Accounting Supervisor at Palmdale Water District – Palmdale, California

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY
To plan, organize, direct and supervise assigned personnel engaged in technical and clerical accounting activities including accounts payable/receivable, payroll and fixed asset inventory; to perform a variety of complex and difficult professional accounting tasks; and to provide administrative support to the Finance Manager/CFO.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Receives general direction from the Finance Manager/CFO.
• Exercises direct supervision over assigned technical and clerical support staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for a variety of revenue and expenditure accounting and payroll activities, including purchasing; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, and supervise the work of staff involved in a variety of accounting activities.
• Assist in preparation of the District-wide annual budget including forecasting of future revenue levels and expenditure patterns; participate in accounting function budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, supplies, equipment, and services; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct employee performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Prepare, maintain, and analyze a variety of fiscal and accounting records, statements, and reports.
• Identify trends and irregularities in reported fiscal transactions; research and make recommendations for modifications to internal procedures and policies and/or external reporting requirements.
• Oversee reconciliation of banking processes; and maintain and review detailed sub-ledgers such as capital improvement projects, accounts payable, accounts receivable, developer deposits and customer deposits
• Review the general ledger in preparation for year-end financial statement audit and prepare schedules for auditors.
• Audit and analyze accounting systems and procedures to ensure compliance with accepted accounting standards and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Analyze, evaluate, and organize data and information in preparation of complex studies such as financial forecasts and cost benefit analyses.
• Answer public questions and provide information to the public; investigate customer complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Financial (FASB) and Governmental (GASB) Accounting Standards Board Statements and Pronouncements; Auditing, and Financial Reporting and best practices; Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Governmental and enterprise accounting and financial reporting, cost accounting; internal control standards; employment and labor laws, banking and investments, public utilities.
• Principles and practices of accounting, budgeting, auditing, financial reporting and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of public finance administration and budgeting, fixed-income portfolio cash management, debt issuance, and reconciliation.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.

Ability to

• Organize, implement and direct accounting functions for the District and perform a variety of difficult and complex professional accounting tasks.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Interpret and explain pertinent accounting and District practices and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of assigned accounting function programs and District-wide budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations, including implementation of efficient accounting procedures, and auditing and analysis of accounting systems and procedures.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Five years of increasingly responsible journey-level accounting experience; including three years of providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel.

Training

Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or a related field or Bachelor of Science coursework in related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence, statistical data and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Approved: January 27, 2025