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Manager, Operating Accounting

WSSC Water, Laurel, MD, United States


Manager, Operating Accounting

Functional Title - Manager, Operating Accounting
Functional Category - Finance/Accounting
Grade - GS.17
FLSA Status - Exempt
Number of Vacancies - 1
Job Level - Section Manager
Position Summary Information
General Summary - The Manager, Operating Accounting manages advanced professional accounting and analysis of a varied nature, directing the work of professional accountants/financial analysts. Prepares special and periodic studies, ad hoc analysis and reporting as requested by internal customers and/or Division Manager.
Essential Functions - Subject matter expert in General Ledger and subledgers C2M and Oracle Inventory Assists the planning department with the completion of the annual water audit which is prepared in compliance with AWWA's Manual M36 Guidelines for Water Industry Best Management Practices For Water Loss Control, by reviewing and supplying the required accounting reports, PBC's and analyses Coordinates performance of advanced professional accounting and analysis of a varied nature including, but not limited to: Investments and long-term debt working closely with the retirement and disbursements divisions Inventory, water meters, assets and liabilities and related sub-ledgers; requires knowledge of sub-ledger systems and coordination with other groups within the Commission Billed and unbilled water and sewer revenues, receivables, cancellation, and reserve analyses; requires expertise with the Commission's billing and meter reading systems and related business processes Provides routine guidance to customer relations to ensure that financial implications of the Billing system are addressed Performs monthly tracking and analysis of Front Foot Benefits and House Connection collections and year-end analysis and true-up of the related balance sheet accounts Directs performance of monthly indirect cost allocations for operating funds, including analysis and resolution of discrepancies Directs miscellaneous billings (Billed Work) and collection Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination Manages financial system General Ledger 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 and C2M ) Designs and coordinates user acceptance testing and testing of new system functionality Coordinates with vendors, and/or IT to identify and resolve programming and functionality problems Represents financial system end users in projects/discussions with information systems personnel, and other system/module administrators Acts as Accounting lead in the implementation of new or enhanced systems that will impact accounting/analysis data Contributes expertise to cross-functional workgroups to enhance the data and process coordination between and among business units and software modules; Applies relevant techniques and processes to ensure that data integrity, internal controls, and audit trails are maintained throughout all applications; Subject matter expert in General Ledger and subledgers 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; Advises on the accounting treatment of unusual transactions; Initiates process improvement initiatives and updates Commission-wide internal control memorandums annually for the external auditors; Develops, documents and maintains Accounting Procedures in compliance with accepted accounting and regulatory requirements Manages the maintenance of the general ledger and reconciliation of accounts; Ascertains the reliability of management data developed within WSSCWater and establishes processes to safeguard integrity; Initiates process improvement initiatives; Recommends operating, control, and reporting improvements Manages the work of professional accountants/financial analysts; Performs 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 Prepares special and periodic studies, ad hoc analysis and reporting as requested by internal customers and the senior manager Routinely interacts with management and staff throughout the Commission and coordinates with actuaries, auditors, and federal, state and local government staffs on accounting matters
Other Functions - Represents the senior manager in meetings and conferences as directed Advises the accounting senior manager on technical accounting issues and their relationship to the preparation of financial statements Advises the accounting senior manager on the relationship of accounting policies and practices to generally accepted accounting principles and Financial and Governmental Accounting Standards Board procedures Establishes and maintains the Accounting Procedures Manual for Commission-wide use 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 - Work is performed in a 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 accounting standards, principles, theories, techniques, and practices (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable AICPA Industry Guides and Pronouncements) Thorough knowledge of internal controls Ability to analyze and interpret accounting and financial records and recommend improvements Thorough knowledge of WSSCWater'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 financial analysts, 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 6+ years of experience in public or corporate accounting, auditing, or combination thereof, including: 3+ years of recent experience in the operation and maintenance of general ledger software (Oracle General Ledger or equivalent) 3+ years of experience in financial analysis 3 years of experience at the senior accountant level OR High School diploma or equivalent 10+years of progressively responsible experience in public or corporate accounting, auditing, or combination thereof, including: 3+ years of recent experience in the operation and maintenance of general ledger software (Oracle General Ledger or equivalent) 3+ years of experience in financial analysis 3+ years of experience at the senior accountant level
Additional Requirements - May require extended work hours periodically to complete special projects, upgrade or enhance systems, or support the monthly and annual financial statement review and preparation process Completion of the WSSCWater Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter Highly proficient in the utilization of Microsoft Office including advanced skills in Excel and Access Experience with GASBand FASBpronouncements and their application, preparation and analysis of financial statements in accordance with GAAP
Preferences - CPAor other professional accounting/fraud certifications Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field Supervisory experience
Salary - $122,277 - $208,202
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement - ANEQUALEMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITYEMPLOYER It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.
Close Date - 05/15/2026
Open Until Filled - No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Information - All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification. Eligible applicants will be reviewed for consideration after 5/18/26