Assistant Director of Accounting 26-125

Charleston Water System Careers; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 106,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Water System Careers is seeking a seasoned Accounting Manager to support daily operations of the accounting department. Responsibilities include payroll, accounts payable, investments, debt, cost accounting, fixed assets, travel, and GL data interfacing to the general ledger.

You will ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and external regulations, develop schedules, review ledger activity, and drive month-end close improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in accounting or business admin with accounting concentration and 4 years progressive experience, or 10 years in accounting/finance with supervisory exposure.
• Experience in GAAP, internal controls, policy formulation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of accounting systems, payroll systems, and Excel or similar spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Assist Director of Accounting in payroll, AP, investment, debt, cost, fixed assets, travel and GL interfacing.
• Interpret policies, laws, and contracts affecting accounting operations.
• Review/approve GL transactions and monthly close processes.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets and schedules.
• Supervise and train accounting staff; conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Payroll

Accounts payable

GAAP

Financial analysis

Supervisory experience

Budgeting

Education

B.S. in Accounting or Business Administration (Accounting concentration)

10 years combined accounting/finance with 2+ years supervisory

Tools

Payroll systems

Job order costing

Spreadsheet software

Job description

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

Applications Accepted through Sunday, October 4, 2026

Salary Range: $105,830.40 ($50.88/hr.) - $216,257.60 ($83.95/hr.)

Hiring Range: $105,830.40 ($50.88/hr.) - $140,275.20 ($67.44/hr.)

Grade: 114

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting in the management and daily operations of the Accounting Department.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for assisting the Director of Accounting in all areas of management in the Accounting department including payroll, accounts payable, investment, debt, cost, fixed assets, travel, general accounting and customer service data interfacing to the general ledger.
• Interpret and apply internal policies and procedures, external laws, regulations and/or contracts to the accounting operation including Bond Ordinances, IRS regulations, GAAP, Arbitrage laws, state investment laws and banking regulations.
• Ensure financial policies are established using generally accepted accounting principles.
• Establish schedules/deadlines for the Accounting Department.
• Review/approve general ledger transactions, reports, analyses and reconciliations.
• Ensure all general ledger transactions are complete prior to monthly close.
• Assist in the implementation of complex accounting computer systems and enhancements.
• Assist in the review and analysis of financial statements for accuracy.
• Assist in the formulation and update of the Accounting Department policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of employee goals and objectives.
• Assist in the development of short and long-range plans and objectives for the Accounting Department.
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training associates.
• Conducts performance reviews for associates.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties

• Administrative duties such as monitoring the Accounting Department budget, approving time and attendance, read pertinent publications/articles and monitor all financial systems for changes and enhancements.
• Maintain contact and open lines of communication with CWS Associates and relevant external sources.
• Develop, test and/or revise detailed written applicable SOIs
• Participate in appropriate organizations and attend seminars, workshops, etc. to keep current
• Responsible for the supervision of the Accounting Department in absence of the Director of Accounting.
• May be required to serve on committees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work occasionally positioning self to exert up to 20 lbs. of force and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift and transport objects. Objects greater than 50 lbs. require a two-person operation.
• Ability to visually observe and comprehend computer/terminal screens, reports and correspondence for approval and reconciliation purposes, data input and filing.
• Ability to effectively use personal computers with printer; telephone; calculator; copy machine; fax machine; and assigned software.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of written and oral communications.
• Ability to receive detailed information through written and oral communication.
• Ability to identify, reach and handle documents as required to perform the essential job functions and to maintain an accurate record keeping system.

Education and/or Experience

• B. S. degree in Accounting or Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and four (4) years of experience or a combination of education and experience in the accounting/finance field with progressively responsible experience to equal ten (10) years with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience must be progressively responsible and diverse accounting experience in which a broad exposure to all areas of accounting and accounting principles, practices and procedures was acquired with at least (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Advanced knowledge of computer oriented financial systems, payroll systems, job order cost systems, and spreadsheet software programs.
• Possess analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of management.
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• There are no special designations required for this position.

Training Needs:

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

Our Mission Support public health and protect the environment.

Our Vision Achieve excellence and exceed customer expectations.

Our Core Values

• Continuous pursuit of excellence
• Customer Service
• Open and honest communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Ethical behavior and integrity

Our Mission Support public health and protect the environment.

Our Vision Achieve excellence and exceed customer expectations.

Our Core Values

• Continuous pursuit of excellence
• Customer Service
• Open and honest communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Ethical behavior and integrity

Charleston Water System is an at-will, drug-free, equal opportunity employer.

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