Water Accounting Manager

the Milwaukee Water Works•Milwaukee, WI

13d

About The Position

The Water Accounting Manager directs the Accounting Services unit of the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW), which has an annual budget and revenue of more than $150 million. The role prepares annual financial and operating reports, participates in internal and external audits, and ensures compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) accounting rules and regulations. The manager oversees accounting and financial reporting, audit coordination, debt-service accounting, staff management, purchasing-card administration, and support for operating and capital budget preparation. The position works with MWW sections, City offices, the PSC, and external auditors. The incumbent is required to file a statement of economic interests under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303, Code of Ethics.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university.
Five years of professional post-degree experience in accounting or finance, including one year of accounting or finance supervisory experience.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, but the bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
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 and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex rules and regulations.
Ability to learn the City’s purchasing process, DPW/MWW contracting procedures, financial management system, and budget processes.
Ability to manage accounting records, finances, and books for multiple MWW sections in collaboration with City offices, the PSC, and external auditors.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software to analyze and present data and create correspondence.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, analyses, letters, and memoranda.
Ability to collaborate with MWW section managers and work effectively with technical and non-technical staff, public officials, and the public.
Knowledge of management principles and the ability to lead and supervise accounting staff, assign and review work, set expectations and deadlines, monitor performance, coach, train, build teams, and address employee issues.
Ability to foster a respectful and inclusive work environment, support employee development, encourage cross-departmental operations, and help team members reach their potential.
Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; sound judgment and ability to accurately report financial data.
Ability to be organized, detail-oriented, and accurate while meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities under pressure.
Professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and courtesy, including in adverse situations; honesty, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to safeguard City resources and act in the utility’s best financial interests in a fiduciary capacity.
Must file a statement of economic interests in accordance with Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303, Code of Ethics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in utility accounting or finance.
Familiarity with PSC accounting or finance.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

Responsibilities

Direct the Accounting Services work unit and review procedures for compliance with GASB, GAAP, and the PSC Uniform System of Accounts for Public Utilities.
Oversee annual financial and operating reports to the PSC and reports and statements for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Implement Common Council resolutions related to construction programs, general-ledger funds and positions, bond issuance, and grant processing.
Maintain current and projected information for water-rate analysis and support rate-increase requests to the PSC with substantiating exhibits.
Follow the professional accountant conduct standard outlined in the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
Manage MWW’s participation in the annual external financial-statement audit and coordinate internal audits conducted by the Comptroller’s Office.
Supervise the preparation and submission of client-prepared (PBC) documentation to auditors and conduct internal reviews of revenue and expenditure accounts.
Coordinate accounting and reporting procedures between Accounting Services and other MWW sections.
Update the MWW chart of accounts and manage Operating and Maintenance (O&M) and Capital accounting ledgers.
Supervise accounting and documentation for loan programs, bond issuances, and other debt instruments; ensure debt-service payments are timely and accurate.
Assist the Water Financial Manager in determining appropriate debt funding for infrastructure and other utility needs.
Manage the Accounting Services work unit, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignments, performance evaluations, coaching, counseling, and addressing employee issues.
Ensure staff compliance with City, DPW, and MWW policies, procedures, and work rules; recommend discipline when needed and approve unit timecards.
Administer the MWW Procard program, including card requests, purchasing limits, account closures, purchase reviews, cardholder training, and liaison with Procurement Service.
Assist with preparation of MWW operating and capital budgets and consult with the Water Financial Manager on budget matters and Common Council resolutions for extraordinary expenditures, carryovers, and other transactions.