Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Accounting Manager (#20001170)

General Statement

Under general supervision, directs and coordinates professional and administrative staff in the performance of a variety of accounting and/or treasury activities which may include fund accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, report preparation, contract management, budget preparation, general ledger maintenance, payroll functions, accounts receivable functions, accounts payable functions, cash management and forecasting, bond sale execution and reporting requirements, interpretation and  implementation of policies and legal requirements, and information systems management.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Manages the District’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, SAP, for fund accounting and reporting, disbursements, and payroll in addition to other integrated computer systems related to timekeeping, travel and expense, credit card program, accounts receivable and accounts payable, internal auditing, account reconciliations, capital assets, and grants accounting systems.    
  • Administers the design, development, implementation and operation of accounting and information technology systems, methods and procedures.    
  • Assists in completing public bond offerings for the District including preparation and review of public disclosure documents for transactions and ongoing reporting to regulatory agencies.    
  • Creates or reviews cash flow, tax levy, and debt models; performs net present value (NPV) and other financial performance reviews; and creates reports for upper management.   
  • Creates and monitors policies to assure compliance with the IRS, SEC and statutory requirements.    
  • Directs Records Management and administrative support activities.    
  • Prepares or assists in the preparation of the departmental budget including the projected financial position and revenue for all funds in the budget.    
  • Interacts, coordinates and effectively negotiates with District personnel and outside agents such as auditors, vendors and consultants; prepares meeting agendas and materials, makes presentations, provides internal training, and participates in meetings and hearings; assembles support data and provides information necessary to successfully represent the department or District and ensure District interests are served.    
  • Manages the completion and maintenance of financial records; prepares required and other financial reports and statements; ensures generally accepted accounting principles, budgetary and statutory financial reporting requirements are satisfied; recommends policy and procedural changes as necessary to implement governmental accounting standards; ensures vendor payments are made in compliance with the Prompt Payment Act, purchasing rules, and associated filings; manages the billing process in compliance with statutory requirements, tax regulations, and associated filings; manages the payroll process and all associated filings; manages internal audits and reporting to the Audit Committee.   
  • Prepares and reviews Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for professional services. 
  • Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

  • Acts on behalf of the Comptroller or Assistant Treasurer as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers and on-line collaboration tools.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of general accounting, cost accounting, and internal auditing.
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of accounting for cash, investments and debt.
  • Considerable knowledge of ERP systems.
  • Considerable knowledge of budget preparation and analysis.
  • Considerable knowledge of financial statement preparation.
  • Considerable knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board procedures.
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others and to establish an environment of high morale and professionalism.
  • Ability to communicative effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in accounting or finance, or possession of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting or finance. Six years of professional accounting or finance experience, two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

Substitution

Graduate study in accounting or finance may be substituted for the required non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of two years.  Certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois, may be substituted for the required education.

Promotional Requirement

  • Two years of service with the District as a Supervising Accountant or Financial Analyst.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20001170; EST: 11/18/2015; REV: 2/1/2024;