The Job Duties of a Comptroller

Comptrollers most often work in government or nonprofit agencies.

Comptrollers, like controllers, are responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial operations of an organization. Unlike controllers, however, comptrollers most often work for governmental or nonprofit entities rather than for-profit corporations.

Comptrollers in State Government

State comptrollers are most often elected officials with strong accounting and financial backgrounds. They serve as the chief accounting and financial officer of the state and are responsible for ensuring financial responsibility, integrity and sound fiscal management. Duties might include managing the state's assets, developing financial policies, budgeting, auditing and financial record keeping.

Comptrollers in Local Government

Some counties and other governmental entities, such as cities and townships, also have comptrollers on staff. These accounting professionals serve as chief financial officers overseeing all aspects of the government's accounting and financial departments. Some duties of a county or city comptroller might include overall accounting, budgeting, contracts, asset management and financial reporting. Depending upon the governmental charter, local comptrollers might be elected or appointed to their position.

Comptrollers in Education

Comptrollers also play a significant role in financial management for institutions of higher learning. In colleges or universities, the comptroller is a department head or manager, but may or may not be the chief financial officer for the organization. University comptrollers oversee numerous accounting and financial functions. Some of their responsibilities might include student accounting and financial services, grant accounting, financial reporting, asset management and payroll.

Comptrollers in Nonprofit Organizations

Various nonprofits such as museums and health care organizations may also hire comptrollers. Most often, these individuals serve as the organization's chief financial officer and are responsible for the oversight of most or all accounting and financial departments. Duties of a comptroller in a nonprofit organization might include payroll, accounts payable and receivable, audit preparation, financial reporting, purchasing, budgeting and asset management.

References

• The Huffington Post: What Is A Comptroller?
• Political Notebook: What's a Comptroller?