Jobloria
Controller
Georgia Municipal Association
Location : Douglasville, GA, 30134
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : $70,859.36 - $92,114.88
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Controller
Summary
Controller
JOB SUMMARY
The Controller serves as a working manager responsible for both leadership and direct performance of complex accounting functions. This role ensures the integrity of the City’s financial data through hands-on reconciliations, financial reporting, technical analysis, and continuous process improvement. The Controller oversees accounting operations, prepares and reviews journal entries, manages balance sheet and revenue accounts, coordinates audits, ensures compliance with GAAP and GASB standards, and supports the Finance Director in developing and implementing sound fiscal policies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Manages the accounting team, including timesheet approvals, training and development, performance management, and providing coverage for key functions when needed.
- Perform advanced accounting work including preparation and review of complex journal entries, accruals, and adjustments.
- Perform monthly reconciliations and investigate discrepancies for all balance sheet and income statement accounts; prepare monthly report for the City Manager’s Office.
- Maintain and track the City’s cash and investment records, including monthly bank reconciliations.
- Review and approve all City debt service payments and related schedules and maintain the comprehensive debt schedule.
- Review and approve annual depreciation entries and prepare related schedules for external audits.
- Oversee capital asset and inventory reconciliation processes initiated by staff; ensure audit documentation is complete and accurate.
- Provides financial data and documentation to external parties as required.
- Prepare monthly revenue and special financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information.
- Prepare year-end workpapers and supporting documentation and serve as liaison for the annual external audit process, including assistance with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related schedules.
- Respond to internal inquiries and assist departments with routine accounting issues.
- Stay current with relevant policies, procedures, regulations, and best practices through ongoing training, reading, and participation in relevant meetings and conferences.
- Analyze accounting procedures and internal processes to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Analyze financial data to identify variances, trends, and corrections.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of annual compliance reports, including but not limited to OPEB and DCA reporting.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and seven (7) years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s Degree and Governmental accounting experience strongly preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays and weeknights on occasion.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent management and supervisory skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting software.
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the department's rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to quickly and accurately interpret and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work independently and use sound judgement.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees and the general public.
- Ability to maintain complex records.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and tact.
- Ability to multi-task and adapt to a dynamic work environment with frequent interruptions.
CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
CPA or CPFO preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires standing, walking, sitting, lifting up to 40 pounds, carrying, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, speaking, hearing, and seeing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed in an office environment.
NOTE: Salary range is $70,859.36 - $92,114.88 (Compensation within the range is determined base on experience, skills, and education).
Do you have what it takes?
Freqently Asked Questions
Controllers in Douglasville must master complex journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and GAAP/GASB compliance. These skills ensure accurate city financial records and smooth audits, reflecting the unique demands of local government accounting in Georgia’s public administration environment.
Progression often leads from Controller to Finance Director or CFO at city or regional levels. Gaining expertise in government regulations, audit management, and leadership prepares professionals for broader fiscal policy influence and strategic financial planning in public service.
Balancing timely reconciliations, addressing audit queries, managing staff workflow, and adapting to regulatory updates create a dynamic workday. Controllers must juggle multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and compliance under public sector scrutiny.
While not mandatory, CPA and CPFO credentials significantly enhance candidacy. These certifications demonstrate mastery in accounting principles and public finance, aligning with the association’s emphasis on high standards and regulatory compliance.
Douglasville’s growing demand for skilled municipal Controllers leads to moderate competition. Candidates should highlight governmental accounting experience and leadership skills, tailoring resumes to emphasize compliance and audit expertise to stand out locally.
With salaries ranging from about $70,800 to $92,100, Douglasville’s Controller compensation is competitive but slightly below major metro areas like Atlanta. This reflects local cost of living and government budget factors typical for mid-sized Georgia cities.
This Controller leads a municipal accounting team, ensuring strict adherence to public sector standards such as GASB, managing city debt schedules, and supporting government audits—duties less emphasized in private industry roles focused on profit-driven reporting.
Acting as a key liaison, the Controller provides detailed financial reports and audit-ready documentation that inform strategic decisions by city managers and finance directors, ensuring transparency and sound fiscal policy development within local government.
The role offers between $70,859 and $92,115 annually, reflecting experience, education, and skills. This range aligns with typical municipal Controller pay in Douglasville, rewarding expertise in government accounting and leadership.
Beyond degrees, employers prefer candidates with seven or more years in accounting, familiarity with governmental audits, strong supervisory abilities, and proficiency in accounting software. Experience with GAAP and GASB standards is highly valued locally.
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