Assistant Director of Accounting 26-125

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

Job summary

Charleston Water System is seeking an Assistant Director of Accounting to support the daily operations of the Accounting Department. You will assist the Director in payroll, AP, investments, debt management, cost accounting, fixed assets, travel, and GL interfacing.

Responsibilities include applying GAAP, regulatory guidance, and internal policies; establishing schedules for the department; reviewing GL transactions and monthly close; and participating in system enhancements and policy

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Accounting or Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Advanced knowledge of computer-oriented financial systems and spreadsheet software.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Accounting in payroll, accounts payable, investments, debt, cost, fixed assets, travel, and general ledger data interfacing.
• Apply internal policies and external regulations to accounting operations, including bond ordinances and IRS rules.
• Review and approve general ledger transactions, reports, analyses, and reconciliations.
• Help implement complex accounting computer systems and enhancements.
• Develop and monitor department goals, plans, and training.

Education

B. S. degree in Accounting or Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting

Tools

Advanced knowledge of financial systems

Job description

Job Description

Assistant Director of Accounting

Job Announcement No: 26-125

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Accounting

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

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Flexible)

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.

Job Requirements

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.
• Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

Potential Career Path

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.

• Director of Accounting