GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the general administrative direction of the Director organizes and supervises the accounting, financial analysis, and other general financial management functions. Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the direction and control of the position. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Is called upon to handle a significant amount of details, each varying from the other in substance and content, requiring flexibility in approach to workload.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
♦ Supervises the accounting, financial analysis, general ledger, annual year-end audit and other functions of CMLP. Serves as manager of CMLP’s finance division. Develops and implements periodic financial reporting for Director, Board, and Finance Department as necessary.
♦ Ensures that all financial reporting and activities conform to the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for purposes of annual audited financial statements and executive budget presentations.
♦ Prepares and reconciles financial records and reports, including monthly cash and receivables reconciliation with the Town Accountant; oversees the preparation for the year-end audit. Analyzes and reports on performance to budget.
♦ Responsible for the preparation and production of the Annual CMLP Forecast. Collaborates with Assistant Director of CMLP - Power Supply and Energy Management to calculate bulling rates to collect for the Plant’s cost of service. Presents the Annual Forecast to the Light Board.
♦ Maintains current knowledge of developments in the utility industry through study, review of literature, peer association and seminars.
♦ Maintains cost accounting and plant assets for accuracy, timing and retirements according to DPU and FERC regulations.
♦ Responsible for designing and maintaining the security settings in Accounting ERP software. Assigns new users with security permission and adjusts permissions as necessary. Reviews release notes from software company to anticipate impact to CMLP based on software changes.
♦ Responsible for CMLP’s general ledger entries, revenue and cost reports and financial statements. Verifies the accuracy of the monthly electric billing activity; controls and authorizes adjustments.
♦ Directs activities necessary for proper control of electric rates used in the utility billing system.
Financial Manager/ Accountant
Town of Concord, MA Page 2 of 3
♦ Works closely with the Town Accountant to coordinate and reconcile departmental financial records to the Town Accountant’s records on a continuous basis; participates actively in the development of GAAP-based CMLP financial reporting for purposes of the Town’s annual financial statements and enterprise budget reports compiled and published annually by the Finance Department.
♦ Interacts frequently with the Finance Department personnel, external auditors, regulators, vendors and CMLP Board members. Communicates in person, by telephone and via standard report to discuss administrative and financial information.
♦ Performs special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested.
♦ Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
♦ Regular attendance and punctuality at the workplace is required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Directly supervises the activities and performance of and provides functional oversight of the Associate Financial Manager/ Accountant, Office Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
♦ Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field, plus seven or more years of progressively responsible experience including supervisory experience in accounting, business administration or management in the public utility sector; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
♦ Complete working knowledge of and skill in using computer applications for accounting and financial management, including understanding of utility billing and general ledger software. Ability to establish and maintain complex financial record keeping systems. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and to present findings clearly in multiple forums.
♦ Thorough working knowledge of accounting principles and practices and fund accounting, including knowledge and understanding of GAAP, FERC accounting requirements and DPU regulations and requirements. Ability to design, implement and execute all accounting standards and requirements relevant to a public utility.
♦ Strong organizational, planning, decision-making, and supervisory skills.
♦ Ability to work with a high level of detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions; ability to identify and analyze complex issues and to develop appropriate recommendations.
♦ Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to effectively deal with all members of the public in a courteous and tactful manner; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, other employees, departments, officials and other agencies. Ability to effectively present and explain applicable financial statements in a variety of forums.
