Controller

Job Title: Controller (Contract Position)

Location: Norfolk, VA

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee the management of the Accounting Department and ensure the timely and accurate completion of related close processes.
• Supervise and direct the activities of the Accounting team, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Fixed Assets, Financial Analysis, and Accounting.
• Develop, implement, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and practices in compliance with GAAP and funding partner requirements.
• Analyze financial statements and reports, provide sound decision-making, and offer clear direction to subordinate staff.
• Plan, organize, and assign work programs through subordinate managers and supervisors; establish performance controls and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Supervise the Assistant Controller, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff, and Financial Analysts.
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports, including monthly balance sheets, income statements, reports on changes in financial position, and budget variance analysis.
• Lead a team responsible for technical and administrative accounting tasks related to maintaining fiscal records and systems for the Transit organization.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, maintaining accurate accounting records and supporting the daily operations of the finance department.
• Recommend, design, and implement necessary department controls and procedures.
• Ensure that general ledger accounts are reconciled with subsidiary ledgers and adjustments to the general ledger are made accordingly.
• Manage annual financial and compliance audits, including external and internal audits.
• Communicate financial policy decisions to other departments and provide guidance on financial policies, procedures, and budget-to-actual reports.
• Ensure compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policy and Procedures.
• Maintain a general awareness of HRT’s Environmental Management System (EMS) and ensure all job responsibilities align with HRT’s Environmental Policy, relevant EMS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Emergency Management Plan.
• Ensure employees in respective functional areas receive adequate training and tools to meet EMS requirements.
• Prepare and/or coordinate with other departments to support documentation required for FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, and EEO Program audits.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly as it pertains to enterprise fund accounting, general ledger, grants accounting, fixed assets accounting, financial reporting, and monthly close procedures.
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide clear, actionable insights.
• Strong supervisory skills with experience in managing teams and overseeing performance.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Training and Education:

• Required: Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Preferred: CPA or CMA certification.

Required Experience:

• 5 to 10 years of experience in accounting with proficiency in all aspects of accounting and issues typically encountered by Controllers.
• Proven experience in a supervisory role, leading accounting teams and managing complex financial tasks.

This is a contract position with a defined duration.