Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Comptroller (#20001190)

General Statement

Under general direction of the Clerk/Director of Finance, is responsible for the maintenance of correct accounting and budgetary records, the preparation of all financial statements and the design and audit of internal controls.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.  
  • Oversees external audit of financial statements; reviews accounting procedures to optimize the processing of financial transactions and reporting of financial information; conducts audits of all expenditures incident to all purchase orders and contracts awarded by the purchasing agent and reports results to the President and the Board of Commissioners; develops fraud mitigation strategies and conducts risk assessments to ensure fraud detection.    
  • Oversees the sections of the Finance Department including general accounting, accounts payable, billing and collections, payroll and internal audit; ensures conformity to general accounting standards, Federal and State laws and District ordinances.   
  • Serves as project lead in financial system implementations, upgrades and reconfigurations, troubleshooting and resolving ERP issues and developing appropriate system of internal controls; coordinates and prioritizes project schedules and staffing and prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information.    
  • Furnishes information to agencies, the Law Department, various committees and others as required; participates in special projects as assigned.    
  • Plans and schedules the work of all sections of the Finance Department; works with the Clerk/Director of Finance and supervisory personnel to establish and monitor the accomplishment of objectives and priorities.
  • Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with district policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

  • Participates in the design, development, and implementation of Finance related computer systems.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of general and cost accounting in the public (government) sector.   
  • Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of internal auditing in the public (government) sector.   
  • Extensive knowledge of governmental budgeting and budgetary accounting principles, practices and procedures.    Extensive knowledge of the District’s statutory requirements relating to financial matters.   
  • Extensive knowledge of recent changes or developments, current literature and sources of information in the field of governmental finance/accounting especially regarding relevant regulations, statutes and professional standards. Considerable knowledge of ERP and computer applications relevant to financial/accounting transactions.   
  • Skill in organizing, directing and managing the activities of a highly professional staff engaged in varied activities. 
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others and to develop and coach staff.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely and effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in accounting or finance.  Ten years of professional accounting experience, including two years of governmental accounting and four years in a supervisory capacity.

Substitution

Graduate study in accounting or related fields may be substituted for the required non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of two years. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois may be substituted for two years of the required education or experience.

Promotional Requirement

  • None
CLASS: 20001190; EST: 9/1/1991; REV: 2/1/2020;