Director of Construction Accounting

California Water Service

Job Description:

The Director of Construction Accounting is responsible for overseeing the Company’s capital program activities to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulatory orders. Responsibilities include managing construction accounting and the capital reporting process; supporting the General Rate Case (GRC) process filings; and acts as accounting liaison to non-California operating entities. The Director of Construction Accounting will manage the development of staff’s professional skills and lead the efforts to achieve Construction Accounting Department and company goals. The candidate also is required to adhere to Company policies and procedures and ensure the accuracy and completeness of capital accounting transactions in compliance with the company’s internal controls over capital reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls, and timely completion of monthly general ledger account reconciliations. The position is located in San Jose, CA.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manages the capital accounting close schedule and ensures the timeliness and accuracy of the financial close 

• Reviews and approves all related general ledger account reconciliations and journal entries to ensure agreement with current California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorizations

• Complies with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements by ensuring that internal controls are current and maintained

• Manages staff, including assigning projects or tasks, conducting performance reviews, and overseeing the development of staff

• Oversees the Company’s capital projects and utility plant accounting to ensure that it is recorded accurately and in compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements

• Assists with the monthly and quarterly capital reporting processes for Washington Water Service (WWS), New Mexico Water Service (NMWS) and Hawai'i Water Service (HWS) 

• Collaborates with the Rates department to review and verify depreciation rate calculations  

• Research technical accounting guidance for implementation and application 

• Oversees capital accounting related software application processes and ensures changes, upgrades, implementation, and security are accurate and current

• Oversees managers and supervisors in the daily processes through discussions and review of sub-ledger transactions, reconciliations, and development of department goals

• Responds to inquiries from both internal and external customers, contractors, agencies, and vendors 

• Participates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects

• Performs work on-site in the assigned office location 

• Performs other duties as assigned to fulfill business operational needs and objectives.

• Attends meetings and trainings as directed by California Water Service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Tax, Accounting, Business, Finance or equivalent relevant experience

• Certified Public Accountant

• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a management capacity

• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques

• Ten years of progressively challenging accounting and financial reporting management experience

• Five years of public company financial reporting experience

• Knowledge of GAAP for a public company

• Knowledge of current federal and state corporate tax laws and filing requirements

• Knowledge of internal controls over financial reporting and SOX controls for a public company

• Proficient in the use of financial reporting software systems and Microsoft Office applications

• Valid California Driver License

Desired Qualifications/Not Required:  

• Master’s degree in Tax, Accounting, Business, Finance or equivalent relevant experience desired

• Certified Management Accountant desired

• Two years of financial reporting experience working in a public utility

• Knowledge of GAAP for public utilities

• Knowledge and the ability to use complex tax software applications such as Power Tax and PowerPlan

• Knowledge of utility rate making process 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) accounting and financial reporting systems

• Knowledge of internal controls over financial reporting and SOX controls

• Knowledge of applicable federal,