Accounting Manager

Walnut Valley Water District is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of Accounting Manager. The District

At Walnut Valley Water District, we believe in

putting people first

. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for excellence in everything we do. Our vision statement, “

Shared Values, Shared Results

,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and success. As a member of our team, you’ll not only be part of a dedicated workforce but also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth.

The Accounting Manager is responsible for organizing, assigning, evaluating results, developing, and assisting in budget preparation and monitoring, conducting performance appraisals, and recommending personnel actions such as hiring, promotions, discipline, and termination.

Responsibilities

The role operates under the direction of the Director of Finance. This is the manager level classification in the Finance Department, Accounting Division. Incumbents are responsible for:

- All areas relating to financial reporting, including developing the accounting principles, practices, and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements

- Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of the accounting team to ensure that the work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner

- Addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities, including general ledger preparation, year-end audit preparation, and support of budget activities

- Perform other related duties as assigned

Duties may include performing the most difficult and complex tasks assigned to the team.

- Controls, supervises, plans, organizes, assists, and assigns tasks and responsibilities to Accounting personnel. Monitors work plans to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

- Leading performance evaluations, providing coaching and mentoring, and identifying opportunities for employee development.

- Organizes and coordinates daily accounting functions and assignments. Participates in developing, implementing, and evaluating plans, work processes, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards.

- Supervises, participates in, and reviews the work of employees preparing and processing journal entries; reviews entries for accuracy of account numbers and amounts and for reasonableness; prepares and supervises the preparation of standard monthly financial statements and schedules; answers staff and department questions about appropriate accounts for charging of expenses; analyzes, verifies, and reconciles accounts and records.

- Manages the work of employees responsible for accounts payable and receivable and payroll; provides assistance to outside departments to ensure accuracy of account numbers and adequate account balances; reviews payroll and payroll tax reports; manages and participates in ensuring the smooth operations of the general ledger accounting and payroll computer systems.

- Supervises and facilitates a timely and accurate month-end closing process for the general ledger.

- Reviews calculations and examines supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness on monthly journal entries; prepares and maintains control and subsidiary accounting records on all asset and liability accounts, and establishes general ledger accounts for new capital-related construction projects.

- Obtains and maintains a thorough understanding of the financial reporting and general ledger structure through day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, work environment that supports achieving the District’s mission, strategic plan, objectives, and values.

- Reconciles revenue and expenditure data with the general ledger. Ensures accurate and timely reporting of all monthly financial information and year-end close.

- Provides support with district annual budget and forecasting activities and assists in the establishment and enforcement of proper accounting methods, policies, principles, and internal control.

- Manages the District’s financial accounting and billing systems. Plans and organizes the annual financial audit process; prepares audit work papers; reviews the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Financial Transaction Report; has knowledge of the application of current and proposed Government Accounting Standards.

- Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets, and provides coaching for performance improvement and development.

- Works closely with the Director of Finance and other finance staff on the completion of departmental responsibilities.

- Works with other department managers, Legal Counsel, external auditors, and the District Board of Directors.

- Works closely with consultants and vendors in the operation and assists with the management of the District’s billing, purchasing, and payroll systems.

- Researches information and adjusts financial and statistical information; maintains and reconciles related subsidiary accounts and reviews bank reconciliations.

- Performs other special projects as directed by the Director of Finance.

Typical Physical Activities

- May occasionally travel by automobile in conducting District business.

- Sits at a desk for extended periods of time.

- Sufficient finger/hand coordination and dexterity to operate and adjust office equipment.

- Communicates orally with District management, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.

- Works in an office environment and is able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift supplies weighing up to 15 lbs.

- Regularly uses a telephone for communication.

- Uses office equipment such as computers, copiers, and FAX machines.

- May require occasional stooping, twisting, reaching, bending, kneeling, walking, and climbing stairs.

- Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.

Employment Standards Knowledge Of:

- Purposes, methods, practices, and principles of District financial and statistical record keeping work.

- Principles and practices are embodied in the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

- Basic knowledge of laws and statutes controlling payroll functions and maintenance of District financial records and statements.

- Purposes and practices of audits and auditing procedures.

- Management and cost accounting practices.

- Computerized management information, billing, purchasing, and fiscal systems.

- Principles of work direction, coordination, and training.

- Rules and regulations are required to work safely and efficiently.

- District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

- Principles of supervision, training, and work evaluation.

Ability To

- Supervise, train, and evaluate accounting personnel.

- Perform a variety of the most difficult and complex financial record-keeping and fiscal support work.

- Provide training and guidance for other accounting staff.

- Maintain journals and ledgers.

- Make arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.

- Assist with the preparation of a variety of financial reports and statements.

- Skillfully use computerized financial record keeping and management information systems and software.

- Issue, receive, and comprehend oral and written communications.

- Communicate diplomatically and knowledgeably with customers, vendors, and District personnel.

- Prepare and organize a variety of information.

- Effectively maintain good relations during public contacts.

- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

- Drive a vehicle safely.

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience, which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is desired but not required.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in computerized accounting with exposure to accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll tax reporting, and supervisory experience.

Experience in local government accounting and audits, with some knowledge of cost accounting highly desirable. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.

Special Requirements

- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical.

- Valid California Driver's License - Class "C". Must maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by the District's insurance carrier.

- Reliable telephone in service at all times.

- Reliable personal transportation.

Overtime Assignments

The purveyance of water is a vital service to the community and, as such, requires the availability of District personnel at all times. Consequently, Accounting employees, including the Accounting Manager, will be required to respond to emergency calls, accept periodic overtime assignments, and perform any and all other duties deemed necessary by the District. Lacking a bona fide excuse satisfactory to the District, a failure to report when called could result in termination.

Fair Labor Standards Act

For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Accounting Manager shall be considered a Mid-Management "exempt" position.

“AT WILL” EMPLOYMENT

This is an “at will” position without expectation of indefinite employment and may be terminated at any time without cause within the total discretion of the appointing authority.