City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Austin Energy Principal Accounting Manager

Under general direction, this position manages multiple utility accounting activities and personnel of the accounting department of Austin Energy (AE). 

1. Reviews and authorizes accounting transactions, records, and reports.
2. Manages division/section activities.
3. Manages the annual external financial audit.
4. Provides strategic financial and accounting advice to the utility’s executive team.
5. Develops, reviews, analyzes, and presents financial statements and reports.
6. Researches, implements, and properly applies accounting standards.
7. Develops, reviews, and presents technical reports in oral and written communication before executive staff, rating agencies, regulatory agencies, and commissions.
8. Initiates and develops improvements for existing programs, projects, etc.
9. Serves as financial point of contact and management committee alternate for Joint Power Projects and serves on respective committees.
10. Designs financial models.
11. Develops policies and procedures.
12. Coordinates division/section activities with other divisions/departments.
13. Provides expert accounting testimony in utility rate proceedings.
14. Serves as a strategic goal manager in advancing the utility’s priorities.
15. Serves as management’s liaison to rating agencies, investors, and financial advisors.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of the preparation process for financial statements in conformity with accepted auditing standards, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of utility financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
• Knowledge of utility regulatory requirements and regulatory accounting.
• Knowledge of utility operational practices.
• Knowledge of utility forecasting methods and trends.
• Knowledge of the concepts for review and evaluation of internal control systems and auditing procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques.
• Knowledge of estimating methods, utility rate making, and statistical concepts.
• Knowledge of the operation, applications, capabilities, and requirements of automated support systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Skill in analyzing complex financial data and proposing viable solutions.
• Skill in determining needs; and gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to provide accurate information for management's use.
• Skill in analyzing and presenting accurate and complex financial statements.
• Skill in completing accurate data for records, reports, and legal documentation.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in training and supervising the work of other staff members.
• Skill in developing and attaining strategic goals and objectives.
• Ability to work with frequent changes in priorities.
• Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy, discretion, judgment, and integrity.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Accounting, Business, or Finance, plus seven (7) years of accounting or financial reporting experience, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, or other relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of non-supervisory/non-managerial experience; a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation may substitute for the educational coursework requirement.

CPA required. Must obtain a Texas CPA license within 90 days of initial employment date. 

Light tasks performed with lightweight materials or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds.