Controller - (25-FAB-300015-133)

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.  This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority.  The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

The Controller directs accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, and payroll functions, and as part of the management team uses accurate financial information to help drive efficiencies and continuous improvement across the organization.

• Directs all functions and activities of Accounting, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Financial Reporting, and Financial Policies to ensure accounting activities, monthly financial statement preparations and closings, and year-end financial statement preparation, are complete, accurate, timely submitted, and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) as well as federal and local regulations and grant requirements.   
• Partners with the CFO to develop and implement financial strategies that enhance operational efficiency, optimize financial resources, and ensure long-term financial sustainability for DC Water.
• Builds trust across the organization by demonstrating accountability, transparency, and a commitment to accuracy in all financial matters. Takes ownership of issues, working collaboratively across teams to address concerns, resolve problems efficiently, and implement process improvements.
• Develops and implements strong internal controls throughout DC Water's financial processes and systems to ensure strong audit results. Leads the external audit process, ensuring compliance with GASB, GAAP, and other applicable regulatory standards, including Single Audit requirements if applicable. Develops and oversees internal controls to mitigate financial risks and ensures timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Provides oversight and continuous improvement of DC Water’s financial systems (ERP, general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, procurement, inventory, billing, fixed assets), ensuring automation, efficiency, and alignment with industry best practices. Leads process improvements and financial system upgrades to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
• Leads payroll operations with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and employee trust. Ensures timely and correct pay for all employees, implementing strong internal controls to eliminate errors and prevent payroll disruptions. Directs system improvements, policy updates, and audit processes to strengthen payroll accuracy and reliability. Ensures full compliance with IRS regulations, labor laws, and other applicable requirements while proactively resolving payroll-related concerns and enhancing transparency.
• Oversees accounts payable operations, ensuring compliance with DC Water’s financial policies, timely invoice processing (30-day payment goal), and supplier/vendor relationship management. Leads initiatives to improve payment efficiency and minimize late payments.
• Provides leadership in developing, supporting, and implementing goals in support of DC Water's strategic plan.
• Supports efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DC Water operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the unit.  Manages and evaluates the progress of the Controller’s office towards meeting goals, and adjustments in objectives, work plans, schedules and commitment of resources.   

Key Working Relationships:

Serves as a key financial representative for DC Water, engaging with internal stakeholders (Finance, Procurement, Operations) and external entities, including the DC Water Board, regulatory agencies (EPA, local jurisdictions), auditors, and financial institutions. Provides strategic insights to enhance financial transparency and accountability.

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. 

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.

• Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.

• Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.

• Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.

• Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow. 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.

If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to

perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please

email complianceada@dcwater.com.