Controller

The Port of Portland is Hiring for a

Controller!

Would you like to provide strategic leadership and internal financial oversight of a local and vital organization? Are you passionate about applying your top-notch financial skills in an organization that strives to benefit the region? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you at the Port of Portland!

Your Role: We are seeking an experienced accounting professional to oversee the Port's accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance and internal controls to efficiently and effectively safeguard the Port's assets. This role serves as a key financial leader working closely with the CFO and executive team to drive financial integrity, optimize processes, and support strategic decision-making. If you're ready to embark on a journey of professional growth in a vital role at the Port of Portland, apply now! Elevate your career with us!

We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that combines work-life balance with team collaboration. You'll be in the office Tuesday through Thursday to engage with colleagues and support our business lines, with the flexibility to work from home on Mondays and Fridays.

• Provide strategic leadership or assistance, as appropriate, in various Port activities and studies requiring financial expertise.
• Collaborate with senior management to provide project leadership for significant and complex Port wide initiatives.
• Oversee the general ledger recording of transactions, the reconciliation of accounts, the preparation of meaningful internal financial reports, and the preparation of external financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Ensure the Port's system of accounts, records, and reports present complete, accurate, timely, and useful descriptions of the Port's financial position to managers, the Commission, executive leadership, and various external financial partners (municipal advisors, rating agencies, financial institutions, etc.).
• Develop and administer financial and accounting policies, procedures, and directives.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Controller department staff.
• Act in assistant treasurer role in review and authorization of payments for appropriate approvals and compliance with Port policies.
• In partnership with the Internal Audit Department, support and maintain an established, effective system of internal control, balancing accepted risk with potential benefit; ensure a comprehensive system of internal control to safeguard assets and provide reliable financial records.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Controller department, specifically the Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, and Revenue Contracts Manager direct reports in their appropriate duties and special assignments to ensure strategic and operational goals and objectives are met.
• Partner with the Capital Finance and Treasury Department and provide support as needed in the areas of bond issues and other financings.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and/or MBA degree is required.
• CPA and/or CFA license is required.
• Minimum ten years of progressively more responsible experience in accounting, financial statement preparation, public sector accounting, and/or local budget law.
• Ten to twelve years financial management experience in senior-level capacity OR;
• Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties.
  

Demonstrated skills:

• Develop and administer accounting policies and directives.
• Selection, design and development, implementation, and modification of accounting software.
• Ability to review and provide feedback on complex contract and legal documents.
• Ability to simultaneously manage and direct multiple complex projects/efforts.
• Provide strong leadership and direction for the overall accounting and financial reporting activities.
• Ensure organizational financial compliance with ordinances, laws, and regulations.
  

Ability to:

• Select, train, direct and motivate qualified personnel.
• Establish and maintain high levels of interdepartmental coordination, planning, problem-solving, and training related to financial reporting.
• Find solutions to problems while maintaining proper financial controls/accountability and simultaneously aiding operating areas in accomplishing necessary work.
  

Working knowledge of: IRS tax code as it applies to local governments; state and local budget law; auditing standards; long-term debt issuance; accounting software; 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance; Federal Aviation Administration revenue use policy; Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards; marine and aviation operations; banking and investment management; Oregon Revised Statutes as they relate to reporting, investing and payment of public improvement contracts.

Advanced knowledge of: Internal controls; governmental GAAP; environmental, pension, derivative, and lease accounting; financial reporting; Microsoft Excel.

Compensation
Our organization adheres to established salary ranges for each position to ensure equitable pay practices. However, final offers are determined based on various factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and considerations of internal pay equity.

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of March 24, 2025.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
3. Our goal is to schedule virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation as soon as possible.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, five business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to pull down barriers, unlock new opportunities, ensure more people share in our region's success and include those who have been excluded in the past. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice in accomplishing work by complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the Port, we don't just accept difference; we value and support it to create a culture of inclusiveness and fun. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EEO/Affirmative Action Policy Statement: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.