Current Job Opportunities

City of Allentown

Position: Interim Allentown City Controller

Application Period Opens: May 27, 2026

Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Salary: $76,000 annually

Department: Office of the City Controller

GENERAL PURPOSE

The City Controller serves as the independent chief fiscal oversight officer for the City of Allentown. Reporting directly to the residents of Allentown through the Home Rule Charter, the Controller is responsible for promoting transparency, accountability, and sound financial management across all City operations.

The Controller independently reviews City finances, conducts financial and performance audits, evaluates internal controls, reviews the City's annual budget, and reports findings and recommendations to City Council, the Mayor, and the public.

This position requires strong leadership, integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to evaluate complex financial information while maintaining independence from both the Executive (Mayor) and Legislative (City Council) branches of City government.

APPOINTMENT

This appointment is to fill a vacancy in the elected Office of the City Controller in accordance with the City of Allentown Home Rule Charter. The individual appointed by City Council will serve as the interim City Controller for the remainder of the current elected term which is 12/31/2027, unless otherwise provided by law.

Because this is an appointment to an elected office, applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by the Home Rule Charter, including residency and political party affiliation requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The City Controller shall perform the duties established under Section 405 of the City of Allentown Home Rule Charter, including but not limited to:

Financial Oversight

• Provide independent financial oversight of all City finances.
• Review expenditures of the Mayor, City Council, departments, authorities, boards, commissions, and agencies.
• Monitor compliance with applicable financial policies and procedures. Auditing
• Conduct financial, operational, compliance, and performance audits.
• Evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements.
• Ensure timely completion of audit reports.
• Assist external independent auditors during annual audits.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
  Budget Review
• Review the City's proposed annual budget.
• Provide non-binding recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding fiscal matters.
• Analyze long-term financial impacts of budget decisions.
  Reporting
• Prepare reports regarding audit findings and financial performance.
• Present findings to City Council and the Mayor.
• Attend or be represented at all meetings of City Council.
• Communicate financial information in a clear and understandable manner. Office Administration
• Prepare and manage the Controller's Office annual budget.
• Supervise the operations of the Controller's Office.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws governing confidential information.
• Exercise subpoena authority when necessary to fulfill statutory responsibilities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter, applicants must be resident of the City of Allentown and have been a registered member of the Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior to the City Controller vacancy, which occurred on May 27, 2026.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While prior elected experience is not required, applicants should possess the professional judgment, financial aptitude, and leadership skills necessary to independently oversee the City's fiscal operations.

The City welcomes applicants with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: Accounting; Auditing; Finance; Public administration; Government finance; Budget development and analysis; Internal controls; Financial reporting; Risk management; Municipal government; Nonprofit financial management; Banking or financial services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Ability to analyze budgets, audits, and financial statements.
• High ethical standards and unquestioned integrity.
• Ability to interpret laws, ordinances, policies, and financial regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining independence and objectivity.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to present complex financial information to elected officials and the public.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A commitment to transparency and public accountability.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Professional independence and impartiality.
• Excellent judgment and discretion.