Wastewater Accounting Analyst

City of Des Moines; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal authority in the United States is seeking a financial operations overseer to manage accounting tasks related to wastewater operations. The successful candidate must have a degree in accounting and ideally hold CPA certification. Duties include preparing various financial reports, auditing, conducting reconciliations, and assisting with the WRA budget. Candidates should have proficiency in related software and be prepared for background checks. This role supports critical fiscal operations in a city department.

Qualifications

• Graduate from accredited college with accounting degree.
• Two years of relevant accounting experience.
• Familiarity with governmental accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare technical accounting reports.
• Review general ledger postings and perform reconciliations.
• Assist in preparation of the WRA Budget.
• Assist with annual budget development and cost accounting systems.
• Support external auditors and maintain internal controls over the GL.
• Utilize MUNIS for general ledger activity and reporting.
• Collaborate with department staff and other agencies as needed.

Skills

Accounting

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Public finance knowledge

Communication

Education

Degree in accounting or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Master’s degree in finance or public finance

Tools

MUNIS (computerized accounting software)

MS Office

Job description

Overview

The principal function of an employee in this class is to oversee financial operations within an assigned area of a City Department and to support the Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) fiscal operations analysis activities. The work is performed under the direct supervision of assigned financial or administrative personnel, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, outside auditors, business organizations and the public.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college with a degree in accounting, or related field preferably with minimum of a major in the field of accounting; and
• Two (2) years accounting experience.
• Possession certification as a Certified Public accountant (CPA) preferred.
• A master’s degree or equivalent in finance or public finance may be substituted for one year of required work experience. Knowledge and familiarity of governmental accounting, particularly enterprise fund accounting a plus.
• Competency in Excel personal computer spreadsheets is a must as well as the ability to quickly master new software.

Please Note: College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to [e-mail], by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination, and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Prepares specialized technical accounting reports, including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Statement of Cash Flows and related.
• Reviews and audits postings to the general ledger, balancing and proofing monthly; Performs account reconciliation and related analyses.
• Prepares monthly journal entries, posting and reviewing entries.
• Reviews and verifies the accuracy of transactions and accounting classifications assigned to various records.
• Makes year end audit adjustment entries.
• Assists the Senior Budget Analyst in preparation of the WRA Budget.
• Assists the City of Des Moines accounting staff with MUNIS (computerized accounting software) general ledger activity.
• Assists the Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) Administrator in the preparation of budget requests and the development and maintenance of cost accounting systems and monthly board meeting preparation.
• Assists the Senior Budget Analyst in the use and application of complex PC based rate models designed to forecast and establish revenues to be billed to member communities/sewer districts.
• Prepares the annual WRA financial statements for audit by an outside public accounting firm;
• Prepares quarterly reports of all WRA financial activity.
• Prepares monthly invoices to WRA member communities/sewer districts.
• Maintains and implements internal controls on computer-based general ledger.
• Installs and maintains systems as adopted by the City Council to monitor budgets, spending practices, purchasing controls, and revenues collected.
• Balances grant (SRF program) revenue and expenditures, reporting compliance to state and federal agencies.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.