Asst Dir, AUD Finance & CS

Augusta Richmond County•Augusta, GA

About The Position

Plans, directs, and oversees the operations and staff conducting financial services and customer service for the Consolidated Government water utility. Reports to the Director and works with employees, the public, real estate developers, attorneys, contractors, and federal, state, and local officials to provide administrative support. The role oversees finance and customer service division personnel, including budgeting, accounting, billing, customer service, meter services, asset management, and related activities. It develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and procedures; evaluates services and systems; administers operating and capital improvement budgets; coordinates audits and financial reporting; and supports capital improvement planning, bond covenant compliance, and debt service transactions. The position requires staff call-up in an emergency and travel from the office to other locations. It requires a valid driver’s license and a maintained Certified Public Accountant license. The work involves directing a major organizational unit and significant internal and external interaction. Physical effort is light and may include lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing 5–10 pounds, as well as extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience managing accounting and financial activities for a large department or government utility, including lead or supervisory experience, and seven years of experience in the field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, public administration, municipal accounting, and budget procedures.
Familiarity with asset management, accounting and billing, and customer service.
Mastery of interpreting local, state, and federal codes, acts, and policies, and grant availability concerning water and wastewater.
Proficiency in management, supervision, and communication.
Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction in interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving history; if the license is from a state other than Georgia or South Carolina, obtain a Georgia or South Carolina license within 30 days of employment.
Possess and maintain a valid Certified Public Accountant license.
Ability to respond to staff call-up in an emergency.
Ability to travel from the office to other locations.
Ability to coordinate, manage, and correlate data and use data analysis to inform operational decisions.
Ability to operate, maneuver, or control equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in essential functions.
Ability to use advanced algebraic and/or calculus concepts and perform and interpret statistical calculations.
Ability to reason through complex planning and interrelated operational problems, exercise judgment, and direct and plan organizational programs.

Responsibilities

Manage, direct, and evaluate assigned staff; address employee concerns and problems; direct work; counsel and discipline employees; and complete performance appraisals.
Organize, prioritize, and assign work; schedule activities; ensure staff have appropriate resources; monitor work in progress; inspect completed work; and provide technical support for complex situations.
Provide progress and activity reports to the Director, Utilities, Consolidated Government administrators, and elected officials.
Develop, plan, and implement short- and long-term strategic plans, goals, and objectives for asset management, accounting and billing, and customer service.
Evaluate the performance and effectiveness of services, programs, and systems, and identify and implement needed changes or enhancements.
Develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures; review the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and processes; and ensure compliance with established policies and standards.
Develop and administer budgets; forecast needs for staffing, equipment, capital improvement projects, materials, and supplies; monitor expenditures; and prepare financial reports and documentation.
Manage preparation and maintenance of operating and capital improvement budgets, coordinate budget preparation with division managers, review and distribute monthly budget reports, and direct related financial activities.
Coordinate preparation for annual audits and the Compliance Statement for inclusion in the CAFR.
Participate in capital improvement planning, maintain compliance with bond covenants, and oversee debt service transactions.
Coordinate preparation of statistical information and financial reports.
Direct and oversee billing, customer service, meter services, and related activities; review system data and service reports; provide guidance to subordinate managers; and assure regulatory compliance.
Assist with highly difficult customer service claims.
Consult and communicate with government administrators, employees, outside agencies, contractors, customers, and others to review operations, resolve problems, exchange advice and direction, provide recommendations, facilitate meetings, and supply requested information and documentation.
Oversee ongoing project execution, address project-related financial obligations, and alert the Director to events affecting departmental responsibilities.
Review current government regulations concerning water and sewer practices and apply basic engineering guidelines.
Adhere to Georgia motor vehicle laws, Augusta ordinances, and policies governing use of fleet vehicles and equipment.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required.