COMPTROLLER (Common)
Comptroller is an unclassified state or local title, filled by appointment and outside the tenure protections that cover the competitive ranks.
On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Where this title is used
Comptroller is a common title, so it is used in both State and local service. The local side is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, which set their own pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of an Administrative official in a State Department, institution or agency or in a local jurisdiction; conducts budget reviews, and prepares reports, findings, and specific recommendations for cost savings to minimize tax increases; provides oversight of finance and accounting functions for programs, conducts audits and investigations, and/or evaluates and monitors program funding/budget to ensure efficient operations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Provides oversight of finance and accounting functions for programs including financial reporting, accounting and recordkeeping, debt service payments and tracking of cash expenses.
- Evaluates programs to ensure proper internal controls are in place to prevent inefficiencies.
- Coordinates and provides technical assistance to various State and local agencies including but not limited to OMB's Management Consulting Group, Department of Education, Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services, and representatives of the NJ Municipal Managers Association.
- Organizes an informal advisory committee including representatives of the NJ Conference of Mayors, NJ League of Municipalities, NJ Municipal Managers Association, and other relevant local government and school district professionals.
- Represents the department/agency at conferences, seminars, and meetings regarding budget matters and serves on committees associated with department/agency programs and projects.
- Provides assistance to department/agency staff in projecting budget costs for programs and projects.
- Analyzes budget to determine shortfalls and takes corrective action in planning for future budgets.
- Reviews the preparation of operating budgets, capital budgets, purchasing procedures, and negotiated contracts for capital infrastructure improvements.
- Keeps senior management advised on funding and expenses for department/agency programs and projects.
- Assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining financial reporting systems.
- Recommends internal procedures to improve municipal/county or State operations and cost-efficiencies (for example, automation of financial management systems).
- Monitors programs to ensure they stay within the budget and to detect potential problems before they arise.
- Conducts audits of program funding, investigates inefficiencies, and ensures corrective action is taken to alleviate future problems.
- Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience involving budgeting, fiscal administration, and audit procedures.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures used in modern accounting and auditing.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation and keeping of accounts and their application to specific situations.
- Knowledge of the preparation of involved and detailed accounting and other financial reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Knowledge of computerized accounting systems.
- Knowledge of budgetary, fiscal, and audit procedures.
- Ability to read and understanding laws and ordinances of state, county, and municipal governments.
- Ability to analyze complex accounting problems.
- Ability to prepare suitable reports and to direct the establishment and maintenance of extensive accounting and related records and files.
- Ability to work harmoniously with others.
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret procedures related to auditing governments.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated above on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.