and guidelines is required. An understanding of payroll accounting and reporting is preferred. Intermediate to advanced Excel skills and experience implementing changes or new software and processes are required. An understanding of auditing standards is preferred. Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must demonstrate effective managerial skills and maintain professionalism under all circumstances. Excellent communications skills should be demonstrated. Requires the ability to work independently under deadline pressure. Key words : Finance, Director of Accounting, Controller, Accountant, Financial Audit, Governmental, GAAP, State Agency, ERS Benefits, hybrid work schedule