WATER ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Water Accounting Manager directs, guides, and supervises the operations of the Accounting Services Work Unit of the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) and is responsible for overseeing the operating budget preparation for the entire Utility, including the administration of payroll activities and expenditure processing and control for the MWW. The Water Accounting Manager directs the principles and regulation for account methods and documentation within the MWW in compliance with the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).

Management, Supervision, and Administration

• Supervise accounting activities; outline and review office methods and procedures to conform to the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed for Public Utilities by the Public Service Commission (PSC); supervise preparation of annual financial and operating reports to the PSC; supervise preparation of the annual MWW reports and statements to be part of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Manage and direct all payroll functions, including timekeeping, and ensure compliance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance and all other applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain procedures, records, statistics, and any 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 in a manner for use as substantiating exhibits in water rate increase requests to the PSC.
• Supervise the Accounting Services Work Unit, including hiring, performance evaluation, discipline, and other personnel matters.

Budget, Finance, and Auditing

• Coordinate preparation of the MWW budget for submittal to designated City departments; consult with the Water Financial Manager on budget and in the preparation of Common Council resolutions requiring extraordinary fund expenditures, carryovers, and the like.
• Oversee the preparation of financial and operating statements and furnish information from departmental cost and other records to other City departments, consulting engineers, and other MWW sections; study any special problems; follow Common Council resolutions relating to construction programs, creation of funds and positions, issuance of bonds, processing grants, and other MWW matters.
• Conduct internal audits of accounts covering all revenues and expenditures and establish and coordinate accounting and reporting procedures between the Accounting Unit and all other MWW sections.
• 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 training of cardholders and liaise between the department and Procurement Service for ProCard administration. 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of professional (post-degree) experience in the field of accounting or finance, including one year of accounting or finance supervisory experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered; however, the Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university is required.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

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

Technical

• Advanced knowledge of general accounting and finance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of PSC accounting and finance practices and procedures.
• Ability to conduct thorough, impartial, detailed financial audits to ensure absolute accounting standards compliance.
• Ability to collaborate with other managers to secure data and process contracts and invoices to meet the operational needs of the utility within the City’s financial system.
• 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 manage accounting records, finances, and books for multiple agencies and departments.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software to analyze and present data and create correspondence.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to be able to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple formats, including one-on-one and in presentations.
• Written communication skills; ability to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals including the Office of the Comptroller, Office of the City Treasurer, public officials and the general public.

Leadership and Management

• Knowledge of supervisory 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 problems.
• 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 analyze and report on 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.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1IX) is $96,345-$109,938 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee resident is $99,236-$113,236 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.

• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 102

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.