JOB OPENING

COMPTROLLER
Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma

Unclassified
Salary Commensurate with Education and Experience
Posting Date: October 8, 2009
Open until Filled

The Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System is seeking a Comptroller.  This is a full time position in STATE GOVERNMENT and will be eligible for a generous total rewards package. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance products as well as a defined benefit retirement plan, a deferred compensation plan and wellness program with financial incentive. Employees earn 3 weeks paid annual and 3 weeks sick leave in the first year as well as enjoy 10 paid holidays annually and longevity pay.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction of the Secretary-Treasurer, assists in the planning, organization and coordination of the fiscal operations and financial accounting activities of the Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System.  The System employs up to 52 FTE with an operational budget of approximately $42 million serving 150,000 active and retired clients with a retirement payroll of approximately $800 million.

Description of Duties:

The Comptroller shall be responsible for the planning and directing of the Financial Reporting and Accounting functions of the Financial Division. The Comptroller will supervise two accountants. The essential duties of this position include, but not limited to, the following:

Financial Reporting

• • Prepares and directs the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements and reports as well as assisting in the preparation and review of the System's CAFR.
  • Evaluates, monitors, and recommends changes to policy and procedures to ensure agency meets accounting and financial reporting standards defined by federal, state, GASB, or other authorities.
  • Directs, reviews, and prepares audit schedules as required by the System’s internal and external auditors.  May be required to meet with the Systems’ Audit Committee to discuss the results of internal and external audits.

Accounting

• • Monitors the System's federal and state tax deposits to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. 
  • Prepares the IRS 945 form and ensures that the information agrees with the System’s accounting data.
  • Shall answer retired client questions regarding the taxation of their retirement benefits.
  • Directs the internal investment accounting function which includes monitoring the reconciliation process between the System’s investment managers and custodian bank on a monthly basis to ensure the accuracy of investment accounting information.
  • Works with the System’s Investment Associate to ensure that investment income is accurately and timely received and recorded. 
  • Establishes necessary internal controls to ensure appropriate accountability for revenues and expenditures.  Makes necessary recommendations for changes to internal controls to the Secretary-Treasurer.
  • Prepares journal entries and supervises the posting of entries to ensure revenues and disbursements are accurately recorded in the System’s General Ledger software.
  • Reviews and updates various accounting and financial reporting related procedures manuals on an annual basis.
  • Reviews expense reports, cash receipts, prepares revenue projections as well as other reports to monitor fiscal operations and monitors cash receipts to ensure that they are properly accounted for.
  • Directs the preparation of bank, fund, and other reconciliations of the System. 
  • Prepares the necessary journal entries to record expenditures in the PeopleSoft system.
  • Makes recommendations for improvements to the fiscal operations of the System for efficiency and effectiveness in the areas of accounting, investment accounting, financial, and other related functions to the Secretary-Treasurer.  Reviews the System’s internal control system and makes recommendations for changes to the Secretary-Treasurer.      

Qualifications and Experience:

• • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business related field.
  • Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations and professional standards regarding pension fund accounting, financial reporting, investment accounting, and GASB statements.
  • Skill in the use of accounting software and computer spreadsheet applications.
  • Skill in relating abstract ideas to actual needs: in expressing complex procedures clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, and in organizing, directing, and supervising the work of others.
  • Highly effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Must be able to demonstrate integrity and a high degree of ethics.
  • Ability to establish positive working relationships with staff, consultants, investment professionals, and others.
  • CPA certification is desired.  However, registration as a candidate for CPA exam will be acceptable.
  • Registration as a candidate for CPA is expected within the first year of employment.
  • Successive progress toward the CPA designation is expected.  Non-progression in two successive years shall be grounds for termination.
  • Prior to passage of the CPA exam, the incumbent shall hold the title of Investment Accountant.  Upon the passage of the CPA exam, incumbent shall be promoted to the title of Comptroller CPA.

Special Requirements:

Incumbent must be eligible for $25,000 bond.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume and a completed Teachers’ Retirement System Employment Application (Microsoft Word format - Adobe Acrobat format) to:

Director of Human Resources
Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System
P.O. Box 53524
Oklahoma City, OK, 73152

or

FAX (405) 522-0633