Description
Position Overview
As Controller, you will play a critical, hands-on role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of TMRS’ financial reporting. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, this role serves as a senior technical accounting leader within the department, supporting complex accounting matters, owning key processes, and driving continuous improvement.
In this role, you will focus on technical accounting and financial reporting, supporting audits and external partners, owning and improving accounting processes, and collaborating across teams to strengthen knowledge and continuity. You will work closely with the Director of Accounting and the team to support accurate reporting and long-term operational resilience in a regulated, government environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Ensure accounting transactions are recorded and reported accurately in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and applicable GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards.
- Oversee and actively participate in monthly and annual close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries and reconciliations.
- Support the preparation of financial statements, disclosures, and schedules for internal (including the Investment Operations team) and external stakeholders.
- Research, interpret, and recommend implementation of new or revised accounting standards, with an emphasis on pension and governmental accounting.
- Audit & External Coordination
- Serve as a primary accounting liaison to external auditors, supporting audit planning, documentation, and issue resolution.
- Coordinate audit requests and assist in the preparation of the ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report).
- Support preparation of annual financial schedules for actuaries and participating cities.
- Process Ownership, Systems & Team Enablement
- Own and continuously improve accounting processes, controls, and workflows, identifying opportunities to modernize, standardize, and increase efficiency.
- Support and enhance the effective use of automated financial systems and reporting tools.
- Serve as a technical resource and coach to accounting staff, sharing knowledge and strengthening team capabilities over time.
- Provide backup support across accounting functions as needed to ensure operational resilience and continuity.
Qualities We Look For
- Accountable, Ethical, and Hands-On: You take ownership of work end-to-end, act with integrity, and deliver high-quality results especially during close cycles and high-priority initiatives.
- Technically Excellent: You bring strong accounting expertise and a commitment to excellence, confidently navigating complex issues in a governmental or regulated environment.
- Collaborative and Coach-Minded: You build trust through clear communication and collaboration, enjoy developing others, and are open to feedback as you grow into greater leadership responsibility.
- Innovative and Practical: You seek better ways of working and thoughtfully implement improvements, balancing innovation with respect for institutional knowledge and operational realities.
Requirements
Education and Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA or candidate
- Approximately 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated growth in responsibility and complexity.
- Strong hands-on experience with: Monthly and annual close processes
- Financial reporting and reconciliations
- Process ownership and improvement
- Advanced proficiency with automated financial systems.
Strongly Preferred
- Knowledge of GASB requirements
About TMRS
Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) is a trusted partner to more than 940 cities across Texas, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to over 260,000 members and their families. We are proud to be recognized as an example of fiduciary excellence through our management of more than $47 billion in Trust Fund assets.
At TMRS, every role contributes to our mission: providing secure lifetime income to our members. We approach this responsibility with a commitment to excellence, ensuring that our work strengthens communities across Texas. Guided by integrity and accountability, we collaborate across teams and embrace innovative solutions that make a lasting impact. Together, we take pride in serving our members and upholding the trust they place in us.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Participation in TMRS pension plan, with a 2:1 organization match.
- Optional participation in a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost for employee-only coverage.
- 12 paid holidays; generous leave
- Based in a modern, centrally located Austin office
- Hybrid work environment following successful onboarding, as determined by the manager.
Physical Requirements
Office Role with Light Physical Activity
Light work requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally. Involves sitting for extended periods, operating computers and office equipment, moving between work areas, and handling materials or files. Effective communication in person, by phone, and electronically is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
TMRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
