Accounting Manager | City of Wheaton

The City of Wheaton is seeking a strategic and service-oriented professional to join the finance team as the Accounting Manager. This position is primarily responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records, preparing financial reports, maintaining capital assets records, assisting with the annual audit and budget preparation, and conducting detailed financial analysis. The Accounting Manager will also manage the daily operations of the utility billing, accounts receivable, and cashiering functions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Financial Management: Ensure the timely and accurate preparation and maintenance of accounting ledgers and reports; prepare and post journal entries, accruals, and adjustments; perform and review complex reconciliations, including bank statements and balance sheets; lead the month-end and year-end closing processes; prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports; maintain and update capital asset records; ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements.
• Internal Controls and Compliance: Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective internal control procedures to ensure accuracy, integrity, and security of financial transactions and data; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and internal policies and procedures; identify areas for process improvements and recommend solutions. 
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the development of annual budgets and forecasts; monitor budget performance and report on budget variances, providing explanations and corrective actions as needed; conduct detailed financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement; assist in the preparation of management reports and financial summaries. 
• Utility Billing Management: Oversee the utility billing process, including meter reading, billing preparation, and customer invoicing; ensure accurate and timely billing of utility services, including water, sewer, and stormwater; coordinate with relevant departments to resolve billing discrepancies and address customer inquiries; serve as a backup as needed.
• Accounts Receivable Management: Oversee the accounts receivable function, including posting of payments, application of credits, and collection of outstanding balances; monitor aging reports and follow up on delinquent accounts to ensure timely collection of receivables; implement strategies to reduce accounts receivable aging and improve cash flow; serve as a backup as needed.
• Cashiering Operations Management: Oversee cashiering functions, including processing of cash receipts, checks, and electronic payments; monitor daily bank accounts transactions; ensure accuracy in cash handling procedures and reconcile daily cash deposits; implement controls to safeguard cash assets and prevent misappropriation; serve as a backup as needed.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the utility billing, accounts receivable, and cashiering teams, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities; foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department; coordinate training programs for new and existing employees to ensure compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Special Projects: Lead and participate in special projects, such as system implementations, process improvements, and financial analysis initiatives.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. MBA or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance roles, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Municipal experience preferred.
• Experience with utility billing systems, accounts receivable software, and cash collections systems.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and knowledge of Tyler Technologies software is a plus.

Salary and Benefits: 

The position’s salary range is $90,000 - $120,000, dependent on qualifications. The City of Wheaton offers a competitive benefit package including excellent health insurance plans, dental insurance, life insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan.