Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Job Title: Controller

Department: Finance

Classification: Exempt

Hiring Range: $130,645 annually – $146,994 annually

Salary Range: $130,645 annually – $195,998 annually

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary: The Controller serves as the City of Aspen’s senior accounting and financial reporting professional, responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the City’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Finance Director, the Controller leads the City’s accounting, payroll, and financial reporting functions, oversees internal controls and compliance, coordinates the annual audit and ACFR, and supports enterprise‑wide financial systems and process improvements.

This position plays a critical leadership role in advancing best practices in governmental accounting, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement consistent with the City’s organizational values.

Supervision Exercised and Received: Position works under the general direction of the Finance Director and exercises direct supervision over the Accounting Manager and Accountants.

• Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus may be available.
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive team in a positive work environment
• Make a real impact in the Aspen community through meaningful public service
• Enjoy flexible schedules and a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Access generous paid time off, holidays, and wellness bonuses
• Take advantage of free or discounted transportation around Aspen and the Valley
• Grow your skills with professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Protect your health with medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs
• Earn monetary wellness bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices
• Plan for the future with competitive retirement options (Social Security, 401a, 457b, Roth IRA) and life/disability insurance

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Directs and oversees the timely and accurate recording of all City financial transactions in accordance with GAAP, GASB standards, applicable laws, and City policies.
• Oversees preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), including coordinating schedules, reviewing work papers, and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Plans, coordinates, and serves as the primary liaison for the City’s external financial audit, including audits of related and component entities.
• Reviews and approves journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Researches and implements new or revised accounting standards, ensures timely and effective adoption across the organization.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establishes, maintains, and evaluates internal controls, accounting policies, and fiscal procedures to safeguard City assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducts reviews of existing programs and systems and recommends and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.
• Supports enterprise risk management efforts related to financial operating and reporting.

Treasury, Payroll & Operations

• Oversees core accounting functions including accounts payable, account receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general ledger operations.
• Ensures proper integration of subsidiary systems and modules into the City’s fiscal management system.
• Supports cash management, banking relationships, and debt‑related accounting in coordination with the Finance Director.

Financial Systems and Technology

• Serves as subject‑matter expert for the City’s financial enterprise system (Oracle Fusion).
• Oversees accounting system configuration, chart of accounts integrity, and data accuracy.
• Leads or supports system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements and develops and delivers training for finance staff and system users city‑wide.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provides leadership, supervision, and mentorship to assigned staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional…