ACCOUNTANT I

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Accountant I performs critical accounting and business functions for the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) to ensure utility funds are handled effectively, efficiently and transparently.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The incumbent in this position will underfill a higher-level Accountant title.

The Accountant I will have a primary responsibility in either the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the General Accounting section of the MWW.

Accounts Payable (AP)/ Accounts Receivable (A/R)

• Process principal and interest payment requests on all outstanding debts, according to applicable debt service schedules.
• Process Lead Service Line (LSL) payments on all open contracts for the LSL program.

Budget Preparation and Accounting

• Assist in the preparation of the MWW’s annual budget, including assembly of backup documents and work papers.
• Prepare monthly spending and equipment reports, comparing section budgets with year-to-date expenditures and other operational reports.
• Maintain work papers and support for these reports.
• Supply detailed information to assist managers in analyzing spending patterns, variances, etc.
• Respond to budget-related inquiries from MWW managers.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and coordinate the development of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) and other grant work papers.
• Prepare documents and reports for Lead Service Line (expansion program) and assist with changes to the process and system.
• Prepare annual Work in Progress (WIP) and deferred debits.
• Prepare monthly accounting reports for the four funds collected by MWW on Municipal Service Bills.
• Prepare annual accruals and reports for monthly water sales and consumption.
• Assist with the testing and reporting for Workday.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university. NOTE: Applicants in the final semester of earning their bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply for Accountant I; however, they will not be considered for hire at the Accountant I level until the minimum requirements are met.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience working with an enterprise-wide financial system and conducting financial transactions in a large organization. 
• Experience with Pivot Tables, databases, and macros.

Technical

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and accounting theory and practice.
• Knowledge of financial management and other software programs, particularly spreadsheet and word processing applications.
• Ability to create financial reports.
• Ability to reconcile accounts.
• Ability to use financial and accounting spreadsheet and database applications and integrated financial systems.
• Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to make accurate calculations.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply complex rules and regulations.
• Ability to use office equipment, including telephones, computers, copiers and fax machines.
• Ability to learn and use the City’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS).
• Ability to learn and effectively use MWW’s customer information system (enQuesta).
• Ability to learn and effectively use MWW’s customer information system reporting software (Cognos).

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to clearly convey and prepare technical information to various audiences.
• Written communications skills to prepare business correspondence, emails, reports and procedure manuals in a clear, concise and error-free manner.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Analytical skills to apply logical thinking to gather and analyze information and solve complex financial situations.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and effectively carry out a variety of assignments under strict time constraints.
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of calculations and financial reports.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret financial and transaction data.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to exhibit exemplary professionalism.
• Honesty, integrity, ability to adhere to fundamental principles of ethical behavior for accountants, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to serving as an effective steward of City resources.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2IX) is $68,244-$89,460 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $70,974-$93,038 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS 

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202

EEO = 202

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.