Accounting Manager

Position Summary

Manages the activities of the Accounting Department to include general ledger accounting, accounts payable, billing, and payroll functions; manages the annual audit and financial reporting requirements; performs complex accounting tasks and analysis; coordinates accounting activities with other divisions and departments; serves as a leader, supervisor, project manager or key team member in accomplishing division initiatives. This is a management-level position that reports to the Deputy Director of Finance and requires the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance. Overall goals are set, and the worker determines the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new, unusual problems and deviations encountered in the work. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions

• Serve in a fiduciary capacity for Prince William Water safeguarding property, equipment, money, and assets against unauthorized use or removal, as well as from loss due to criminal act or breach of trust.
• Responsible for understanding the overall strategy and direction of Prince William Water and communicating that message to direct reports and employees in areas of responsibility.
• Plan and direct all aspects of the department's policies and procedures, objectives, software applications, and new initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Supervise, manage, and direct the accounting function, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, general and subsidiary ledgers, cash accounts, and fixed assets.
• Serve as a key internal stakeholder in maintaining the Financial Management System (Oracle Fusion). This includes designing, implementing, and updating SOPs as necessary, optimizing workflows to leverage system capabilities, and strengthening internal controls to ensure a strong, reliable, efficient and scalable financial environment.
• Certify requisitions for funding and proper account coding. Reviews journal entries, reconciliations, and updates prepared by staff, and assists in resolving problems. Maintains a technically accurate set of accounting records consistent with mandated accounting principles and following State and Federal regulations and guidelines.
• Supervise accounting staff, assign and review work, and take action to adjust work, staffing, and operations to meet requirements. Select, train, and evaluate staff, and take appropriate action to improve performance when necessary. Initiate action regarding hiring, transfer, promotion, leaves, performance, and other personnel actions.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, following generally accepted accounting principles and other applicable standards. Coordinates the annual audit with the external auditors. Provides staff support to the Audit Committee by preparing materials, participating as a staff member in meetings, and providing timely follow-up on audit committee requests.
• Serve as a mentor to employees regarding their development to set career expectations that are beneficial to both employees and Prince William Water.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures necessary to maintain accounting records and internal controls. Evaluate and recommend procedures needed to ensure compliance with the accounting standards and requirements.
• Design, approve, and implement improvements and/or process changes to include revision or creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as a key stakeholder in the operations and maintenance of Financial Management System and other key financial application.
• Develop, compile, and analyze financial data and benchmarks for periodic reports.
• Advise and assist other departments and divisions on accounting matters as needed.
• Prepare various routine and ad-hoc financial reports and analyses.
• Create and maintain the departmental budget. Ensure department's budgetary adherence.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Participate as a leader and working member of teams, work groups, and committees as assigned including cross-functional teams, strategic planning, procurement bids, process improvement, internal controls, and policy development.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field and maintain professional certification.
• Lead and/or assist with procurement of accounting-related services or products. Serves as contract administrator to ensure qualitative and quantitative results. (i.e., Audit, Banking).
• May be deemed essential at any time.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Skills and Experience

Essential Competencies:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution; principles, concepts, and practices of accounting as applied to the accounting requirements of public, rate-supported utility; effective methods and techniques of organizing and managing an accounting function for an organization; accounting and office automation technology and its applications in accounting and office operations; modern office procedures and practices; effective techniques of supervision; pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws to include GAAP, GASB, and IRS regulations; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment, including Microsoft Word and Excel; appropriate safety precautions, procedures, practices and regulations.
• Ability to organize and direct department operations; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem-solve department-related issues; remember various rules and procedures; explain and interpret policy; perform the most complex work of the department; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; supervise, train and evaluate personnel; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; multi-task; organize and prioritize work; follow established codes, policies, and guidelines; perform work following safety regulations, guidelines and practices. Must be detail oriented.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
• Or a combination of education and experience as described above.

• Must possess and maintain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or be issued by a state with reciprocity upon hire into this position.
• Must successfully pass a credit check.

• At least two years of experience supervising and/or directing the work of others.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Physical demands: The work is mostly sedentary with periods of light physical activity. Typical positions require workers to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; and operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak clearly and to see and hear clearly, with or without correction. May be required to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work; and attend evening meetings and work sessions.
• Work environment: Primary work is performed indoors in a standard office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.