PENSION ACCOUNTING MANAGER

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about joining an inclusive team of public servants, please consider this opportunity.

The Pension Accounting Manager performs complex accounting activities for the Employes’ Retirement System (ERS) by reviewing, validating, and reconciling financial data from disparate accounting and management systems.

ACCOUNTING

• Accumulate, calculate, post, balance, and reconcile data for specific investments; identify, trace and otherwise resolve discrepancies involving trust company records in accordance with established procedures and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Coordinate with the Pension Accounting Manager and Pension Accounting Specialist to reconcile amounts posted to the general ledger via the Merits System.
• Oversee the preparation and balancing of monthly investment earnings.
• Review general ledger journal entries for the ERS’ accounting system (ACCPAC Sage 300).

FINANCIAL REPORT PREPARATION

• Prepare the comprehensive annual financials; act as the primary contact for external auditors in the preparation of annual financial statement audits.
• Coordinate with the system’s actuary to prepare year-end information, support the annual actuarial valuation, and provide quality control.
• Lead year-end close activities by assigning responsibilities, setting clear deadlines, and guiding staff to ensure reconciliations, financial reporting, audit schedules, and actuarial data are delivered on time.
• Produce and review reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare required reports for management, the ERS Board, staff, and members.
• Report financial reporting disclosures to all plan sponsors.
• Maintain permanent record of ERS financial and accounting transactions, including source documentation.
• Maintain electronic copies of the pension trust portfolio reports (custodial records).

 LEADERSHIP/ADMINISTRATION

• Direct, mentor, and train the pension accounting specialist, benefit services coordinator, and fiscal services assistant, including assigning work, setting priorities, and ensuring accuracy and timeliness of deliverables.
• Review staff work for accuracy, including reconciliations and contribution postings.
• Oversee the unclaimed property benefits process with other City departments. Coordinate outside earnings and requirements and document responsibilities and procedures.

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.
2. Five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of accounting or finance, including one year of accounting or finance supervisory experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered; however, there is no substitution for a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university.

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 before extending any job offers.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or candidacy.
• Master’s degree in business administration.

TECHNICAL

• Advanced knowledge of modern governmental accounting theory, principles, and practices, including Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of accounting principles and familiarity with automated and manual accounting processes.
• Knowledge of data processing and experience with automation products and software applications.
• Ability to disassemble and scrutinize accounting data to ensure high-detail and high-dollar-volume transactions are properly balanced and reflect changes originating during the accounting period.
• Ability to review and validate calculations and reconcile accounting data from disparate accounting and management information systems.
• Ability to produce timely annual financial statements and other compliance reports.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply complex rules and regulations.
• Proficiency using standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, and financial software systems and databases.

 LEADERSHIP

• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Ability to encourage positive cross-departmental operations.
• Ability to work independently while supporting and mentoring staff members.
• Ability to assign duties, set performance standards, and monitor work in progress.
• Ability to provide guidance and mentorship to staff.
• Ability to foster a collaborative team environment and promote compliance with City policies and ethical standards.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Verbal communication skills to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple forums.
• Written communication skills to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Ability to maintain professional, courteous, and effective working relationships with managers, fellow staff, direct reports, and outside parties.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

JUDGMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Ability to think critically and analytically.
• Ability to effectively analyze and resolve issues and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to plan, organize, initiate, prioritize, and complete work to achieve objectives promptly, within deadlines, and with limited supervision.
• Attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate work.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1LX) is $116,493-$139,868, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $121,153-$145,463. 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 which includes:

• 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 have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. 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 102

The City of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer.