Controller

Position SummaryRamsey County is now accepting applications for a Controller. Join an organization that is committed to operational excellence and long-term fiscal health to support the residents of Ramsey County! The current vacancy will support the County Operations service team that houses the following departments: Finance, Property Management, Property Tax Records and Election Services, Communication and Public Relations, Information Services, and Human Resources. The Controller Position Will Be Responsible ForLeading monthly projections and presenting financial analysis to leadership. Providing leadership with large process improvement projects Working with leaders to build a budget while balancing competing financial prioritiesProviding strategic financial leadership to the Operations Service TeamThe ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, excellent attention to detail, strong financial analysis skills, demonstrated experience presenting, ability to lead multiple projects and balance competing priorities. To direct, manage and administer the financial and accounting services of the service team; to coordinate, prepare and manage the service team budget; to participate in the overall management of the service team by establishing financial-related policies and procedures for the service teams; to establish, direct and implement strategic plans; to design and implement large, complex financial systems and software applications; responsible for the overall hiring, training, mentoring and coordination of work for accounting staff within a service team; and to perform related duties as assigned.To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.Flexible WorkplaceThis position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace PolicyExamples of Work PerformedPromote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.Direct, develop, administer and monitor the annual budget for the service team through management and supervision of the budget development process; establish guidelines and requirements for completion; approve and monitor expenditures; problem resolution to ensure the presentation of accurate and complete information consistent with state and federal law and county board policy and the distribution of resources to adequately meet legal mandates and good management practices.Act as the service team accounting lead by overseeing finance related activities for the entire service team and serve as an advisor between Central Finance, Auditors, and Deputy County Managers and departments; participate as a member of the management team by providing guidance on formulating policy and financial decisions.Manage and prepare the development of budget, ad-hoc and year-end financial reports and analysis of complex issues and decisions affecting the current and future operations of the service team.Analyze state and federal legislation to determine fiscal impact on the county. Participate in the overall management of major system development and implementation for department systems and county-wide systems.Participate as a member of county-wide project management teams to provide overall guidance to the development of projects, including reviewing and identifying major tasks and issues that need to be developed prior to implementation of the project. Participate in the overall prioritizing of technology projects of the service team and related funding requests.Represent the departments within the service team in meetings with state and federal officials to negotiate satisfactory problem resolution, present the department position on pending changes in laws, rules, or regulations, and to explain department policies and procedures.Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls relating to cash receipts, collections and disbursements.Responsible for problem-solving and resolving high-visibility financial difficulties across the service team.Define and advise what is needed from Central Finance to improve service team and department accounting effectiveness.(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.Experience: Seven years of progressive administration and management experience in public sector accounting or auditing, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.Certifications/Licensure: None.Exam/Screening Process InformationThe examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:Training and Experience Rating = 100%The examination for Controller will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Controller. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.usRamsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdfMedical, dental and vision insuranceThe County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premiumEmployees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), FamilyBlue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activityMetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offeredVSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offeredPre-tax Benefit ProgramPre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction optionDependent and Health Care Flexible Spending AccountsCounty monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical planPaid time offVacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidaysUp to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted belowSick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or payRetirement benefitsPension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting paymentsNew employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 yearsDeferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer matchHealth Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participationTransit and parkingFully funded Metropass.Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement accountEmployee well-beingEmployee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.Wellness programmingFlexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positionsLife Insurance and Disability leaveCounty provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximumShort-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting periodCareer developmentTuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per yearOnline professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development CenterCounty employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ProgramEmployee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleaguesFor information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf01Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.YesNo02Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or are currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.HIRED Partnership ProgramProject for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership ProgramRamsey County Workforce SolutionsRamsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)Fellowship at Ramsey CountyLimited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey CountyProvisional Assignment at Ramsey CountyTemporary Opportunity at Ramsey CountyWork Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey CountyNo, I have not participated in any of the above03Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.High school diploma or GEDAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters DegreeDoctoral DegreeNone of the above04If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion and type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.05Which best describes your years of progressive administration and management experience in public sector accounting or auditing?Less than 5 years of experienceAt least 5 years of experience but less than 7 yearsAt least 7 years of experience but less than 9 yearsAt least 9 years of experience but less than 11 years11 years of experience or more06Do you have at least two years of experience in a supervisory capacity?YesNo07Describe the experience indicated in questions 5 and 6 above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."08Describe your experience with conducting budget to actual monthly projections and presenting this information to leadership. Indicate where you gained this experience and your length of employment.09Describe your experience with large process improvement projects and how you approach the work to consider options, conduct analysis, get input and implement. Indicate where you gained this experience and your length of employment.10Describe your experience in building a budget. Please include how you approach the work and balance needs against tax payer impact. Indicate where you gained this experience and your length of employment. Required Question