Accounting Manager | City of Wheaton

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 $92,000 - $125,000, dependent on qualifications. The City of Wheaton offers a competitive benefit package including excellent health insurance plans, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan.