Controller – Airport Accounting & Financial Reporting

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is seeking a Controller to direct accounting operations and financial reporting across its airport system supporting LAX and VNY. In this onsite role in Los Angeles, CA, you will guide the Controller division, strengthen internal controls, and ensure financial information is accurate, transparent, and dependable for executive decision-making and public accountability.

This position leads GAAP-based financial close, reporting, and policy development, while partnering with Internal Audit and external stakeholders. The Controller role also supports the selection and improvement of accounting software and financial systems, managing multiple complex initiatives while maintaining compliance across a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger recording, account reconciliation, and internal and external financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Ensure LAWA’s accounts, records, and reports provide a complete, accurate, timely, and useful picture of the organization’s financial position.
• Provide communication of financial position and reporting to executive leaders, the Board of Airport Commissioners, municipal advisors, rating agencies, and financial institutions.
• Develop and administer financial and accounting policies, procedures, and directives.
• Lead the Controller division covering accounts receivable, accounts payable, general accounting, and financial reporting.
• Partner with Internal Audit to help maintain effective internal controls that safeguard assets and support reliable financial records.
• Support the selection, design, implementation, and modification of accounting software and financial systems.
• Manage multiple complex accounting, reporting, compliance, and systems initiatives concurrently.

Qualifications

• Experience leading accounting operations and financial reporting functions.
• Experience developing and administering accounting policies, procedures, and directives.
• Experience applying GAAP and maintaining accurate, timely, and reliable financial records.
• Experience establishing, monitoring, or improving internal controls and financial compliance.
• Experience leading teams across accounting and financial reporting functions.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to executives, governing bodies, auditors, or external financial stakeholders.

Technologies

• ERP

Additional Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• General ledger accounting, account reconciliation, and financial close
• Financial reporting under GAAP
• Accounting policy and procedure development
• Internal controls, asset safeguarding, and financial compliance
• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting operations
• Accounting software, ERP, and financial-systems implementation
• Contract and legal-document review
• Regulatory, ordinance, and public-sector compliance
• Executive, board, auditor, and external-stakeholder communication
• Leadership, project management, judgment, and prioritization

Salary and Benefits

• USD 172,823 - 252,668 per year
• Competitive salary and benefits
• City pension program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid training opportunities
• Telecommuting options
• Transit subsidies and free parking
• Day care program
• Career planning and coaching
• Employee recognition programs
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Environment & Schedule

This role supports airport operations at LAX and VNY.

Application Process

• Candidates considered for an Emergency Appointment must submit a completed City application and undergo a qualifications review by Human Resources and the Personnel Department.
• The appointment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment processes, including background investigations, medical evaluations, and/or Live Scan requirements, as applicable.
• After candidate selection and job offer acceptance, onboarding will take up to an additional 4-6 weeks.

Application Questions

• How many years of professional experience do you have leading accounting operations, general ledger, financial close, or financial reporting functions?
• Please describe your experience overseeing financial reporting under GAAP or GASB. Include the type of organization, its approximate annual budget or revenue, and your role in the close and audit process.
• Please describe your experience establishing, monitoring, or strengthening internal controls, including your work with internal or external auditors.
• Please describe your experience communicating financial information to rating agencies, municipal advisors, financial institutions, or governing boards. Include your role and years of experience.
• Have you led the selection, design, implementation, or modification of an accounting system or ERP platform? If so, please describe the system, the scope, and your role.