Controller; RPU

Position Description

Position:
Controller
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), a division of the City of Rochester, MN. RPU serves over 5,700 electric customers and 42,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area with revenues nearing $161 million annually.

Vision: "We Will Set the Standard for Service." Core values:
Safety, Integrity, Service, Stewardship, Accountability, and Skill.

Limited Term Appointment:
This position anticipates a 18–24 month term to support the City of Rochester's implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning software, contingent upon available funds and satisfactory performance.

Nature of Work:
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Controller will lead all day‑to‑day operations of the Finance Department, including budget development and analysis, investing accounting, accounts payable/receivable, billing, collections, general ledger accounting/reporting, bank and vendor relationships, regulatory accounting/reporting, rate analysis and implementation, audit preparation, internal controls, financial policies, and strategy support.

2026 Starting salary: $124,372 – $146,318 (advancement to $182,902).

Apply before December 29th, 2025 to be considered in the first round.

City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas, including F1 OPT STEM.

• Staff Leadership – provide overall direction, supervision, delegation, workload monitoring, training, performance evaluation, coaching.
• Business Services Leadership – develop, promote, and implement solutions to support changing demands; align business unit goals with utility goals; ensure Finance and Accounting is seen as an approachable resource; support and promote RPU's mission, vision, and values.
• Annual Budgeting Process – coordinate annual budgeting and planning; administer and review financial plans; identify, explain, and correct variances; develop budget process improvements.
• Accounting Practices – oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems; maintain GAAP compliance; maintain internal controls and safeguards; coordinate all audit activity including financial and FERC audit; present accurate financial reports; keep senior leadership informed.
• Other Finance Accountabilities – manage cash flow forecasting; track performance of invested assets; manage the debt program; oversee consultant cost‑of‑service studies; support board finance committee on rate setting; manage billing and collections functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited four‑year college or university.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of full‑time employment in accounting, cost/project accounting, auditing, internal controls, financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting, with at least three (3) years of supervisory/management experience.

Licenses and

Certifications:

Valid driver’s license.

• Master’s in Accounting (MA), MBA, or other related degree.
• CPA, CIA, CPFO, or CMA designation.

Core duties require a sedentary work style, occasional lifting up to 10 lbs, and occasional standing or walking. Sensory requirements include sight. No substantial exposure to environmental conditions.

Director

Full‑time

Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Government Administration