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Controller

CDE Lightband

CDE Lightband

Accounting & Finance
Clarksville, TN, USA
Posted on Mar 20, 2026

***EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***


CDE Lightband, the municipal power provider for the City of Clarksville, offers electric, television, Internet, and phone service to customers within the city limits. CDE Lightband serves over 85,000 metered homes and businesses with electric service and over 32,000 customers with broadband services over our Fiber-to-the-Premises Network.

We are seeking a strategic and highly meticulous Controller to serve as the principal guardian of our financial integrity. In a period of rapid community expansion and evolving infrastructure technologies, this executive role is pivotal in balancing ambitious capital investments, such as our advanced grid automation and fiber-to-the-home expansions, with sustainable fiscal stewardship for the City of Clarksville.

As a financial leader at the intersection of public power and high-speed broadband, you will oversee all accounting operations, comprehensive financial reporting, and internal controls, ensuring our fiscal health remains as reliable as the utility services we provide. If you are a CPA or financial expert with a commitment to public service and a passion for data-driven excellence, we invite you to help us power the next chapter of Clarksville's growth.


Controller


Team/Division:

Financial Services

Reports To:

Chief Financial Officer

Job Status:

Full - Time

Work Schedule:

Business Hours

Pay Status:

Salary

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Pay Grade:

17

Created/Updated:

July 2017


Job Summary

Incumbents manage and coordinate the activities of the Financial Accounting Department and perform professional accounting tasks requiring comprehensive knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting standards. Responsibilities may include verifying, monitoring, balancing, and reconciling accounts; preparing journal entries and financial reports; calculating and documenting complex accruals and expenses; reviewing and approving journal vouchers, invoices, and cash requirements listing for payables; preparing and monitoring the department budget; interpreting and researching GAAP and FERC accounting standards; and implementing changes to accounting methods to ensure consistency with organizational policies and procedures. Incumbents supervise lower-level accounting and accounting support staff.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; monitoring workflow; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations
  • Manages the activities of the accounting function, which includes coordinating, administering, updating, budgeting, and evaluating processes, procedures, systems, and standards; and ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, and company policies/procedures
  • Reviews internal financial reports, worksheets, general ledger entries, and other documents created by subordinates; identifies, researches, and directs the resolution of issues; ensures deadlines are met; and responds to questions from senior management.
  • Administrator of the online banking system and online payments
  • Prepares a variety of management, fiscal, and organizational reports, including documentation for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports; compiles, organizes, and analyzes financial and statistical data
  • Perform other duties as assigned, of a similar nature, or to help as needed

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred. Will consider degrees in Business or a related field

Experience:

10 years of experience in the areas of listed responsibility

Certifications & Licenses:

CPA or the ability to obtain preferred, CPR/AED, or the ability to obtain upon hire

Other Requirements:

An equivalent combination of education and experience is sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, which are also considered


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledgeable of Accounting principles, practices, and procedures
  • Knowledgeable of Budget forecasting practices
  • Knowledgeable of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles, & Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
  • Skilled in Managerial Principles, monitoring and evaluating employees, prioritizing and assigning work
  • Skilled in managing financial operations, evaluating and implementing accounting procedures and systems, and implementing procedural improvements
  • Skilled in Basic Computer and related software applications
  • Skilled in applying accounting principles and practices
  • Skilled in reading, comprehending, and analyzing financial statements
  • Skilled in preparing, monitoring, and reviewing journal entries and annual reports
  • Skilled in organizing, evaluating, and presenting complex financial data
  • Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and through speaking
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
  • Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
  • Ability to obtain and appropriately use the proper usage of equipment, facilities, materials, and personnel
  • Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety
  • Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information

Physical Demands

Fingering (fine dexterity)

F

Lifting/Carrying

Other:

Handling (grasping, holding)

F

Under 10 lbs

F

Use of a headset

O

Repetitive Motion

F

11-20 lbs

O

Ability to identify colors independently of others

Reaching

O

21-50 lbs

R

R

Climb

N

51-100 lbs

N

Crawl

N

Over 100 lbs

N

Extended Periods of Sitting

F

Kneel

R

Pushing/Pulling

Squat

R

Under 10 lbs

F

Speaking clearly to be understood on

C

Sit

C

11-20 lbs

O

Stand

F

21-50 lbs

R

the telephone & hearing a response

Bend

F

51-100 lbs

N

Walk

C

Over 100 lbs

N

Legend: N = Never; R = Rarely; O = Occasional (1% - 33%); F = Frequent (34% - 66%); C = Constant (over 66%)


Working Conditions

  • Indoor office position with occasional need for work within the external warehouse, subject to harsh temperatures
  • Sometravelmayberequired

Additional Note

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary based on the department's business needs.

All employees in pursuit of their job duties should demonstrate the behaviors of the Code of Ethics and the CDE Lightband Mission & Vision.

EEO Compliant. TN Drug-Free Workplace. E-Verify & i9 Participant. Equal Opportunity Employer.