James A. Walsh

James A. Walsh is the Comptroller for the U.S. Department of State and head of the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services (CGFS). As Comptroller, Mr. Walsh carries out the delegated authorities and responsibilities of the Department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  The Comptroller leads the CGFS Bureau comprised of over 1500 staff in supporting the Department’s global financial management activities, systems, and services. The Comptroller serves as the primary financial management advisor to the Under Secretary for Management and other Department executives and acts as the Department’s external liaison on all matters relating to the Department’s worldwide financial management operations. The Comptroller chairs the Department’s Management Control Steering Committee (MCSC) and oversees the exercise of debt collection. Previously, Mr. Walsh served in various senior leadership roles at the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary where he performed the duties of Acting Assistant Secretary for nearly two years. Mr. Walsh also served as the Executive Director/Controller for the bureau. Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Walsh worked in the private sector for five years supporting Fortune 500 companies.  He also served nearly eight years in the U.S. Army where he had several overseas deployments leading aviation units. A career member of the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree from West Point, and a master’s degree in business administration from Bowie State University.  Mr. Walsh received the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 2017.