Accounting Manager Job at City of Wichita in Wichita

Overview

The City of Wichita Public Works & Utilities offers a dynamic and diverse environment that fosters professional growth, public service, and a healthy work/life balance. The Accounting Manager plays a critical leadership role supervising the Financial/Accounting Team within Utility Account Services, ensuring accurate billing and accounting for over 150,000 water, sewer, and stormwater accounts. This position provides the opportunity to lead complex accounting and auditing operations, analyze and reconcile financial data, and implement processes that directly impact the department’s fiscal integrity. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in accounting principles, financial systems, and government accounting standards with proven leadership skills to supervise, mentor, and delegate effectively. This role not only safeguards the City’s financial operations but also contributes to strategic decision-making, budget accountability, and high-quality customer service, making it a valued and impactful position within Public Works.

Responsibilities

• Maintains Utility financial system and records
• Coordinates and oversees staff regarding financial responsibilities including the filing of various tax documents, bill adjustments and collection activities
• Participates in a yearly audit of the department
• Records and audits payable and receivable vendor reports
• Assists in preparing Utility Business Operation budget and oversees budget accountability
• Collects and analyzes data for decision making
• Participates in planning and implementation of special projects
• Supervises administrative staff and serves as backup to the Utility Business Operations Manager, as needed

Qualifications

• Relevant knowledge: considerable knowledge of research methods and statistics
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of customer service
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information, including electronic spreadsheet development, using basic mathematical and descriptive statistical operations
• Ability to perform statistical studies and compile, compose and present factual material in written, graphic, and oral form
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees in other departments, representatives of other organizations and the public
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Required Experience and Training

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Math Science, Public Administration, or Statistics with Two years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis OR Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis
• One (1) year of experience with financial systems including reconciliations, reporting, or ERP operations
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship

Preferred Experience and Training

• Master’s degree in accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Math Science, Public Administration, Statistics, or other Business-related disciplines
• Two (2) years of governmental accounting experience
• One (1) year of Supervisory experience

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.