Controller

Salary: Minimum $110,000 Annually; Commensurate with Experience

JOB SUMMARY

The Controller leads the Authority’s accounting and financial operations. This role will be instrumental in overseeing the implementation of a new ERP system while ensuring strong financial reporting and internal controls. Other responsibilities include budget development and tracking, capital improvement planning and financing, and ensuring that the Authority is compliant with local, state, and federal regulations and requirements. This leadership position plays a vital role in the Authority’s management team, providing critical input to the development and execution of a strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Lead the ERP implementation, including requirements, configuration, data migration, training, and adoption.

- Oversee all accounting operations: AP, AR, Payroll, General Ledger, and Taxation.

- Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting (GAAP compliant).

- Strengthen internal controls and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

- Partner with executive leadership to provide financial insights and support business growth.

- Manage external audit processes and relationships.

- Drive process improvements and automation to increase efficiency.

- Oversee capital improvement project accounting, tracking, and reporting to ensure alignment with budgets.

- Provide detailed financial analysis to support executive decision-making and operational improvements.

- Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to anticipate business trends and guide strategy.

- Plan, develop, and implement policies, procedures, practices, and goals for effective and efficient

- Participate in preparation and implementation of the annual budget, long range financial planning, and capital improvement programs.

- Participate in planning of the Authority’s finances and budgeting processes to identify priorities, reductions, increases, constraints, and any other factors affecting the proper budget allocations of available operating finances.

- Communicate with the General Manager on the status of the Authority’s financial interests and any other issue possibly important for the effective oversight of the Authority.

- Work with Finance staff and other personnel to determine required changes in programs, plans, and operations.

- Coordinate with CRWA’s Legal Counsel for legal issues and agreements.

- Represent the Authority within the community and with other entities and organizations at local, regional, state, and federal government levels.

- Prepare or present reports and correspondence as required by the position.

- Participate in providing advice, guidance, and direction to execute financial goals consistent with established policies and Board approval.

- May act as the General Manager in the absence of or on behalf of the General Manager and Assistant General Manager.

- Performs other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

SKILLS

- Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas, negotiate effectively, and build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

- Exceptional problem solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to analyze data and implement effective solutions in high-pressure scenarios.

- Proficiency in financial planning, budgeting, and capital improvement programming, with the ability to align financial decisions with strategic goals.

- Strong management skills, including the ability to coordinate talks, allocate resources efficiently, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.

- Ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships with team members, community representatives, and external stakeholders.

- Exceptional organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain attention to detail.

- Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and flexibility to respond to changing priorities and proactively address challenges.

- Project a courteous, professional, and positive approach with coworkers, stakeholders, and the public; including the ability to remain calm under pressure.

- Demonstrate initiative in critical matters by clearly understanding the overall objective, doing what needs to be done immediately, providing or receiving updates, without being asked and in the most thorough way possible.

DECISION MAKING

- The Controller works under limited supervision.

- Makes managerial decisions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

- A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including five (5) years of supervisory responsibility, strategic planning, Additional experience may be substituted for education.

- Proven experience in successfully leading ERP implementation (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar software).

- Strong working knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.

- Ability to attend scheduled Board meetings outside standard business hours; and to attend Committee meetings and other meetings as directed, occasionally also outside standard business hours.

- Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 products.

- Valid Class “C” Texas Drivers License consistent with CRWA driving policies.

- Occasional travel required in personal vehicle (reimbursed by CRWA).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

- Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

- Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with some field visits.