Accounting Supervisor

Job Description:

Accounting Supervisor

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under general direction, Accounting Supervisors plan, organize, direct and supervise professional accountants performing routine to complex professional accounting duties including accounts payable, payroll, utility billings and payments, accounts receivable, grant management and compliance, capital assets, water supply reliability accounting, real estate, and financial reporting.

The ideal candidate will have experience ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, process improvement, and have technological aptitude to leverage advanced accounting software systems. A solid technical accounting background relating to payables, payroll, revenues and, receivables, capital assets, and projects within a Tier 1 system is highly desired. The incumbent will have a track record of successfully supervising high-performing teams, driving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. They will have strong interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including auditors, executives, and cross-functional teams, providing excellent customer services to both technical and non-technical audiences.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Accounting Supervisor supervises professional accounting, accounting support, and payroll staff who perform specialized accounting and payroll work in processing a high volume of accounts receivable and payable transactions, making calculations, and preparing and processing journal entries to record District accounting information and process payroll. Incumbents are accountable for ensuring the integrity of all financial data and the production of comprehensive financial reports. They perform difficult and highly detailed analyses and work with clerical staff, other department personnel, and Operations and District management to resolve accounting and reporting issues. Assignments are broad in scope and involve significant accountability and decision-making responsibility on issues which are complex, interpretive, have District-wide impact, and are evaluative in nature. The work of this class involves significant accountability and independent decision-making responsibilities.

Accounting Supervisor is distinguished from Senior Accountant by the incumbents' responsibility for supervising a group of professional accounting, accounting support, and payroll staff.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here .

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Operations Center full-time, without the option for remote work.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Selects, plans, trains, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, coaches and participates in the work of staff responsible for accounting activities, which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue program, cost accounting, fixed assets, payroll, general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, and budget preparation.

Works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department’s and District’s mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork.

Prepares and/or reviews complex accounting transactions such as debt-refunding, water supply reliability, and grant compliance and reporting.

Prepares and/or reviews general ledger activities; review and approve journal entries and bank reconciliations; understand and resolve issues on subledger(s) and provide recommendations.

Participates in the preparation of month-end, quarter-end, and annual financial reports including the District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and other entities financial statements; understand and apply current knowledge in GAAP, FASB, and GASB.

Coordinates with auditors with scheduled audits, and special projects.

Participates in the development of business requirements with Information Systems; identify and implement opportunities for improving business processes; supervise/ perform user testing of system changes as appropriate; evaluate and develop user requirements and enhancements and provide user training.

Monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; f ormulate, establish and maintain processes and procedures to ensure appropriate internal controls.

Researches and investigates accounting issues and recommend proper accounting resolutions.

Coordinates with all internal District departments as needed.

Performs special projects and assignments or other duties as assigned.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

When Assigned to Payroll

Supervises the District’s payroll department to ensure payroll deadlines are met and payroll is in compliance with existing, MOUs, State and Federal laws and regulations.

Analyzes and reviews preliminary and final payroll register and other computerized payroll reports to ensure that appropriate payroll information has been accurately updated.

Works with Information Services staff to test, and implement system changes to resolve problems, improve processes, and/or meet new requirements; participates in implementing and testing new tax schedules in the system.

Works with Human Resources to reviews, interprets and manages implementation of payroll-related portions of negotiated collective bargaining agreements in a timely manner.

Consults with Human Resources concerning submittal of required forms to process pay increases, promotions, demotions, transfers, reassignments, terminations, etc., and coordinates the timely receipt of electronic time sheets.

MINIMUM 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 in business administration or related field with accounting emphasis from an accredited college or university. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasing responsible experience in a general accounting environment, of which two (2) years is in a supervisory or management capacity.

• Experience in governmental accounting environment preferred.
• Experience in a Tier 1 Financial System - Oracle preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Depending on assignment, a valid Class 'C' California License may be required.
• Certified Public Accountant preferred.

Knowledge of :

• Accounting Principles & Standards - A strong grasp of GAAP and GASB is essential for accurate financial reporting.
• Audits, tax regulations, and corporate compliance ensures adherence to financial laws.
• Principles of mathematics and the application to assigned work.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Interpret financial data and generate reports is essential.
• Identify issues and implement solutions.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems of work performed.
• Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems and software applications to perform work tasks.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and address issues effectively.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment. The ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Accounting Skills Assessment: will evaluate the candidates' knowledge and proficiency in accounting principles and practices.

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for July 7, 2025): will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$107,361.96 - $147,876.00 Annually