JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Comptroller serves as a senior member of the APS Financial Management Team and is responsible for directing and overseeing the districts accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance functions. This position manages the integrity of the school divisions financial records and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, federal and state regulations, and APS policies and procedures.
The Comptroller provides leadership for core accounting operations including general ledger management, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, cash and investment oversight, grant accounting coordination, audit preparation, and fiscal compliance activities. The position supports strategic financial planning, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring strong stewardship of public funds.
The Comptroller assists executive leadership in maintaining transparent, accurate, and efficient fiscal operations and provides technical accounting expertise and guidance to departments and schools throughout the district.
SUPERVISION
This position reports directly to the Director of Finance. The Comptroller may supervise accounting staff, financial analysts, specialists, and other assigned personnel responsible for district accounting and reporting functions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- The Comptroller is a senior-level professional position responsible for the oversight and administration of the district's accounting operations and financial controls under the direction of the Director of Finance.
- The position has districtwide responsibility for maintaining the integrity of financial records, overseeing general ledger activities, coordinating financial reporting, supporting audit functions, and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, grant requirements, and governmental regulations.
- Work requires extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, financial reporting requirements, internal controls, and financial management practices. The Comptroller exercises considerable independent judgment in interpreting accounting standards, resolving complex financial and accounting issues, developing and implementing procedures, monitoring internal controls, and recommending improvements to financial operations and reporting processes
- The Comptroller serves as the district's lead technical accounting professional and provides financial analysis, guidance, and support to the Director of Finance and other administrators. The position collaborates with auditors, regulatory agencies, and district leadership to ensure fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, accurate financial reporting, and effective stewardship of public resources.
- This position is distinguished from other finance and accounting positions by its districtwide responsibility for accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, and technical accounting compliance.
GUIDELINES
The Comptroller applies advanced professional accounting principles and standards including GAAP, GASB, federal and state regulations, APS fiscal policies, and established accounting procedures. The work requires interpretation and application of complex accounting standards and the development of solutions for unique financial and operational issues.
The incumbent is expected to exercise sound professional judgment while ensuring all financial practices remain compliant with established laws, policies, and executive directives.
CONTACTS
- The Comptroller interacts regularly with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance activities, and strategic fiscal initiatives.
- Director of Finance / Executive Leadership: Receives direction, provides financial reports and analysis, and collaborates on strategic fiscal planning, audits, and policy implementation.
- Accounting, Finance, and Budget Staff: Oversees accounting operations and collaborates on reconciliations, financial reporting, budget monitoring, and fiscal analysis activities.
- Payroll, Procurement, and Financial Operations Teams: Coordinates financial transactions, reconciliations, compliance requirements, and system integration activities.
- Information Technology (IT) Department: Partners on ERP system maintenance, financial reporting automation, testing, data integrity, and system enhancements.
- School-Based Administrators and Office Staff: Provides guidance regarding accounting procedures, internal controls, financial compliance requirements, and ERP transaction processing.
- Auditors (Internal and External): Coordinates audit activities, prepares financial schedules and supporting documentation, and responds to audit inquiries and recommendations.
- State and Local Agencies: Provides required financial information, compliance documentation, and regulatory reporting.
- Financial Institutions and Service Providers: Coordinates banking, investment, reconciliation, and financial transaction activities.
- Grant Managers and Program Administrators: Assists with grant compliance, expenditure monitoring, reporting, and allowable cost determinations.
- Contacts require exceptional professionalism, confidentiality, and technical expertise. The position regularly communicates complex financial information and provides guidance related to accounting standards, compliance requirements, and fiscal procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Direct and oversee the district’s accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting activities.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records and accounting transactions.
- Coordinate year-end closing activities and support the preparation of the deliverables to the Arlington County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
- Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal control systems and accounting procedures.
- Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local fiscal regulations, grant requirements, and district financial policies.
- Coordinate internal and external audit activities, including preparation of schedules, responses, and corrective action implementation.
- Review and approve complex accounting transactions, reconciliations, and adjustments.
- Oversee cash management, banking relationships, account reconciliations, and investment accounting activities as assigned.
- Analyze financial data and prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for executive leadership and the School Board.
- Collaborate with Budget, Payroll, Procurement, Human Resources, and IT staff to ensure accurate financial integration and reporting across systems.
- Assist in ERP financial system implementation, configuration testing, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate assigned accounting personnel.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automate processes, and strengthen financial controls.
- Maintain current knowledge of governmental accounting standards, financial regulations, and best practices.
- Perform other duties assigned to support effective financial management and the mission of the Business and Management Services Department.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, GASB standards, and financial reporting requirements.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage complex accounting operations and multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to train and mentor staff.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations, accounting standards, and district policies.
- Skill in financial analysis, reconciliation, forecasting, and internal control evaluation.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to varied audiences.
- Proficiency in ERP financial systems, financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and customer service.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field and five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial management, or governmental finance, including financial reporting, account reconciliation, internal controls, audit coordination, and supervision of accounting functions. Experience utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial systems and Microsoft Office applications is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience in governmental or school district accounting operations is preferred.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is required.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
- Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires sedentary to light physical activity. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, operate a computer and other standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
- The position requires sufficient visual acuity to read and analyze financial data, reports, and electronic documents. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required in the course of performing job duties, as well as the ability to lift and/or move light objects such as files or office supplies, typically up to 10 pounds.
- The employee must be able to concentrate for extended periods, manage multiple priorities, and perform detailed analytical work with accuracy and efficiency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
HAZARDS / UNUSUAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to physical hazards. The position involves normal office-related risks associated with prolonged computer use, including eye strain and repetitive motion.
- Work may require occasional hours beyond the standard workweek, including evenings or limited weekend time, to meet critical deadlines associated with financial reporting, audit preparation, month-end and year-end close processes, grant reporting, and other time-sensitive fiscal or compliance requirements.
CURRENT GRADE: P-14 ($107,809 - $ 189,044 based on 2026-2027 Pay Plan)
FLSA: EXEMPT
UNION: ASA
Please Note: Arlington Public Schools receives a high volume of applications for many positions. As a result, only candidates who are identified as meeting the qualifications and whose experience and skills best align with the needs of the school, department, or office may be contacted for an interview. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or individual contact regarding the status of an application.
