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RH
Robert Half
Controller
Career Insights for Controller (General)
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Scorecard
Based on Washington data
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What they do
A Controller directs and oversees the treasury of a government, private corporation or non-profit organization, and may oversee the investment of funds. Supervises the quality of accounting and financial reporting within an organization, and directs preparation of reports that show the financial position of an organization.
$159,338 / year median in Washington
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Description We are looking for an experienced Controller to support a busy public-sector transportation organization. This Contract position is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who can independently manage complex financial activities, strengthen close processes, and provide reliable oversight in a fast-paced environment. The role requires strong knowledge of governmental and fund accounting, along with the ability to partner with internal teams, review financial workflows, and keep critical reporting on track. Candidates who have supported Workday in both implementation and post-launch environments will be especially well suited for this opportunity.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee month-end and year-end accounting activities, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, validating financial reports, and driving timely completion of the close process.
- Manage fund-based accounting operations with attention to governmental reporting requirements, allocation methods, and accuracy across multiple funding sources.
- Support year-end preparation by coordinating required financial data, working with external specialists such as actuaries when needed, and recording related entries for items such as OPEB and other obligations.
- Prepare and analyze schedules related to lease assets, inventory, and other balance sheet accounts to ensure complete and accurate financial records.
- Review newly established accounting procedures and confirm they function effectively within day-to-day operations, identifying gaps and recommending practical improvements.
- Take ownership of assigned accounting workstreams, resolve issues independently, and communicate progress, questions, and findings clearly to stakeholders and team members.
- Assist with testing and validation of financial processes tied to Workday and help confirm that system-driven outputs align with accounting expectations.
- Contribute to budget-related accounting support, including manual budget documentation and related financial analysis as needed.
- Perform reconciliations across bank accounts and key ledgers, investigate discrepancies, and maintain strong supporting documentation for audits and reporting. Requirements
- 10+ years of accounting experience, including service in a Controller or comparable senior accounting leadership role.
- Strong background in governmental accounting and fund accounting, with demonstrated experience supporting public-sector or similarly regulated organizations.
- Practical experience with Workday, including involvement during implementation and continued use in a live operating environment.
- Advanced knowledge of month-end close, year-end close, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement review.
- Experience supporting government grants, audits, filings, and reporting requirements tied to public funding sources.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities quickly, and communicate clearly while moving accounting tasks forward.
- Technical accounting expertise in areas such as lease accounting, OPEB-related entries, and other complex balance sheet and reporting matters.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or similar credential is preferred.