THE OPPORTUNITY

The Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) offers an exciting career opportunity to public or private sector accounting professionals who have a passion to advance their careers and serve as an Accounting Manager in a service-oriented, rapidly evolving special district in the Sacramento region.

ABOUT THE CITRUS HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT

The Citrus Heights Water District was founded in 1920, operating under the State of California Water Code.  CHWD provides drinking water to an estimated service area population of 70,000 customers through more than 20,000 water service connections. CHWD’s service area is 12.8 square miles, including portions of Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Carmichael, Roseville and unincorporated Placer County in the Greater Sacramento Region. CHWD has 38 full-time dedicated employees to operate and maintain its water system, ensuring high-quality and reliable water, while providing great customer service. The 2023 CHWD annual operating budget is approximately $16 million, and its 2023 Capital Improvement Budget is $8.23 million.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of Administrative Services, the Accounting Manager is an exempt, at-will management position responsible for planning, organizing, directing and supervising the District’s financial activities with a focus on accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, and general accounting functions and customer service activities. The Accounting Manager performs professional and complex accounting work in the analysis and reconciliation of a variety of financial transactions, along with managing a variety of technical tasks associated with the accounting functions of the District.

Some essential job duties include planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff involved in the performance of District financial, accounting, and customer service activities; evaluating operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommending improvements and modifications; and preparing various reports on operations and activities; participating in budget preparation and administration; and maintaining the District’s general ledger, closing and adjusting journals and ledgers; and maintaining and reconciling balances on cash accounts.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with complex financial and accounting tasks for a government entity or be a private sector accounting professional desiring to learn in a rapidly evolving, special district environment. In addition, experience with Capital Improvement Project (CIP) accounting and internal financial controls; experience leading financial activities with a strong understanding of governmental accounting principles, regulations, and processes; and utility billing experience and prior experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation will position the next Accounting Manager for success.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or a related field.

• Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible accounting, financial and customer service work experience with two years serving in a lead accountant or supervisory role.

• Licensure: Possession of a Certified Public Accountant license is desirable, but not required by the District.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for the Accounting Manager is $104,786 to $141,454, with placement in the range made depending on qualifications. In addition, subject to Board direction/approval, District salaries are reviewed annually for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Retirement is provided through CalPERS, in addition to Social Security contributions. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for 2% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are 2% @ 62. Employee pays the employee portion. Optional enrollment in a pre-tax payroll-deducted 457 plan is available and the District offers a 3% employer match, based on annual limits as established by the IRS.

The District also offers a competitive and attractive executive benefits package that includes an innovative Pay for Performance system which is in conjunction with the annual employee performance evaluation. Based on an employee’s performance rating, both merit adjustments and one-time rewards and recognition amounts may be awarded. A .pdf summary of the program can be viewed by clicking on the CHWD - Pay for Performance link on this page.

In addition, the District provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance, observes a 4/40 work schedule, offers generous leave benefits and paid days off between the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure for additional benefit information.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Bryan Noblett or Greg Nelson at (916) 550-4100. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply below immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

The Citrus Heights Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.