Reading Municipal Light Department

Job Position Description

This Position Description presents illustrative work activities usually encountered by personnel filling this position. It is not meant to list all possible work activities in all possible work conditions. It is also not meant to define specific limits on work activities that may be performed by any person holding this position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. Position descriptions may occasionally be changed to allow the RMLD to better meet the needs of the customers, reflect applicable laws and regulations, or otherwise implement Commission policies. All non-bargaining unit RMLD workers are “employees at will.”

Job Summary:
Oversees RMLD’s accounting operations to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and effective manager of financial processes. Supervises accounting staff, manages month-end and year-end close activities, prepares financial statements, monitors internal controls and guidelines for preparing transactions that comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This position supports audits and helps develop budgets and forecasts. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to work in a multitasking environment. Works with supervisor to develop, implement, and manage a Career Development Plan (CDP).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises Staff Accountant(s) who is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, general ledger accounting.
• Participates in the recruiting and hiring of accounting and financial staff and conducts performance evaluations for all direct reports.
• Coordinates training programs for new staff and identifies training needs for current staff as outlined in their annual goals and Career Development Plan (CPC).

Duties/Responsibilities:

Responsible for:

• Overseeing all general and cost accounting processes ensuring timeliness and accuracy leading to month-end close.
• Understanding and implementing the FERC code of accounting.
• Overseeing payroll process to ensure accuracy and organized supporting backup
• Managing the entire RMLD Accounts Payable (AP) function including supervision of AP Staff, and external vendor contact, to resolve and clarify invoicing discrepancies. Requires interaction with other employees regarding ordering and invoicing
• Preparing and recording journal entries and reviewing other journal entries prepared and recorded by Senior accountant(s)
• Preparing monthly variance and reconciliation reports
• Reviewing employee expense reports, P-Card, petty cash and Amazon transactions
• Reconciling of purchased power accounts in coordination with Integrated Resources team
• Calculating of overhead rates which requires interaction with RMLD management
• Managing third party billing activity such as Joint Ownership and Fiber Optic
• Maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of this position
• Functioning as backup for the Director of Finance and Accounting
• Completing Governmental filing such as sales tax, Green Communities, and MA Unemployment
• Reviewing Cash Turnovers and Settle up transactions with the Town
• Recommending Internal controls to avoid and minimize errors and discrepancies
• Communicating with Town personnel regarding AP and cash

Assists in:

• Preparing financial reports; ensuring that the reported results comply with general accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or financial reporting standards.
• Monthly accounting analysis and reconciliation for review by Senior RMLD management personnel and the Board of Commissioners, if applicable.

• Completing annual PTF/RNS and Department of Public Utilities (DPU) reports.
• Accounting and reporting of the OPEB Trust.
• Managing all aspects of the annual audit, including communication with lead auditor and furnishing supporting backup as requested.
• Adhering to file-retention policies and ensuring timely destruction of records in accordance with 220 CMR 75.
• Establishing internal controls and guidelines for accounting transactions and managing those processes.
• Overseeing preparation of business activity reports, financial forecasts, and annual budgets.
• Presenting recommendations to management on short- and long-term financial objectives and policies.
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration required, Master’s degree in related field preferred.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience with minimum of 1 year of it being in a supervisory role preferred. Experience in payroll processing is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles, practices, standards, laws and regulations
• Knowledge of payroll processing preferred
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to direct and supervise employees
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Accounting
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities across all levels of an organization
• Strong leadership skills with a dedication to driving and achieving results
• Advanced computer skills on Microsoft Office, accounting software and databases
• Ability to manipulate and interpret large amounts of data
• Knowledge of employee relationship building and performance management techniques

Judgment and Initiative:

• Ability to access internal/external resources needed to meet RMLD material and service needs.
• Initiative in monitoring the procurement process, responding to internal employees and external vendors.
• Able to solve problems with tact and diplomacy.

Manual Skills:

• Accurate and proficient typing skills.
• Ability to use standard office and communications equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Licenses and Certifications:
Class D Operators license valid in Massachusetts required.

Employee Acknowledgement:
I have read this job description (or had it read to me) and I fully understand all my job duties and responsibilities. I am able to perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand that my job duties and responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of my division and if so, I will be required to perform such additional duties and responsibilities.
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Employee Signature / Date

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