Hybrid Controller at Irvine Ranch Water District
Irvine Ranch Water District · Irvine, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Senior
- Office in Irvine
About the Department
Applications will be accepted continuously until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close without notice after the first review deadline.
The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The Position:
Receives general supervision from management personnel. The Controller manages the accounting division of the Finance Department, overseeing key financial functions such as customer payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, projects (construction) / assets, bank reconciliations, and general accounting. This role ensures the implementation of financial controls and security measures to safeguard District funds. Additionally, the Controller leads process improvement projects involving intricate financial systems within the District.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This management-level position is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of accounting staff. The incumbent will oversee the development and processing of financial records, reports, and statements, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Controller serves as a professional resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses. Successful performance in this role demands a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment within established guidelines.
For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.
This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon headquarters, without the option for remote work.
Position Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans, organizes, supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of direct reports, setting performance goals and providing ongoing coaching and development.
Provides leadership and work with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment which aligns with the District’s core values.
Develops and implements goals, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs in alignment with strategic objectives.
Supervises the daily operations of the accounting division, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, payroll, projects, assets, and recordkeeping.
Prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including financial statements, notes, and supplementary information.
Coordinates external audits and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
Develops and implement financial controls, internal auditing processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provides financial guidance to District departments and ensures adherence to financial policies and procedures.
Stays updated on industry trends and regulatory changes to enhance the District’s financial practices.
Responsible for the preparation of the annual operating budget.
Manages the process of generating rates based on annual operating costs and presents rate recommendations to the necessary Committees and the Board of Directors.
Manages the update process for the rates and charges schedule for all changes throughout the fiscal year
Directs the generation of the mailing lists for, and the presentation of proposition 218 notices.
Manages the processing, reviews and/or approves payroll batching reports, tax deposits, tax tables, and periodic tax returns and reports.
Directs preparation of the enterprise model for the purpose of setting connection fees and property tax rates to fund non-replacement capital.
Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, economics, business, or public administration from an accredited institution.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably within a governmental agency or utility, including three (3) years in a supervisory role.
License/Certifications Required
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desirable.Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including training and performance evaluation.
- Governmental accounting, public finance administration, and budgetary processes.
- Applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations and standards (GAAP, GASB, GFOA, OMB A-133, etc.).
- Internal controls, auditing standards, and financial reporting best practices.
- Budget preparation and administration.
- Record-keeping principles and procedures.
- Customer service principles and effective communication techniques.
Ability to:
- Supervise and develop staff while ensuring high-quality financial operations.
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
- Analyze complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
- Prepare clear and concise financial reports and statements.
- Effectively represent the District in professional settings and collaborate with stakeholders.
- Use modern financial software applications and tools.
Other Qualifications
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.
These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Writing Skills Assessment: This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content. Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts.
Oral Interview Examination: Will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process, as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation. Apply Now
