Accounting Manager

Reading Municipal Light Department•Reading, MA

10d•$103,067 - $171,685•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Manager oversees Reading Municipal Light Department’s accounting operations to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and effective management of financial processes. The position supervises accounting staff and manages month-end and year-end close activities, financial statement preparation, internal controls, and transaction guidelines in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). It supports audits and budget and forecast development, and calls for strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills in a multitasking environment. The manager works with their supervisor to develop, implement, and manage a Career Development Plan. The role supervises staff responsible for accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger accounting. It participates in recruiting and hiring accounting and financial staff, conducts performance evaluations, coordinates training for new staff, and identifies training needs for current staff. The Accounting Manager oversees general and cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, financial close activities, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance filings. The position also supports financial analysis, annual reporting and audits, budgeting and forecasting, internal-control development, and communication with department management, Town personnel, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders. It functions as backup for the Director of Finance and Accounting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
At least five years of progressive accounting experience.
Class D operator’s license valid in Massachusetts.
Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles, practices, standards, laws, and regulations.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to direct and supervise employees.
Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities across all levels of an organization.
Strong leadership skills and dedication to driving and achieving results.
Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Office, accounting software, and databases.
Ability to manipulate and interpret large amounts of data.
Knowledge of employee relationship-building and performance-management techniques.
Accurate and proficient typing skills.
Ability to use standard office and communications equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Experience in payroll processing.
Knowledge of payroll processing.

Responsibilities

Oversee general and cost accounting processes, ensuring timeliness and accuracy leading to month-end close.
Understand and implement the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) code of accounting.
Oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy and organized supporting documentation.
Manage the RMLD accounts payable function, supervise AP staff, and work with external vendors to resolve invoicing discrepancies; interact with employees regarding ordering and invoicing.
Prepare and record journal entries and review entries prepared and recorded by senior accountants.
Prepare monthly variance and reconciliation reports.
Review employee expense reports, P-Card, petty cash, and Amazon transactions.
Reconcile purchased-power accounts in coordination with the Integrated Resources team.
Calculate overhead rates in collaboration with RMLD management.
Manage third-party billing activity, including Joint Ownership and Fiber Optic.
Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
Function as backup for the Director of Finance and Accounting.
Complete government filings, including sales tax, Green Communities, and Massachusetts unemployment filings.
Review cash turnovers and settle-up transactions with the Town.
Recommend internal controls to avoid and minimize errors and discrepancies.
Communicate with Town personnel regarding accounts payable and cash.
Assist with preparing financial reports and ensure reported results comply with GAAP or applicable financial reporting standards.
Assist with monthly accounting analysis and reconciliations for review by senior RMLD management and, when applicable, the Board of Commissioners.
Assist with annual PTF/RNS and Department of Public Utilities reports.
Assist with accounting and reporting for the OPEB Trust.
Assist in managing all aspects of the annual audit, including communication with the lead auditor and providing supporting documentation.
Adhere to file-retention policies and ensure records are destroyed on time in accordance with 220 CMR 75.
Establish internal controls and guidelines for accounting transactions and manage those processes.
Oversee preparation of business activity reports, financial forecasts, and annual budgets.
Present recommendations to management on short- and long-term financial objectives and policies.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.
Participate in recruiting and hiring accounting and financial staff and conduct performance evaluations for direct reports.
Coordinate training programs for new staff and identify current staff training needs in line with annual goals and Career Development Plans.
Access internal and external resources needed to meet RMLD material and service needs; monitor procurement and respond to employees and vendors.
Solve problems with tact and diplomacy.