Accounting Manager

TOWN OF WELLESLEY MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:                Accounting Manager                          Director Approval:  ___________________

Department:     Municipal Light Plant                         Date:                        ___________________

Division:         Administrative

 Grade: EL-7

Salary Range: $94,500 - $134,500

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for the oversight, accuracy, and integrity of all financial and accounting operations and reporting to ensure that the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant’s (MLP) financial position remains strong and stable. This position manages the preparation of financial statements, audits, general ledger functions, subsidiary ledgers, journal entries, payroll, bank balances, accounts payable, jobbing, budget reports, and financial forecasts. The Accounting Manager ensures compliance with established accounting practices, policies, and procedures such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB), Massachusetts General Laws, MA Department of Public Utilities (DPU), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements.  Works under the direct supervision of the MLP Director, Assistant Director, or Business Manager.

This role provides leadership and direction to staff engaged in accounts payable, payroll, and billing processes, and serves as the primary liaison with the Town of Wellesley’s Finance and IT departments, auditors, and external business partners.  In addition, the Accounting Manger serves as the MLP’s financial and accounting subject matter expert with respect to its planned implementation and integration of new enterprise systems for customer information and billing, payroll, asset management, and electric service upgrade management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversee accounting and financial reporting compliance:
   Ensure all accounting and financial reporting adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requirements. Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial integrity.

1. Manage general ledger and reconciliation processes:
   Supervise the accuracy and completeness of general ledger entries, subsidiary ledgers, and account reconciliations. Review journal entries for proper classification and compliance with policies and procedures. Adjust the MLP’s general ledger structure and chart of accounts to improve financial detail and transparency.

1. Prepare and analyze financial statements:
   Develop accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow analyses. Identify financial trends and variances and provide recommendations for corrective actions.

1. Budget preparation and forecasting:
   Participate in the annual budget planning process (operating and capital), monitor MLP overall and departmental spending, and produce variance analyses. Assist in preparing multi-year financial forecasts to support strategic decision-making and rate planning.

1. Supervise payroll and accounts payable:
   Oversee the processing of weekly payroll and accounts payable functions to ensure accuracy, general ledger posting, timeliness, and adherence to applicable laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Develop and adjust allocations of reported payroll costs to the appropriate expense categories and general ledger accounts.  Review MLP expenditures for accuracy, legitimacy, and timeliness of payments.

1. Manage utility billing and customer accounting:
   Maintain the integrity of the utility billing system and ensure accurate recording of revenues and customer payments for approximately 12,000 electric customers. Work collaboratively with the Town of Wellesley’s IT and Finance departments to troubleshoot and enhance system performance.

1. Oversee financial activities of external business ventures:
   Prepare billing and financial reporting for the MLP’s external partnerships, including dark fiber optic and pole attachment leases, small cellular pole-mounted antenna systems, and commercial internet service. Ensure proper cost allocation and profitability tracking.

1. Coordinate annual audit process:
   Serve as the primary contact for the MLP’s external auditors. Prepare audit schedules, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Respond to auditor inquiries and ensure timely completion of all audit deliverables. Coordinate with and serve as the MLP’s primary liaison with the Town of Wellesley’s audit committee.

1. Prepare regulatory and government reports:
   Prepare and submit the MA Department of Public Utilities Annual Report and other required financial reports. Respond to information requests from federal, state, and local agencies.

1. Manage capital assets and inventory accounting:
   Oversee the tracking and reconciliation of fixed assets, capital projects, and inventory (of materials and supplies). Maintain accurate GIS and transformer and pole asset databases and ensure physical asset verification aligns with accounting records.

1. Administer special billing and cost recovery:
   Prepare and review cost estimates, invoices, and reconciliations for services provided to external entities. Ensure all labor, materials, and overhead are accurately allocated and recovered.

1. Support leadership and organizational effectiveness:
   Provide supervision, training, and mentorship to accounting staff. Promote teamwork, continuous improvement, and a culture of accountability and integrity within the MLP.

1. Collaborate on system and process improvements:
   Work closely with the Town’s Finance and IT departments to enhance accounting systems, reporting tools, and operational efficiency. Participate in enterprise system updates, software implementations, and automation initiatives.

1. Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises administrative and accounting support staff responsible for payroll, accounts payable and billing functions. Provides regular performance feedback, conducts evaluations and supports staff development and training initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible financial and accounting experience, preferably in a municipal utility or governmental environment.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, auditing practices, and financial reporting standards (GAAP, GASB).
• Proficiency with municipal enterprise systems (e.g., TylerTech MUNIS) and advanced Microsoft Excel and database skills.
• Experience with governmental or utility accounting highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standard office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; occasionally required to walk or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers, calculators, telephones, and standard office equipment.

The Town of Wellesley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Municipal Light Plant values diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.