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City Comptroller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Company Description The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a ...

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all ...

Agency Attorney Interne

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Company Description The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$94K - $127K/yr

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$94K - $127K/yr

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all ...

IT Service Delivery Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all ...

Staff Auditor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Company Description The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a ...

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all ...

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City Comptroller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do city comptroller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for city comptroller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a City Comptroller do?

A City Comptroller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a city government. This includes managing city budgets, auditing municipal accounts, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring financial transparency and accountability. The City Comptroller often acts as the chief financial officer, providing financial reports and guidance to city officials and the public. Their work helps ensure that public funds are used efficiently and according to law.

How does the City Comptroller collaborate with other municipal departments to ensure financial transparency and accountability?

The City Comptroller works closely with various municipal departments, such as finance, procurement, and public works, to oversee budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and auditing processes. This collaboration typically involves regular meetings, cross-departmental reporting, and the implementation of internal controls to ensure all financial activities are transparent and compliant with local regulations. By fostering open communication and providing guidance on fiscal policies, the Comptroller helps departments adhere to best practices and ensures public funds are managed responsibly.

What does a comptroller do for a city?

A city comptroller is responsible for overseeing financial operations, including managing budgets, auditing accounts, and ensuring fiscal accountability. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, and help ensure the city's funds are used effectively and in compliance with regulations.

How much does a city comptroller make?

The salary of a city comptroller varies depending on the city and experience, but in large cities like New York City, it typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 annually. The role often requires strong financial management skills and experience in accounting or public finance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a City Comptroller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Comptroller, you need strong expertise in accounting, financial analysis, and public sector budgeting, generally supported by a degree in accounting or finance and often a CPA certification. Familiarity with government accounting software, financial reporting systems, and compliance tools is essential. Excellent attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing public funds and collaborating with city officials. These competencies ensure accurate financial oversight, legal compliance, and trust in municipal financial operations.

Is a comptroller a high ranking job?

A city comptroller is a senior financial officer responsible for overseeing government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting. While the position is considered important within government administration, it is generally not classified as an executive-level or high-ranking position like a mayor or city manager, but it often requires significant experience and expertise in finance or accounting. The role's ranking can vary depending on the size and structure of the government organization.

What is the difference between City Comptroller vs City Treasurer?

AspectCity ComptrollerCity Treasurer
Primary RoleOversees financial reporting, audits, and internal controlsManages city funds, investments, and cash flow
Required CredentialsAccounting or finance background, certifications like CPA often preferredFinance or accounting background, often with investment or banking experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, finance departmentsFinance departments, treasury offices
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal government for financial oversightUsed in city governments for fund management and investments

The City Comptroller primarily handles financial reporting and audits, ensuring fiscal accountability, while the City Treasurer manages city funds, investments, and cash flow. Both roles require finance or accounting credentials and are essential for municipal financial health, but they focus on different aspects of city finance management.

More about City Comptroller jobs
What cities are hiring for City Comptroller jobs? Cities with the most City Comptroller job openings:
What states have the most City Comptroller jobs? States with the most job openings for City Comptroller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching City Comptroller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for City Comptroller jobs are:
Assistant Division Chief and Counsel, Law Division

Assistant Division Chief and Counsel, Law Division

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

513th of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller's office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together.
Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York. In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws. BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts. BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety.
The Bureau of Law & Adjustment is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed for and against the City of New York. Among other claims, the Law Claims Division investigates and resolves non-tort claims including breach of contract, affirmative, refund, salary, special education and illegal but equitable claims, as well as claims brought under the alternative dispute resolution provisions of the Procurement Policy Board ('PPB") rules and City contracts The Division works closely with the New York City Law Department and various agencies and departments on a variety of matters.
Under the direction of the Chief of the Law Division Chief, with wide latitude for independent judgment and unreviewed action and decision, responsibilities for the Assistant Division Chief and Senior Counsel include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Advising and counseling the division on a wide variety of difficult and complex legal matters, including contract interpretation and administration, special education issues, litigation, and labor and employment law.
- Investigating, evaluating, and negotiating difficult and complex prelitigation claims, including breach of contract and illegal but equitable claims, and claims brought pursuant to the alternative dispute resolution procedures in PPB rules and City contracts, and other claims having significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences.
- Monitoring, evaluating, negotiating, and approving settlements of lawsuits, including those related to class actions, labor and employment, special education, and other lawsuits having significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences.
- Attending and representing the Comptroller's Office at settlement conferences in federal and state courts, when required.
- Drafting comprehensive yet concise memoranda recommending settlement outside of delegated authority.
- Supervising division staff, including reviewing and assigning work assignments based on knowledge and experience of staff; reviewing and deciding on recommendations by staff for settlement or disallowance of claims; providing support and guidance to staff to ensure the timely and appropriate handling of claims; preparing employee performance evaluations; and ensuring compliance with agency and bureau policy and procedures.
- Assisting the Division Chief in managing the division's functions to effectuate operational efficiency and resolution of claims in compliance with bureau procedures, statutes, and laws.
- Recommending, designing, and implementing new procedures for the effective and efficient resolution of claims.
- Acting as a point of contact with other bureaus, the staff of elected officials, agency personnel, attorneys, the public, and others, as necessary.
- Perform related assignments and special projects as required.
EXECUTIVE AGENCY COUNSEL - 95005

Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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