Controller

Robert Half is recruiting for a strong Controller Consultant for our Joint Powers Authority client. The Consultant will implement and strengthen internal controls, improve procure to pay processes, implement cost allocation methodologies, and enhance budget accountability. This consultant will partner operational leaders to remediate control deficiencies, improve compliance, and establish sustainable financial processes. This role will be located onsite in Downey, CA.

Key Responsibilities

Assess and remediate identified control deficiencies.

Design and implement internal controls, approval workflows, and segregation of duties.

Develop policies, procedures, and process documentation.

Implement cost allocation methodologies and cost center accounting structures.

Improve budget tracking and enforce accountability for departmental spending.

Partner with managers to ensure expenditures align with approved budgets and funding sources.

Ensure compliance with GASB standards and governmental accounting requirements.

Support audit readiness and implementation of audit recommendations.

Train staff and management on new controls, approvals, and financial procedures.

GASB, government prior experience - must have

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

CPA preferred.

7+ years of accounting or finance experience.

Required experience with municipal, county, JPA, special district, or other governmental entities.

Strong knowledge of GASB and governmental fund accounting.

Experience implementing internal controls and correcting audit findings.

Experience with procure to pay process improvements, cost allocations, and budget management.

Strong stakeholder management, communication, and process improvement skills.

Remediation of accounting and procurement control deficiencies.

Documented internal control framework and procedures.

Implemented approval and authorization workflows.

Cost allocation and cost center reporting structure.

Improved manager accountability for budget compliance.

Enhanced audit readiness and financial governance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 7 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including work in a controllership or comparable leadership capacity.
• Background supporting municipalities, counties, special districts, joint powers authorities, or other public-sector entities.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including GASB and fund accounting practices.
• Demonstrated success implementing internal controls and resolving issues identified through audits or compliance reviews.
• Experience improving procure-to-pay activities, developing cost allocation approaches, and strengthening budget management.
• Solid understanding of general ledger operations, financial governance, and departmental standard operating procedures.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence operational leaders and drive process improvement.