The Position
The City of Boulder is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Controller to lead, manage, and coordinate all accounting, treasury, and debt functions and processes for the city. This important role operates under broad policy and/or general direction, ensuring the city's financial operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with all applicable regulations. While some accounting functions are decentralized within other city departments, the Controller plays a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and ensuring citywide financial integrity.

A significant aspect of the role is managing the city’s financial reporting function, including the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), reviewing financial transactions, completing monthly closes, and continuously updating knowledge regarding Governmental Accounting Standards and requirements for the ACFR. This position oversees internal finance staff and coordinates with finance leads in departments regarding internal controls, accounts payable, purchasing programs, and all accounting issues as needed. In consultation with the Assistant Controller, this position develops and implements systems to test compliance with city financial policies and procedures for related activities.

The Controller is a balanced, hands-on leader who thrives in a collaborative, team-centered environment. The successful candidate provides efficient and effective leadership across the organization and embraces a continuous improvement philosophy. With a forward-looking approach to accounting and financial management, the Controller is committed to operational excellence and providing services through a customer-centric approach.

The Controller brings prior experience in both the private and public sectors and truly enjoys working for municipal organizations. They are skilled in navigating a hybrid financial model incorporating centralized and decentralized functions. Advanced knowledge of accounting standards such as GASB and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is essential to success.

With strong people skills and a supportive, approachable demeanor, the Controller fosters a culture of growth and continuous learning by mentoring staff, encouraging cross-training, and empowering team members through thoughtful delegation. The successful candidate is a working manager who enjoys being a resource for their team, welcoming the exchange of ideas, and providing constructive feedback to bring out the best in others.

Qualifications
Five or more years of governmental accounting or auditing experience is required, with at least five years of supervisory experience essential, including strong leadership and mentoring skills. A diverse accounting background, including a thorough understanding of the chart of accounts, grants, and federal grant management, is required, as is knowledge of and experience conducting audits or establishing auditing procedures and systems. Experience in compiling a full ACFR is essential, as is experience with treasury and debt management functions. A strong understanding of technology, including experience with Workday, is beneficial.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is required. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required, and a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation is beneficial.

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 will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the Controller is $124,696 – $187,054, with an anticipated hiring range of $124,696 – $162,111, and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Boulder is a progressive organization that values employee engagement and well-being. The city recognizes the importance of providing an encompassing health and life benefits program to employees, including Hybrid Work, Flex Schedules, Telehealth and Wellness Incentives, Infants and Dogs at Work Program, Local bus Eco-Pass, and an Employee Discount Program on goods and services throughout the Boulder Community.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Rafetlis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Please apply no later than September 8, 2025.