About This Position
Who We Are:
Austin Financial Services
Our department provides a variety of financial services and programs. Austin Financial Services (AFS) serves residents, vendors, and City departments.
Our mission is to serve as a trusted steward of public resources with integrity and accountability to ensure a fiscally sound city.
Our staff supports a wide variety of financial processes, including preparing the annual budget and annual fiscal report, procurement processes, franchise agreements, real estate transactions, and overseeing the City’s investment portfolio and debt management.
As an internal support function within the larger City organization, AFS is proud to serve and act as a leader in financial management to its partner departments.
Under general direction, this position manages the activities and personnel of one (1) or more units of the Accounting & Reporting division, directing and coordinating financial and accounting policies across assigned area(s) of responsibility, including managing departmental operations such as accounting, accounts payable, or payroll, and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with regulations.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Directs the implementation and coordination of new regulatory standards (accounting standards, payroll laws, accounts payable laws, etc.), including the development of new procedures, policies and accounting practices across assigned area(s) of responsibility.
Directs, oversees and ensures coordination of activities between the various operational units reporting to this position.
Engages in initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy across financial functions, ensuring consistent application of financial policies and internal controls.
Initiates and develops improvements for existing programs, projects, etc.
Develops, prepares, reviews and analyzes financial summaries & reports, ensuring integrity of reporting and compliance with all relevant regulations.
Analyzes data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
Researches information as requested as needed.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of the preparation process for financial statements in conformity with governmental accounting standards.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards.
Knowledge of government/fund accounting.
Knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
Knowledge of payroll tax laws, etc.
Knowledge of internal control systems used for general accounting principles.
Knowledge of estimating methods and statistical concepts.
Knowledge of the operation, applications, capabilities and requirements of automated support systems and equipment.
Skill in leading, managing and training a multi-disciplinary workforce.
Skill in analyzing complex financial data and proposing viable solutions.
Skill in preparing accurate and complex financial statements.
Skill in completing accurate data for records, reports and legal documentation.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient services for the City.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of established goals.
Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement and discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Accounting, Business, or Finance plus six (6) years of progressively responsible and broad-based professional experience managing accounting or financial reporting for a state or local government including two(2) years in a supervisory/management capacity.
Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration or other relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Certified Public Accountant, CPA
Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations, wage laws, and public sector payroll requirements.
Experience implementing or optimizing enterprise financial systems and payroll/human resources systems.
Experience developing and implementing governmental accounting standards as well as financial policies, procedures, and process improvements.
The ability to travel to more than one work location.
The Assistant Controller serves as a key leader within the Accounting and Reporting Division of Austin Financial Services. This role oversees complex accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, and other critical financial functions that support citywide operations. This position leads professional accounting teams and directs financial and accounting activities to ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, payroll regulations, tax requirements, and applicable laws.
The Assistant Controller also plays a central role in developing and implementing financial policies, improvements, and enterprise financial and payroll systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery while safeguarding the integrity of the City's financial operations.
Pay Range:$131,400.00 - $168,800.00 annually
Hours:Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period. Work schedules are implemented to meet departmental requirements and are subject to change based on business needs.
AFS Leadership eligible to telework must be in the office for at least 60% of their scheduled work week.
721 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Application Details:A detailed, complete COA employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.
Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
A cover letter is required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
A résumé is also required, but will not substitute for a complete COA employment application. Resumes are not accepted in place of a completed online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the detailed and relevant work experience, which would qualify them for the position.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
Austin Financial Services may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
This position may require a skills assessment.
If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we may contact your current and former employer.
If you are identified as a top military candidate or a veteran, you must provide a copy of your DD-214.
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:When the same or an additional vacancy occurs within a department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the hiring department may offer the additional position to another candidate from the same candidate pool.
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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.What Makes the City of Austin Special?
Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
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EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance
- Six years progressively responsible experience managing accounting or financial reporting for a state or local government, including two years in a supervisory/management capacity
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Knowledge of governmental accounting, GAAP, fund accounting, and generally accepted auditing standards
- Knowledge of payroll tax laws and public sector payroll requirements
- Experience implementing or optimizing enterprise financial systems and payroll/HR systems
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for one year of experience
- Ability to travel to more than one work location / drive to multiple locations as needed
What We Do
An award-winning employer, the City of Austin has a Council-Manager form of government and employs 13.8K employees. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible to the Council for the management of City employees, and for the administration of all City affairs. To achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the country, Austin’s city government’s mission is to be the best-managed city in the country. The City continues to advance its best-managed mission through transparent business practices, excellence in public service, innovative leadership, and the provision of reliable, safe, efficient, and above-national-standards services. The Austin metro area population exceeds 2 million. Geographically, Austin consists of approximately 326 square miles. Austin is nationally recognized as a great place to live, in part due to its diverse population and its promotion of a year-round outdoor, active lifestyle. Austin’s quality of life has become its biggest economic development engine, and the City’s diverse demographic structure supports and enriches it. Austin is fortunate to offer a broad range of educational opportunities, including six universities, a robust community college system, and numerous other institutions of higher education. At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
