Accountant; CPA

Accountant (CPA) – Utilities

Department: Water & Wastewater (Utilities)

Reports To: City Controller (dotted line to department)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary Range: Commensurate with the City Salary Ordinance

Location: East Chicago, IN

"Financial Stewardship for Every Drop." We are seeking two CPAs to support our Water Utility and Wastewater Divisions. The Accountant (CPA) – Utilities performs advanced professional accounting work supporting the City’s Water and Wastewater enterprise fund operations. This position is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of utility funds, ensuring compliance with GASB requirements, and supporting financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and capital planning for utility systems.

The role serves as a key financial liaison between the Controller’s Office and utility operations, ensuring accurate accounting of revenues, expenditures, capital assets, and funding sources associated with water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and stormwater systems. It also participates in governing body meetings to prepare financial reports and analysis related to utility operations and finances.

• Manage enterprise fund accounting for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater operations, ensuring accurate general ledger, reconciliations, and revenue tracking in compliance with GAAP and GASB.
• Monitor utility revenues, including billing, user fees, service charges, and stormwater-related revenues.
• Reconcile utility billing system data with financial records.
• Prepare and deliver financial reporting, including monthly/annual reports and support for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for utility operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting for internal leadership, governing boards, and external agencies.
• Investigate discrepancies in billing and financial records.

• Maintain documentation for regulatory reporting, permits, consent decrees, and funding compliance.
• Support financial compliance and reporting requirements associated with regulatory agencies, including the Utility Regulatory Commission, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

• Oversee capital and infrastructure accounting, including asset tracking, depreciation, and financial monitoring of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).
• Track and account for capital assets including water treatment facilities, wells, wastewater plants, lift stations, pipelines, and stormwater systems.
• Maintain depreciation schedules and fixed asset records.
• Support financial tracking of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, grant, and bond requirements, including coordination with agencies such as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Administer and monitor State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans and other federal and state funding sources.
• Ensure compliance with bond covenants, restricted funds, and related reporting requirements.

• Support budgeting, audits, and Board engagement, including cost analysis, internal control compliance with the State Board of Accounts, and presenting financial information at Board meetings.
• Assist in preparation and monitoring of Water and Wastewater budgets.
• Perform cost analysis for treatment operations and infrastructure investments.
• Support rate studies, cost‑of‑service analysis, and long‑term financial planning for utility sustainability.

• Ensure compliance with internal control standards and audit requirements in accordance with State Board of Accounts (SBOA).
• Prepare audit schedules and support internal and external audits.
• Identify risks and recommend process improvements.

• Utilize financial systems (e.g., MUNIS) and utility billing platforms.
• Collaborate with utility operations, engineering staff, and leadership to…