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TEHACHAPI-CUMMINGS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:            Accounting and Finance Specialist

DEPARTMENT:  Administration

REPORTS TO:     General Manager and Administration Manager

LOCATION:         District Office, Tehachapi, CA

Job Description: Works under the direction of the General Manager and the Administration Manager to plan, organize and direct the financial, accounting, and related administrative functions of the District; to ensure short and long-range financial and budgetary planning, preparation, and reporting; and to analyze, develop and recommend policies, procedures and process improvements for accounting systems, internal controls, and practices. This is an at-will exempt classification and serves at the pleasure of the General Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organize and direct all details of finance operations including long-range financial planning, operating and capital budget management, accounting, debt financing, banking, and investment management, purchasing, financial grant management, and tax administration.
• Review and approve transaction level processes for the accounting function, including, but not limited to, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, utility billing, sub-journals, general ledger, cash receipts, and bank reconciliations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of fiscal policies, objectives and priorities.
• Plan, organize and direct the investment of District funds.
• Plan, organize and assist in preparation of the budget; provide periodic budget performance reports to the General Manager, department heads and the Board of Directors.
• Review contracts and ensure that expenditures are made in accordance with the terms and conditions of approved contracts.
• Oversee the purchasing system, consistent with the purchasing policy and systems of internal control.
• Ensure the effective and timely completion of routine financial operations and transactions.
• Manage fixed asset inventory system.
• Perform those duties specified in County Water District Law (Water Code Section 30000 et. seq.) and the relevant Government Code sections relating to the duties of a Treasurer.
• Direct the District’s accounting and bookkeeping systems in accordance with proper governmental accounting/bookkeeping procedures; coordinate details and provide support and responses for the annual independent audit preparation and assure compliance with all relevant governmental accounting standards.
• Prepare fund balance projections and perform other budget-related functions as assigned.
• Prepare financial reports to State and Federal agencies, as required.
• Research, analyze, prepare cost benefit analyses, and recommend alternatives for financing District services and capital projects, and advise the General Manager, as appropriate.
• Analyze Federal, State and local legislation to determine fiscal impact on the District.
• Analyze and develop recommendations on utility user fees and other charges for services related to District costs.
• Administer assessment districts, improvement districts, special tax measures, bond issues, grant programs and other indebtedness programs.
• Serve as District Treasurer (subject to appointment by Board of Directors).
• Attend Board meetings and make presentations to the Board of Directors.
• Assist with responses to public inquiries and complaints and assist with resolution of issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public/business administration, accounting, finance, or a closely related field; and four (4) years of professional accounting or auditing experience, preferably governmental.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public finance administration, including accounting and auditing procedures, short and long-range financial forecasting, projections and analysis, fiscal reporting, revenue and expenditure monitoring and reporting programs.
• Principles of governmental operating and capital budgeting.
• Principles of municipal organization, administration, budgeting and purchasing.
• Principles of preparation and presentation of financial information in executive summary format, both oral and written.
• Principles of cash management and investments.
• Principles of debt management.
• Principles of costing pension benefit planning.
• Principles of purchasing and procurement.
• Federal and State laws, and administrative regulation affecting municipal financial operations.

Ability to: 

• Analyze and evaluate administrative and abstract accounting concepts and procedures.
• Devise new and/or revise current policies and procedures to adapt to internal and external policy changes or legal mandates.
• Be apprised of procedural or programmatic changes and select and assemble appropriate training materials.
• Produce and manage the production of various comprehensive fiscal reports.
• Prepare appropriate sections of the audited comprehensive financial report and submit annual application for the Government Finance Officers, Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation and compilation of budgetary requirements to ensure completion of annual projected and adopted budgets.
• Prepare and report the monthly financial statement, including the budget review.
• Prepare and report the quarterly investment report.
• Read and understand contractual language.
• Understand and apply a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to government fiscal operations.
• Manage the investment of District funds.
• Analyze and interpret fiscal performance data and determine cash flow needs.
• Review legislation and advise on implications and applications.
• Prepare accurate revenue and expenditure forecasts.
• Maintain effective relationships with staff, General Manager, department heads, public officials, other government agencies, and the public.
• Write clear and concise reports.
• Make public oral presentations.
• Develop and/or implement the installation of automated systems and procedures.
• Develop methods for compilation and preparation of financial reports and statistical statements.
• Understand and utilize data processing and specialized accounting operations in developing and/or revising departmental policies and procedures.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid California Class “C” driver’s license required. Additional certificates, licenses, registrations, or training may be required on an ongoing basis to fulfill essential duties. District will provide resources to obtain any additional requirements. Certified Public Accountant license, or the ability to obtain same within two years of hire is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May occasionally travel by airplane and automobile to conduct District business.
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Work in an office environment, lift and move objects up to 25 pounds such as file boxes, large binders, books, and small office equipment.
• Possess sufficient finger/hand coordination and dexterity to operate and adjust office equipment.
• Regularly use a telephone for communication.
• Operate office equipment such as computers, copiers, calculators, and FAX machines.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Possess hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.                                                                                             

About Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District

Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District (TCCWD) is located in the Tehachapi Mountains, east of the Southern San Joaquin Valley and encompasses approximately 266,000 acres. TCCWD provides an imported water supply, water resource management and flood protection to the public in a safe, reliable and environmentally sensitive way. The local groundwater supply is located in three basins, which are the Brite, Cummings and Tehachapi Basins. The District imports State Water Project water from the California Aqueduct. TCCWD is governed by a five person Board of Directors elected at large to four year, staggered terms by registered voters in the five equal acreage divisions within TCCWD. The Directors are responsible for policies and decisions which govern the operations of the District. They meet regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District’s Board Room.

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