Principal Accountant

THE POSITION:

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Are you a highly organized and reliable accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking a strategic and influential problem solver to serve as its next Principal Accountant. In this role, you will plan, organize, and manage a team of professional accountants performing routine to complex accounting duties, ensuring accurate analysis, preparation, and maintenance of financial records and reports. Additionally, you will also provide expert advice to management on financial policies, procedures, and proper internal controls to maintain compliance and efficiency.

Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. In order to ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.

Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:

This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The first round of interviews is scheduled to be conducted virtually on June 17, 2025.

There is one (1) vacancy in the Finance Department.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range: UN 186

FLSA: Exempt

Probationary Period: At-Will

Under direction, plans, organizes and manages professional accountants performing routine to complex professional accounting duties in the analysis, preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports; provides professional advice to management on financial policies, procedures and proper internal controls; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

A Principal Accountant manages the work of subordinates, providing technical guidance with difficult, professional financial tasks; researches issues, performs complex financial analyses, and manages the preparation of comprehensive reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Assignments are typically received in general terms, and incumbents are expected to act with considerable independence within the framework of established policies, procedures, objectives and accounting principles.

Employees in this class typically report to the Controller and manage the work of professional accountants and accounting support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the assigned accounting staff; with supervisors and staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

Manages the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to management concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department’s and Agency’s mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in the formulation and implementation of departmental plans and policies; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in department work processes.

Plans, organizes, participates in and reviews the work of employees preparing monthly and annual financial statements and schedules including Agency and JPA ACFRs; directs the maintenance of the Agency’s automated accounting system, including the general ledger and all required subsidiary ledgers; reviews, approves and/or posts journal entries of general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll staff; oversees month-end and year-end closing processes.

Reviews, reconciles and approves inter-agency invoices for goods and services; verifies accuracy of sales billings and rates for a variety of funds; oversees project accounting from setup through closure.

Reviews, validates and troubleshoots payroll; verifies all payroll liabilities including taxes, PERS, workers’ compensation and salary continuation; ensures garnishment and tax levies are correctly calculated, scheduled and comply with complex laws and MOU requirements.

Analyzes Agency financial systems, practices, procedures and policies, recommends improvements, and assists in their development and implementation; acts as liaison with the independent auditor and federal and state auditors of the Agency and JPA financial statements; reviews and ensures adequate internal controls for all areas of direct responsibility and the Agency as a whole.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting or a closely related field, and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, two of which were at a supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. One year of governmental accounting experience in a public agency is required.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A Certified Public Accountant license is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Advanced governmental accounting theory, practices and financial statement preparation, as well as state and federal grants management and fund management.

Principles and practices of payroll and benefits systems, accounting and audit principles, and methods of accounting records management.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting standards and requirements applicable to public agencies.

Internal control and audit principles and practices.

Advanced knowledge of SAP or similar enterprise software system.

Agency ordinances, codes, procedures and practices regarding payroll and financial reporting.

Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to the financial administration of a public agency and payroll administration.

Principles and practices of sound business communication.

Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.

Research methods and analysis techniques.

Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.

The Agency's human resources policies and labor contract provisions.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the assignment.

ABILITY TO:

Plan, manage, assign, delegate, review and evaluate the work of staff engaged in professional accounting.

Prepare a variety of financial statements and reports, including Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR).

Implement Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles and standards.

Evaluate internal controls and recommend and implement effective control procedures.

Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.

Organize, set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes, ordinances and accounting standards.

Represent the Agency effectively in dealings with employees and external auditors.

Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.

Operate a computer, enterprise software, spreadsheet software and other standard office equipment.

Use tact, diplomacy and confidentiality in dealing with sensitive and complex material, issues and situations.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCESS:

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".