City of La Crosse, WI
City of La Crosse, WI is hiring: Accounting Analyst - Utilities in La Crosse
City of La Crosse, WI, La Crosse, WI, United States
Salary: $64,355.20 - $73,694.40 Annually
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00651
Department/Division: Water
Opening Date: 10/24/2024
Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Accounting Analyst to become an essential member of the Utilities team.
The purpose of this position is to assist with a variety of intermediate to complex professional accounting assignments for the City of La Crosse Water, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities. Accounting work shall include processing and maintenance of accounting, budgetary, financial, and payroll records and documents using financial and accounting software. The position requires the incumbent work semi-independently in carrying out assignments and demonstrate independent decision making in applying GAAP, GASB, and WI Public Service Commission (PSC) policies and practices to accomplish a wide variety of accounting, financial and administrative support tasks. The work is performed under the direction of the Utilities Finance & Compliance Manager. Annual salary for this exempt position ranges between $64,355.20 - $73,694.40 (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or other related field with proficiency in accounting software; minimum of three years of accounting experience or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in governmental (fund) accounting, budgeting, and public utility highly desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Candidates must be able to maintain confidentiality and have effective public relations and communication skills. Knowledge of automated financial systems, payroll preparation, and rules and regulations of the PSC relative to accounting and billing.
Benefits: The City offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: low medical plan premium costs having a $400 deductible, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.9% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn sick days and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check & post-offer/pre-employment drug screen. Applications accepted until position is filled, with an initial review of applications on November 10, 2024. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.
Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to assist with a variety of intermediate to complex professional accounting assignments for the City of La Crosse Water, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities. Accounting work shall include processing and maintenance of accounting, budgetary, financial, and payroll records and documents using financial and accounting software. The position requires that the incumbent work semi-independently in carrying out assignments and demonstrate independent decision making in applying GAAP, GASB, and WI Public Service Commission (PSC) policies and practices to accomplish a wide variety of accounting, financial and administrative support tasks. The work is performed under the direction of the Utilities Finance & Compliance Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this classification. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.
Other duties may be required and assigned.
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this
classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.
1) Medical Benefit Plan - Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.
2) Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) - Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2024 rate is 6.9% of pre-tax earnings.
3) Life Insurance - (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.
4) Income Continuation Insurance - (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.
5) Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.
6) Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.
7) Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.
8) 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.
9) ICMA Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.
10) Paid Leave Time: Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00651
Department/Division: Water
Opening Date: 10/24/2024
Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Accounting Analyst to become an essential member of the Utilities team.
The purpose of this position is to assist with a variety of intermediate to complex professional accounting assignments for the City of La Crosse Water, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities. Accounting work shall include processing and maintenance of accounting, budgetary, financial, and payroll records and documents using financial and accounting software. The position requires the incumbent work semi-independently in carrying out assignments and demonstrate independent decision making in applying GAAP, GASB, and WI Public Service Commission (PSC) policies and practices to accomplish a wide variety of accounting, financial and administrative support tasks. The work is performed under the direction of the Utilities Finance & Compliance Manager. Annual salary for this exempt position ranges between $64,355.20 - $73,694.40 (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or other related field with proficiency in accounting software; minimum of three years of accounting experience or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in governmental (fund) accounting, budgeting, and public utility highly desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Candidates must be able to maintain confidentiality and have effective public relations and communication skills. Knowledge of automated financial systems, payroll preparation, and rules and regulations of the PSC relative to accounting and billing.
Benefits: The City offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: low medical plan premium costs having a $400 deductible, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.9% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn sick days and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check & post-offer/pre-employment drug screen. Applications accepted until position is filled, with an initial review of applications on November 10, 2024. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.
Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to assist with a variety of intermediate to complex professional accounting assignments for the City of La Crosse Water, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities. Accounting work shall include processing and maintenance of accounting, budgetary, financial, and payroll records and documents using financial and accounting software. The position requires that the incumbent work semi-independently in carrying out assignments and demonstrate independent decision making in applying GAAP, GASB, and WI Public Service Commission (PSC) policies and practices to accomplish a wide variety of accounting, financial and administrative support tasks. The work is performed under the direction of the Utilities Finance & Compliance Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this classification. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.
Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Assist with maintaining La Crosse Water Utility, Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility fixed asset ledgers.
- Review and track capital project payments and monitor for adequate funding. At project completion, complete asset management functions, including creating journal entries to capitalize new infrastructure, retire old, tracking of deferred assessments, update fixed asset ledger, asset continuing property records in database or asset management software, and other related functions based on the type of project.
- Creates and inputs journal entries into financial system and prepare reports from the data as needed.
- Review transactions and journal entries for appropriateness and compliance.
- Assists with maintaining accounting files by reviewing and analyzing a variety of accounting transactions for accuracy and propriety and by preparing adjusting journal entries as required. Balances related expense and liability accounts.
- Ensure compliance with relevant internal policies, accounting, and PSC regulations.
- Balance water, sewer and stormwater payroll reports to the accounting system. Update payroll reports for regulatory reporting purposes.
- Aids the Finance & Compliance Manager with budget preparation and financial reporting as required.
- Assists auditor in annual audit, including retrieving and preparing supporting documentation and responding to questions.
- Analyzes and prepares data for inclusion in the annual PSC report.
- Researches and prepares special reports as requested.
- Assists in preparation of data and reports for rate reviews with the PSC.
- Prepares various reports for Board of Public Works meetings as needed.
- Handle routine office duties on day-to-day basis and as assigned by the Utilities Finance & Compliance Manager.
- Maintain confidentiality of utility and customer information.
- Cross-train on Accounting Specialist -Utilities duties such as billing, accounts receivables, daily balance and other processes that have a financial impact to the utilities.
- Occasionally may be required to provide customer service to customers via phone or email with general water utility questions or forward questions to the appropriate personnel.
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this
classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
- Prepare resolutions for Common Council consideration.
- Prepare agenda items for the Board of Public Works.
- Compose correspondence and create reports, graphs and charts as necessary.
- Respond to city department or council member inquiries.
- Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.
- Performs related functions as assigned or required.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or other closely related field with proficiency in accounting software; minimum of three years of accounting experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Experience in governmental (fund) accounting, budgeting, and public utility highly desirable.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Effective public relations and communication skills.
- Considerable knowledge of automated financial systems.
- Considerable knowledge of payroll preparation.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations of the PSC relative to accounting and billing.
- Considerable skill in the application of general principles and practices in accounting methods.
- Considerable skill in preparing accounting statements and reports.
- Considerable skill in utilizing spreadsheet applications.
- Considerable skill and ability to apply automated information systems concepts, budgeting, and finance principles to practical application.
- Ability to proficiently utilize a computer and the required software, including Microsoft Office, general ledger, and utility billing software programs.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
- Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
- Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
- Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as invoices, billing statements, tax statements, tax reports, spreadsheets, statistical reports, grant applications, general ledger, budgets, bond issues, state statutes, resolutions, ordinances, non-routine correspondence, computer languages and accounting methods.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing with vendor representatives, various city employees and the general public.
- Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data.
- Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
- Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
- Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer terminal, telephone, calculator/adding machine, computer printer and photocopier.
- Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as data entry.
- Ability to exert very moderate physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
- Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work under safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use poses a very limited risk of injury.
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.
1) Medical Benefit Plan - Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.
2) Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) - Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2024 rate is 6.9% of pre-tax earnings.
3) Life Insurance - (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.
4) Income Continuation Insurance - (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.
5) Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.
6) Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.
7) Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.
8) 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.
9) ICMA Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.
10) Paid Leave Time: Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.