The Accountant also supervises clerical staff, manages projects, controls cash receipts and disbursements, files tax returns, ensures timely and accurate payrolls, manages vendor and customer relationships, and oversees cash applications to customer accounts. Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 1905, AMERICAN is a manufacturer of fire hydrants, valves, ductile iron and spiral-welded steel pipe for the waterworks industry, and high-frequency-welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries.