Senior Accountant

The Sr. Accountant contributes expertise to cross-functional workgroups to enhance the data and process coordination between and among business units and software modules. The Sr. Accountant plays a key role in the maintenance of the general ledger and reconciliation of accounts.

Essential Functions

- Coordinates financial system (general ledger, assets and accounts receivable) activities and sub-system interfaces to the general ledger

- Monitors on-going system operations, performing routine maintenance and managing upgrade/implementation processes (includes non-financial systems impacting the general ledger, capital assets, moveable assets, and accounts receivable)

- Participates in user acceptance testing and testing of new system functionality

- Contributes expertise to cross-functional workgroups to enhance the data and process coordination between and among business units and software modules

- Subject matter expert in general ledger, assets and accounts receivable systems

- Acts as a subject matter expert with regards to upgrades, testing, and processing data in general ledger

- Serves as the accounting division liaison to IT

- Responsible for monthly internal Comparative Financial Statements and production of management reports

- Performs data analysis and manipulation in the creation of month end reports

- Assists in the process to improve the efficiency related to the internal Comparative Financial Statements

- Assists in the preparation of annual external financial statements

- Assists in the process to implement the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR);

- Coordinates research and reporting of analytical reviews/variance analyses of the balance sheet and results of operations

- Conducts research, provides findings, and proposes potential changes impacted by recently released GASB standards

- Establishes and updates accounting procedures and policies

- Assists in the coordination of annual activities with external auditors to support the year-end (US GAAP) and OMB Circular A-133 audits

- Prepares and reviews audit work papers and supporting schedules and documentation for external financial reporting

- Researches and remains up to date with new technical accounting standards and Federal and State regulations and writes position papers and memos when necessary

- Advises on the accounting treatment of unusual transactions

- Assists with process improvement initiatives and updates Commission-wide internal control memorandums annually for the external auditors

- Assists in the development of annual audited financial statements

- Prepares annual uniform financial reports for the State of Maryland, and various surveys

- Provides reports and data for the Annual Water Audit which is prepared in compliance with AWWA’s Manual M36

- Plays a key role in the maintenance of the general ledger and reconciliation of accounts

- Ascertains the reliability of management data developed within WSSC Water and establishes processes to safeguard integrity

- Initiates and assists with process improvement initiatives

- Recommends operating, control, and reporting improvements;

- Coordinates performance of advanced professional accounting and analysis of a varied nature

- Acts as the lead accountant, planning, coordinating and overseeing work of staff accountants;

- Provides input for performance management evaluations in accordance with Commission policies; Instructs employees on technical accounting issues and the interpretations and application of rules, regulations and accounting procedures

- Analyzes historical costs and anticipated trends to establish Front Foot Benefit Rates and House Connection Charges

- Performs or oversees performance of reconciliation, reporting and analysis of house connection data

- Completes and presents the annual update of the Front Foot Benefit Rate Sufficiency Study

- Performs or oversees performance of monthly indirect cost allocations, including analysis and resolution of discrepancies; Monitors standard rate allocation results and recommends changes based on cost analysis

- Prepares special and periodic studies, ad hoc analysis and reporting as requested by internal customers, the accounting section manager and/or division manager

- Routinely interacts with management and staff throughout the Commission, external customers and auditors

Other Functions

- Represents the accounting section manager and/or division manager in meetings and conferences as directed

- Coordinates troubleshooting and problem resolution of issues impairing the operation of financial systems and/or processes

- Performs other related duties as required

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Business casual office environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Thorough knowledge of accounting theory, principles and practice and their application to a wide variety of transactions and problem resolution

- Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of analytical review, including problem definition, setting evaluation criteria, and analysis of alternatives; ability to analyze financial information and prepare complex financial and administrative reports

- Thorough knowledge of internal controls

- Ability to analyze and interpret accounting and financial records and recommend improvements

- Thorough knowledge of WSSC Water’s accounting system and regulations governing the Commission’s operations

- Prior experience in the design and installation of accounting/financial systems and related sub-ledgers

- Excellent project management skills including the ability to coordinate multiple projects, work independently and meet deadlines

- Demonstrated skills in developing and presenting accurate and complete financial reports

- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate the technical work of accountants, and provide effective training

- Demonstration of advanced skill and proficiency in the utilization of spreadsheets, databases, general ledger applications and related sub-ledgers, data manipulation and reporting tools

- Overall knowledge of the Commission and its operations

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and external organizations/individuals

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

- 5+ years of experience in accounting, auditing and financial analysis

OR

- HS diploma or equivalent - 9+ years experience in accounting, auditing and financial analysis