The Office of the State Controller serves as Arkansas’s central authority for financial management, safeguarding the accuracy, transparency, and reliability of the State’s fiscal operations. As a division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the State Controller provides strategic leadership for the statewide financial systems that support all state agencies.
The State Controller advises the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State on financial policies, accounting standards, operational procedures, and internal control requirements that govern Arkansas’s fiscal reporting framework. The office ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, delivers timely and reliable financial information, and supports informed decision‑making at every level of government.
Key responsibilities of the Office of the State Controller include:
- Managing the statewide accounting system and ensuring its efficient, secure, and consistent operation across all agencies.
- Overseeing statewide financial reporting, including preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
- Maintaining and enforcing state accounting standards, fiscal policies, and best‑practice methodologies.
- Monitoring internal controls and promoting strong financial governance throughout state government.
- Providing training, guidance, and technical expertise to agency fiscal personnel.
- Collaborating with state leadership to support financial operations and evaluate fiscal policy impacts.
- Ensuring compliance with external reporting, audit, and regulatory requirements.
Organizationally, the following functions operate under the leadership of the State Controller:
- Statewide Accounting
- Statewide Financial Reporting
- Departmental Information Services including Application Support
- Departmental Fiscal Services
- Grants Management
- Central Facilities and Operations
Together, these divisions ensure consistent, reliable, and accountable financial operations for DFA and for state government as a whole. The Office of the State Controller remains committed to responsible stewardship of public resources, robust financial governance, and delivering high‑quality service to agencies and citizens across Arkansas.