Welcome to the Controller's Office

COVID-19 Update 

NOTICE: Due to the December 12 restrictions, Chester County Government and Courts are operating on limited services with many of our staff continuing to provide services and programs while working from home.  If you are not able to complete your business online or find answers to your questions, please send us an email at ControllerDept@chesco.org, or call us on 610-344-6155.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.  Please continue to follow all CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines to help control the spread of COVID-19 during the green phase.  A reminder of the guidelines to be followed during the green phase are found here:  https://restorechestercounty.org/Regulations.cfm

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Please stay healthy and stay safe.

About the Controller


The Controller is the elected Chief Fiscal Officer of Chester County who supervises the fiscal affairs of the County, as set forth by the Pennsylvania County Code for Counties of the Third Class.  This includes the accounts, transactions and official acts relating thereto, of all officers and persons entrusted with the public funds of the County. The Controller is required to maintain and keep all fiscal and accounting records, processes, accounts payable and other disbursements, manage payroll and retirement benefits, and shall be responsible for the internal audit function.
  The County Code requires the Controller to maintain custody and stewardship of all County contracts.  All such documents are recorded to insure that the physical documents are received after they are approved by the Board of Commissioners.  The Controller perpetually monitors all contract, agreement and lease payments to ensure that no payment exceeds the limits or terms of those documents.


Mission Statement


The mission of the Office of the Controller is to provide accounting, accounts payable, audit and payroll/pension services to Chester County government and the public so they can be assured taxpayer funds are administered prudently and lawfully.

Financial Reporting


The Controller's Office shall serve as a resource for Chester County residents, government officials, vendors, financial markets and others seeking financial information about county government.  In preparing and providing reports to the public and otherwise carrying out its functions, the Controller's Office shall be dedicated to open, honest and efficient government. The Controller shall timely prepare the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) each year as required by and consistent with prudent accounting principles.

The Controller verifies the entry of financial information into the County’s centralized governmental accounting system.  The Controller also reconciles, adjusts and closes all County general ledgers; prepares all County financial statements and accompanying reports.

In performing their duties, the staff of the Controller's Office shall consistently seek to ensure that Chester County taxpayers' funds are spent, administered and accounted for prudently, lawfully and efficiently.

Member of Boards


The Controller is the Secretary of the Chester County Retirement Board.  The Controller is also a member of the County’s Salary Board, Prison Board and Constable Review Board.

Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline


Chester County Controller Margaret Reif encourages you to report any knowledge of suspected theft or misuse of County property or cash, false reporting of hours worked, mismanagement of tax dollars and any other suspected fraud or abuse within Chester County government. To report an instance of fraud, abuse or waste, please click here.