Accountant (CPA)

East Chicago; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of East Chicago is hiring two CPAs to oversee the Accountant role in their Water Utility and Wastewater Divisions. Ideal candidates will manage financial integrity, ensure compliance with regulations, and prepare financial reports. The position requires at least four years of accounting experience and a CPA license. The successful candidate will be integral in financial operations, including regulatory compliance, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. A supportive and detailed work environment is offered. The role is full-time.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in governmental or utility environment.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with enterprise fund accounting in municipal utilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage enterprise fund accounting for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater operations.
• Prepare and deliver financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Investigate discrepancies in billing and financial records.

Skills

Governmental accounting principles (GASB)

Enterprise fund accounting

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

MUNIS

Job description

Accountant (CPA) – Utilities

Department: Water & Wastewater (Utilities)

Reports To: City Controller (dotted line to department)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary Range: Commensurate with the City Salary Ordinance

Location: East Chicago, IN

Position Summary

"Financial Stewardship for Every Drop." We are seeking two CPAs to support our Water Utility and Wastewater Divisions. The Accountant (CPA) – Utilities performs advanced professional accounting work supporting the City’s Water and Wastewater enterprise fund operations. This position is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of utility funds, ensuring compliance with GASB requirements, and supporting financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and capital planning for utility systems.

The role serves as a key financial liaison between the Controller’s Office and utility operations, ensuring accurate accounting of revenues, expenditures, capital assets, and funding sources associated with water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and stormwater systems. It also participates in governing body meetings to prepare financial reports and analysis related to utility operations and finances.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage enterprise fund accounting for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater operations, ensuring accurate general ledger, reconciliations, and revenue tracking in compliance with GAAP and GASB.
• Monitor utility revenues, including billing, user fees, service charges, and stormwater-related revenues.
• Reconcile utility billing system data with financial records.
• Prepare and deliver financial reporting, including monthly/annual reports and support for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for utility operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting for internal leadership, governing boards, and external agencies.
• Investigate discrepancies in billing and financial records.

Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

• Maintain documentation for regulatory reporting, permits, consent decrees, and funding compliance.
• Support financial compliance and reporting requirements associated with regulatory agencies, including the Utility Regulatory Commission, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Capital & Infrastructure Accounting

• Oversee capital and infrastructure accounting, including asset tracking, depreciation, and financial monitoring of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).
• Track and account for capital assets including water treatment facilities, wells, wastewater plants, lift stations, pipelines, and stormwater systems.
• Maintain depreciation schedules and fixed asset records.
• Support financial tracking of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).

Grants, Loans & Bond Compliance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, grant, and bond requirements, including coordination with agencies such as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Administer and monitor State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans and other federal and state funding sources.
• Ensure compliance with bond covenants, restricted funds, and related reporting requirements.

Budgeting, Cost & Rate Analysis

• Support budgeting, audits, and Board engagement, including cost analysis, internal control compliance with the State Board of Accounts, and presenting financial information at Board meetings.
• Assist in preparation and monitoring of Water and Wastewater budgets.
• Perform cost analysis for treatment operations and infrastructure investments.
• Support rate studies, cost‑of‑service analysis, and long‑term financial planning for utility sustainability.

Internal Controls & Audit

• Ensure compliance with internal control standards and audit requirements in accordance with State Board of Accounts (SBOA).
• Prepare audit schedules and support internal and external audits.
• Identify risks and recommend process improvements.

Systems & Operational Collaboration

• Utilize financial systems (e.g., MUNIS) and utility billing platforms.
• Collaborate with utility operations, engineering staff, and leadership to align financial and operational data.
• Assist with system enhancements and reporting improvements.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend Board, commission, and other governing body meetings related to utility operations as required.
• Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and supporting documentation for Board review.
• Provide technical financial guidance to leadership and Board members regarding utility finances, rates, and capital planning.

Education, Certifications & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in governmental or utility environment.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required or strongly preferred.

Preferred

• Experience with enterprise fund accounting in municipal utilities.
• Experience with utility billing systems and ERP platforms (e.g., MUNIS).
• Experience with capital project accounting and infrastructure finance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Governmental accounting principles (GASB) and GAAP
• Enterprise fund accounting and utility finance structures
• State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit and internal control standards
• Federal and state grant compliance (including SRF programs)
• Environmental regulatory financial requirements
• Capital asset and infrastructure accounting
• Financial analysis, forecasting, and rate modeling
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools
• Reconciliation of complex financial and billing systems
• Preparation of audit schedules and financial reports
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive working relationships
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non‑financial stakeholders, including Boards and leadership
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and accounting standards in a municipal utility environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard public funds
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment
• Ability to collaborate with finance, engineering, and operations staff
• Ability to identify risks and implement internal control improvements

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Environment: Primarily office‑based with occasional visits to water and wastewater facilities.
• Physical:
  • Prolonged sitting and computer use
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
  • Occasional walking, standing, or site navigation
• Communication: Frequent verbal and written communication
• Vision/Hearing: Normal range with or without correction

The City of East Chicago does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, disability, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.