WATER ACCOUNTING MANAGER

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

 About the Milwaukee Water Works

 Owned by the City of Milwaukee and under the policy direction of the mayor and the common council, the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) is a national leader in providing high quality, healthy drinking water. The MWW adheres to regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for facilities, operations, and water quality. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) sets water rates and service charges and monitors the MWW’s accounting. The MWW purifies Lake Michigan water to provide fresh drinking water to 866,993 people in 16 communities in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Waukesha Counties.

 For more information about the MWW, please visit: https://city.milwaukee.gov/water

The Water Accounting Manager directs the operation of the Accounting Services unit of the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW), which has an annual budget and revenue of more than $150M. The Water Accounting Manager also prepares annual financial and operating reports, participates in internal and external audits and ensures utility compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) rules and regulations for accounting.

Accounting and Financial Report Management

• Direct activities of the Accounting Services work unit; outline and review office methods and procedures to ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP and the PSC’s Uniform System of Accounts for Public Utilities.
• Oversee preparation of annual financial and operating reports to the PSC and reports and statements for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Maintain procedures, records, statistics, and 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 for use as substantiating exhibits in water rate increase requests to the PSC.
• Manage the Accounting Services Work Unit, including hiring recommendations, performance evaluation, coaching and counseling.

Auditing

• Manage the utility’s participation in the annual external audit of its financial statements.
• Manage activities associated with internal audits of various accounting processes by the Comptroller’s Office.
• Supervise the preparation and submittal of prepared by client (PBC) paperwork and documentation to auditors.
• Conduct internal reviews of accounts covering revenues and expenditures.
• Establish and coordinate accounting and reporting procedures between the Accounting Services unit and all other MWW sections.
• Update the MWW chart of accounts and manage the creation and maintenance of Operating and Maintenance (O&M) and Capital accounting ledgers.

Debt Service Management

• Supervise and coordinate the accounting and documentation required for loan programs such as the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), the issuance of bonds and other debt instruments.
• Ensure debt service payments are made timely and accurately.
• Assist the Water Financial Manager in determining the appropriate level of debt funding required for infrastructure and other utility needs.

Human Resources Management

• Interview and make hiring recommendations for positions in the Accounting Services work unit.
• Conduct onboarding for new staff and ensure employees receive appropriate training.
• Assign work, monitor progress and ensure deadlines are met.
• Evaluate staff performance on an ongoing basis; provide staff with regular feedback and coaching.
• Ensure compliance with all City, DPW and MWW policies, procedures and work rules; recommend discipline, if needed.
• Review and approve timecard entries for the Accounting Services unit.

Purchasing Management

• 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 the training of cardholders and liaise between the department and Procurement Service for ProCard administration. 

Budget Preparation

• Assist with the preparation of the MWW operating and capital budgets.
• Consult with the Water Financial Manager on budget matters and in preparation of Common Council resolutions requiring extraordinary fund expenditures, carryovers and other transactions.

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.

• The Water Accounting Manager is required to file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

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.
• Ability to become proficient in PSC accounting and finance practices and procedures.
• Ability to conduct thorough, impartial, detailed financial audits to ensure absolute compliance with accounting standards.
• 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 learn the City’s financial management system.
• Ability to learn the City’s budget processes and procedures.
• Ability to manage accounting records, finances, and books for multiple sections within MWW and in conjunction with work performed in collaboration with the Office of the Comptroller, Office of the City Treasurer, PSC and external auditors.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software to analyze and present data and create correspondence.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple forums.
• Written communication skills to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Ability to collaborate with MWW section managers to obtain data and information related to budgets, revenue, purchasing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals including the Office of the Comptroller, Office of the City Treasurer, public officials and the public.

Leadership

• Knowledge of management 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 issues.
• 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 accurately report 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.
• Ability to safeguard City resources and serve in a fiduciary capacity to act in the best financial interest of the utility.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1IX) is $98,272-$112,137 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee resident is $101,220-$115,501 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:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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.
• 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.

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