The Position
The City of Fort Collins seeks a visionary and highly skilled Controller/Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to drive business strategies and lead the Accounting and Financial Operations Department, overseeing the operations of the Accounting, Fiscal Recovery, Finance Operations (Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable), Financial Information Systems, and Payroll divisions. The Controller/Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads the development and maintenance of strong internal controls and daily accounting practices, ensuring consistency and financial integrity across all City departments. This role plays a critical part in the City’s financial planning, cash management, and investment strategies, serving as a key advisor to the Chief Financial Officer and the broader leadership team in analyzing and improving the City’s financial performance.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller/Deputy performs advanced and specialized accounting assignments, often handling complex and confidential data that informs executive-level decision-making. The Controller/Deputy CFO leads the development and maintenance of strong internal controls and daily accounting practices, ensuring consistency and financial integrity across all City departments. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, including the coordination of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), while ensuring compliance with the City Charter, state and federal regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements. The Controller/Deputy CFO also leads, documents, and manages the month-end and year-end financial close processes, providing both operational oversight and strategic financial leadership.

The Controller/Deputy CFO develops and implements departmental goals, policies, priorities, and operating procedures to ensure the financial health and efficiency of the organization. They safeguard the City's assets through rigorous control systems, regularly evaluating processes for improvement opportunities, and driving enhancements that increase financial transparency, efficiency, and accuracy. The Controller/Deputy Chief Financial Officer is excited by the opportunity to provide strategic leadership, evolve accounting and financial operations, and effectively collaborate to strengthen the organization to meet the needs of the Fort Collins community. The successful candidate is an adaptable, people-centered leader with the confidence and backbone to make tough, thoughtful decisions while maintaining strong relationships across the organization. They strike a balance between innovation and appreciation for existing successes, while enforcing financial policies with professionalism and fairness.

The ideal candidate is committed to ethical stewardship, data-driven decision-making, and setting clear expectations to achieve results. They are skilled in navigating a hybrid financial model that incorporates both centralized and decentralized functions and understand the nuances of both budget expansion and budget reductions. The Controller/Deputy CFO brings significant experience in both the private and public sectors, with a focus on municipal finance, including municipal debt financing, bond issuance, and budget management. Deep expertise in accounting standards such as GASB and GAAP is essential to the Controller/Deputy CFO’s success.

Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

At least twelve (12) years of management experience with the analysis and preparation of financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and monthly management reporting, is required. Advanced expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, and federal grant compliance, with a thorough understanding of accounting standards, is essential. A diverse background that includes government accounting is ideal. Excellent public speaking skills, coupled with the ability to communicate complex financial information and present confidently to diverse stakeholder groups, are required.

A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field is required, with a master’s degree preferred. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education that enables success as the Controller/Deputy Chief Financial Officer will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits
The City of Fort Collins offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including a market salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary range is $123,000 – $206,000, and the anticipated hiring range is $155,000 – $175,000; salaries are paid biweekly. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins offers additional benefits, including 401(a) and a 457 deferred compensation plan with an employer contribution, an optional Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, a significant Wellness Program, and relocation assistance for the successful out-of-area finalist.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, please apply by Monday, August 11, 2025.