Accounting Manager

DEFINITION - Mid-Management "At-Will" Position

Under direction of the Director of Finance; Responsible for all areas relating to financial reporting, including developing the accounting principles, practices, and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements; Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of the accounting team to ensure that the work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner; Addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including general ledger preparation, year-end audit preparation, and support of budget activities; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the manager level classification in the Finance (Accounting) Division with the responsibility for organizing, assigning, evaluating results, develop and assist in budget, conducting inter-department performance appraisals and recommending personnel actions such as hiring, promotions, discipline and termination. Duties may include performing the most difficult and complex tasks assigned to the work unit.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Controls, supervises, plans, organizes, assists, and assigns tasks and responsibilities to Accounting personnel. Monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives.

• Leading performance evaluations, providing coaching and mentoring, and identifying opportunities for employee development.

• Organizes and coordinates daily accounting functions and assignments. Participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

• Obtains and maintains a thorough understanding of the financial reporting and general ledger structure through day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure high-performance, work environment that supports achieving the District’s mission, strategic plan, objectives and values.

• Reconciles revenue and expenditure data with the general ledger. Ensures accurate and timely reporting of all monthly financial information and year-end close.

• Provides support with budget and forecasting activities and assists in the establishment and enforcement of proper accounting methods, policies, principles, and internal control.

• Manages District’s financial accounting and billing systems. Plans and organizes the annual financial audit process; preparation of audit work papers; preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; knowledge of the application of current and proposed Government Accounting Standards.

• Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy; establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.

• Works closely with the Director of Finance and other finance staff on the completion of departmental responsibilities.

• Works with other department managers, Legal Counsel, external auditors and District Board of Directors.

• Works closely with consultants and vendors in the operation and management of the District’s billing, purchasing, and payroll systems.

• Research information and adjusts financial and statistical information; maintains and reconciles related subsidiary accounts and reviews bank reconciliations.

• Performs special analytical studies as directed by the Director of Finance.

• May occasionally travel by automobile in conducting District business.

• Sits desk for extended periods of time.

• Sufficient finger/hand coordination and dexterity to operate and adjust office equipment.

• Communicates orally with District management, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.

• Works in an office environment and able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift supplies weighing up to 15 lbs.

• Regularly uses a telephone for communication.

• Uses office equipment such as computers, copiers, and FAX machines.

• May require occasional stooping, twisting, reaching, bending, kneeling, walking, and climbing stairs.

• Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Purposes, methods, practices, and principles of District financial and statistical record keeping work.

• Principles and practices embodied in the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

• Basic knowledge of laws and statutes controlling payroll functions and maintenance of District financial records and statements.

• Purposes and practices of audits and auditing procedures.

• Management and cost accounting practices.

• Computerized management information, billing, purchasing, and fiscal systems.

• Principles of work direction, coordination, and training.

• Rules and regulations required to work safely and efficiently.

• District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Principles of supervision, training, and work evaluation.

ABILITY TO:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate accounting personnel.

• Perform a variety of the most difficult and complex financial record keeping and fiscal support work.

• Provide training and guidance for other accounting staff.

• Maintain journals and ledgers.

• Make arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.

• Assist with preparation of a variety of financial reports and statements.

• Skillfully use computerized financial record keeping and management information systems and software.

• Issue, receive, and comprehend oral and written communications.

• Communicate diplomatically and knowledgeably with customers, vendors, and District personnel.

• Prepare and organize a variety of information.

• Effectively maintain good relations during public contacts.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Drive a vehicle safely.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience, which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in computerized accounting with exposure to accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll tax reporting, and supervisory experience.

• Experience in local government accounting and audits, with some knowledge of cost accounting highly desirable. MPA, MBA or CPA desired but not required. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical.

• Valid California Driver's License - Class "C". Must maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by the District's insurance carrier.

• Reliable telephone in service at all times.

• Reliable personal transportation.

OVERTIME ASSIGNMENTS:

The purveyance of water is a vital service to the community and as such requires the availability of District personnel at all times. Consequently, Accounting employees, including the Accounting Manager, will be required to respond to emergency calls, accept periodic overtime assignments, and perform any and all other duties deemed necessary by the District. Lacking a bona fide excuse satisfactory to the District, a failure to report when called could result in termination.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT:

• For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Accounting Manager shall be considered a Mid-Management "exempt" position.

"AT WILL" EMPLOYMENT:

• This is an "at will" position without expectation of indefinite employment and may be terminated at any time without cause within the total discretion of the appointing authority.