Controller - City of Detroit
ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION
Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.
As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Office of the Controller serves as the City of Detroit’s central financial steward, responsible for ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting, strong internal controls, and the responsible management of public funds. Operating within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) and supporting the Mayor’s policy and operational priorities, the Controller oversees citywide financial operations including accounting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, payroll, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The office plays a critical role in maintaining Detroit’s financial stability, strengthening public trust, and ensuring that city resources are allocated equitably and strategically to support community well-being. The Controller ensures Detroit maintains the highest standards of fiscal transparency and accountability while enabling investments in neighborhoods, public services, and long-term economic recovery.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closely with the Mayor and City leadership, the Controller serves as Detroit’s chief accounting officer, responsible for safeguarding public assets, maintaining the integrity of financial systems, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and audit requirements. The Controller leads the development of Detroit’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), oversees all accounting divisions, ensures timely financial reporting to state and federal agencies, and manages robust internal-control systems that prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. The role requires a leader capable of navigating Detroit’s complex financial landscape, strengthening fiscal discipline, modernizing financial systems, and supporting the Mayor’s goals for equitable investment, transparent governance, and long-term financial sustainability.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting that strengthens public trust
Maintain strong internal controls and compliance systems to prevent waste, fraud, and financial mismanagement
Modernize Detroit’s accounting and financial-reporting infrastructure to improve efficiency and accessibility
Ensure financial practices support the Mayor’s priorities for equitable neighborhood investment and resident-centered budgeting
Strengthen Detroit’s long-term financial sustainability through sound accounting and cash-management practices
Support interdepartmental initiatives—housing, public health, public safety, economic development—by providing financial guidance and ensuring proper fiscal oversight
Ensure full compliance with state and federal financial requirements, audits, and grant-management standards
Advance fiscal transparency through clear public reporting and accessible financial communicationThis description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.
Core responsibilities include:
Oversee all accounting functions for the City of Detroit including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and grants accounting
Prepare Detroit’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and ensure its accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GASB, GAAP, and all audit requirements
Develop and maintain strong internal controls that safeguard public resources and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
Direct the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements, reports, and disclosures required by the Mayor, City Council, the State of Michigan, and federal agencies
Manage citywide financial audits, coordinate with external auditors, and lead corrective-action plans to resolve findings
Ensure proper financial oversight and compliance for federal, state, philanthropic, and reimbursable grants
Oversee cash management, bank reconciliation, and treasury coordination to ensure liquidity and financial stability
Support major citywide initiatives by providing fiscal analysis, cost modeling, and regulatory guidance
Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and systems to ensure consistent and compliant financial operations
Lead technology modernization efforts to improve financial reporting, data integrity, and user experience across departments
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Controller’s Office staff to ensure high performance and professional development
Provide strategic advice to the Mayor, CFO, and executive leadership on the financial implications of major policy initiatives
Engage with residents, Council, oversight bodies, and partners to promote transparency and understanding of Detroit’s financial health
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred
Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, financial management, or auditing
Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, GASB standards, internal controls, and public-sector financial reporting
Experience preparing or overseeing an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) or equivalent large-scale public reporting
Strong understanding of municipal finance, grant compliance, and state/federal funding requirements
Proven ability to modernize financial systems, strengthen internal controls, and lead organization-wide fiscal reforms
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in complex financial environments
Experience managing large teams and developing high-performing staff within financial operations
Ability to work effectively in fast-moving, politically sensitive, and cross-departmental environments
Deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical financial stewardship
Detroit experience or strong familiarity with Detroit’s fiscal history and neighborhood investment priorities preferred
Rate of Pay: $135,679-$193,000commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.
Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.