New Controller Named For Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —Montgomery County has a new controller.

Robert Hart, the longtime manager of East Norriton Township, was sworn in Tuesday and confirmed unanimously in a Pennsylvania Senate vote.

Hart —who will serve in the post until 2028 —replaces Karen Sanchez, the wife of State Rep. Ben Sanchez, who was appointed as Abington Township's new tax collector and treasurer in December.

Sanchez has served as the county's controller for nine years.

The Montgomery County Democratic Forum had posted a formal invitation to Hart's swearing-in ceremony on Facebook.

In early January, Deputy Controller Thomas Landauer was sworn in as the county's acting controller with Michael Vasko sworn in as second deputy controller.

The controller is an elected row officer and has general supervision over all fiscal affairs of the county and of the accounts of all functions collecting, receiving, or disbursing county funds, Montgomery County's government website stated.

This includes but is not limited to, the following:

• General Accounting – The general accounting function is responsible for the county's general ledger and countywide financial statements. Complete records are maintained by the Controller's Office, detailing all fiscal operations of the county.
• Accounts Payable – The accounts payable function approves and processes all vendor invoices for payment.
• Internal Audit – Internal audit conducts periodic audits of row offices, tax collectors, county departments, and other county functions as necessary. As a part of this function, the audit staff examines the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, and best practices.
• Payroll – Payroll serves over 3,500 full- and part-time employees. Employees are paid on a biweekly basis, using direct deposit. Such items as additional insurances, parking, day care, flex heath plans, deferred compensation plans, savings bonds, other investment options, and other deductions are handled through the Payroll Department. The dedicated payroll staff works diligently to ensure that the county’s employees are paid correctly and on time.
• Retirement – The controller maintains the accounting records for the Montgomery County Employees’ Retirement System and acts as a liaison between the county and the investment advisers for the retirement fund investment portfolio.

The controller serves as a member of the Salary Board, Depository Board, Investment Board, and is the secretary of the Montgomery County Employees' Retirement Board.