Allentown Seeks Interim City Controller

From Allentown City Council:  Allentown City Council is continuing to accept applications from qualified residents interested in serving as the City's interim Controller. 

Applications will now be accepted through the close of business on Monday, August 17, 2026, providing additional time for interested candidates to apply following the postponement of the previously scheduled July 1 special meeting due to scheduling conflicts affecting quorum.

 

Pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter, applicants must be qualified voters residing in the City of Allentown and must have been registered members of the Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior to the vacancy, which occurred on May 27, 2026.

 

The Allentown City Controller serves as the City's chief fiscal officer, providing independent financial oversight on behalf of more than 130,000 residents. The Controller is responsible for reviewing City finances independently of the Executive and Legislative branches, conducting financial and performance audits, reviewing the annual budget and providing recommendations to City Council and the Mayor, monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, assisting with independent audits, overseeing the operations of the Controller's Office, and promoting accountability and transparency in the expenditure of public funds.

 

Individuals with backgrounds in accounting, auditing, finance, budgeting, public administration, government oversight, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Experience managing financial operations, interpreting financial information, conducting audits, or working within governmental or nonprofit organizations is beneficial.

 

Interested individuals should submit:

• A current resume; and
• A statement describing their qualifications, relevant experience, and the value they would bring to the Office of City Controller.

 

Applications may be submitted by mail or email to:

Allentown City Council
Attn: Tawanna Whitehead, Deputy City Clerk
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

Email: Tawanna.Whitehead@allentownpa.gov

 

Documents submitted as part of this application process will become public records. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

 

Following the close of the application period, Allentown City Council will publicly review all qualified applicants and conduct interviews during a Special City Council meeting in August before voting to appoint an interim City Controller in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.

 

The position of City Controller carries an annual salary of $76,000.

 

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Allentown City Council Office at 610-437-7555.

 

Attached is the job description for the position. Per the Home Rule Charter, the responsibilities of the City Controller are to:

A.       Have financial oversight of City finances, independent of the Executive and Legislative branches and shall review all expenditures of the Mayor, City Council and City Boards, Commissions and Agencies;

B.  Review the Annual Budget before approval by City Council, and make nonbinding recommendations to the Mayor and to City Council for consideration, if he or she deems it necessary;

C.       Be present or represented at all Council meetings;

D.   Perform audits, including performance audits, of the City and any City department, office, authority, board or commission. In the performance of such audits, the City Controller, to the fullest extent allowable by law, shall be given access to any and all information and documents reasonably and actually necessary for the completion of such audits. The Controller, in conducting such audits, shall in all respects comply with Section 171.02.B (Confidential Information) of the City Ethics Code and Section 140.17 (Employee Conduct and Work Rules), Part H.12 of the Personnel Code prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information in violation of federal, state and local laws. All information and documents made available to the Controller to conduct such audits and any reports resulting therefrom shall be subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

E.   Report, to the Mayor and to City Council, on the progress of the implementation of any recommendations as found in the Annual Audit and Management Letter;

F.        Assist in all audits conducted by independent auditors;

G.       Assure the accurate and timely completion and submittal of audit reports along with appropriate follow-up recommendations;

H.       Furnish to City Council, the Mayor, and others, as appropriate, periodic reports of audits conducted;

I.         Interpret and communicate audit policies and procedures to all City management and staff;

J.         Direct internal financial security and loss investigation activities;

K.       Prepare an annual budget for the office of City Controller and operate the office of City Controller within approved budget limitations; and

L.       Issue any subpoenas in order to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of City Controller.