Water Accounting Manager

Summary

The Water Accounting Manager directs the operation of the Accounting Services unit of the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW), which has an annual budget and revenue of more than $150M. The Water Accounting Manager also prepares annual financial and operating reports, participates in internal and external audits and ensures utility compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) rules and regulations for accounting.

Requirements

Essential Functions

Accounting and Financial Report Management

Direct activities of the Accounting Services work unit; outline and review office methods and procedures to ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP and the PSC’s Uniform System of Accounts for Public Utilities.
Oversee preparation of annual financial and operating reports to the PSC and reports and statements for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Maintain procedures, records, statistics, and other information required for water rate analysis on a current and projected basis; make frequent reports of current and projected status and maintain all information for use as substantiating exhibits in water rate increase requests to the PSC.
Manage the Accounting Services Work Unit, including hiring recommendations, performance evaluation, coaching and counseling.

Auditing

Manage the utility’s participation in the annual external audit of its financial statements.
Manage activities associated with internal audits of various accounting processes by the Comptroller’s Office.
Supervise the preparation and submittal of prepared by client (PBC) paperwork and documentation to auditors.
Conduct internal reviews of accounts covering revenues and expenditures.
Establish and coordinate accounting and reporting procedures between the Accounting Services unit and all other MWW sections.
Update the MWW chart of accounts and manage the creation and maintenance of Operating and Maintenance (O&M) and Capital accounting ledgers.

Debt Service Management

Supervise and coordinate the accounting and documentation required for loan programs such as the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), the issuance of bonds and other debt instruments.
Ensure debt service payments are made timely and accurately.
Assist the Water Financial Manager in determining the appropriate level of debt funding required for infrastructure and other utility needs.

Human Resources Management

Interview and make hiring recommendations for positions in the Accounting Services work unit.
Conduct onboarding for new staff and ensure employees receive appropriate training.
Assign work, monitor progress and ensure deadlines are met.
Evaluate staff performance on an ongoing basis; provide staff with regular feedback and coaching.
Ensure compliance with all City, DPW and MWW policies, procedures and work rules; recommend discipline, if needed.
Review and approve timecard entries for the Accounting Services unit.

Purchasing Management

Manage the proper use of ProCard for the department, including processing requests for new ProCard issuance, deleting users, and changing transaction/cycle limits.
Arrange for the training of cardholders and liaise between the department and Procurement Service for ProCard administration.

Budget Preparation

Assist with the preparation of the MWW operating and capital budgets.
Consult with the Water Financial Manager on budget matters and in preparation of Common Council resolutions requiring extraordinary fund expenditures, carryovers and other transactions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Technical

Advanced knowledge of general accounting and finance principles and practices.
Ability to become proficient in PSC accounting and finance practices and procedures.
Ability to conduct thorough, impartial, detailed financial audits to ensure absolute compliance with accounting standards.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex rules and regulations.
Ability to learn the City’s purchasing process and Department of Public Works (DPW)/MWW contracting procedures.
Ability to learn the City’s financial management system.
Ability to learn the City’s budget processes and procedures.
Ability to manage accounting records, finances, and books for multiple sections within MWW and in conjunction with work performed in collaboration with the Office of the Comptroller, Office of the City Treasurer, PSC and external auditors.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software to analyze and present data and create correspondence.

Communication and Interpersonal

Verbal communication skills to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple forums.
Written communication skills to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
Ability to collaborate with MWW section managers to obtain data and information related to budgets, revenue, purchasing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals including the Office of the Comptroller, Office of the City Treasurer, public officials and the public.

Leadership

Knowledge of management principles and practices.
Ability to effectively lead and supervise staff members engaged in accounting activities, including assigning and reviewing work; setting goals, policies, expectations, tasks, and deadlines; monitoring employee performance; coaching, training, and team building; and addressing employee issues.
Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
Ability to support employee career development.
Ability to encourage positive cross-departmental operations.
Ability to create and develop a diverse work team in which all members can reach their potential.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

Adherence to the standard of behavior for professional accountants outlined in the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behavior.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to accurately report financial data.
Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
Ability to be highly organized, detail oriented, and accurate while adhering to deadlines.
Ability to work effectively under pressure while handling multiple priorities.
Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and courteous, even during adverse situations.
Ability to safeguard City resources and serve in a fiduciary capacity to act in the best financial interest of the utility.

The current salary range is $98,272 - $112,137 annually.