Utilities Accounting Specialist

Stoughton Utilities is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and customer-focused Accounting Specialist to support the financial operations that keep our utility running smoothly. The role of this position is to process accounts payable, utility employee payroll, miscellaneous accounts receivable, and daily cash deposits; assist with monthly account reconciliation; perform customer account billing corrections; and complete other related accounting functions as requested by the Utilities Finance Manager.

Located along the Yahara River in downtown Stoughton, Stoughton Utilities provides reliable electric, water, and wastewater services to residents and businesses. As a trusted public utility, we are committed to dependable service, responsible financial management, and strong community partnership. The Accounting Specialist helps uphold these standards by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial processes—work that directly supports the essential services our customers rely on every day.

• Compile accounts payable invoices, review for accuracy, code for payment, and process and ensure timely payment via appropriate method. Maintain an accurate record of all credit card, ACH, wire, and check transactions. Audit invoices to ensure proper tax‑exempt status, notify vendors of tax‑exempt status as necessary, and file exemption forms. Research and review all new vendors to verify business legitimacy and maintain current vendor information, including 1099 data.
  
  Download and process monthly credit card transactions.
• Process and calculate biweekly employee payroll for Stoughton Utilities. Tasks include but are not limited to preparing and updating time sheets, compiling department employee time records, calculating pay and withholding, and printing employee paychecks. Maintain employee setups and files and perform all requested changes and updates for employees, including employee benefits, tax with holdings, levies and garnishments, pay deductions, wage modifications, deferred compensation, address changes, and other related data.
• Prepare and process quarterly and annual year‑end tax information, including employee W‑2 reports, vendor 1099s, unemployment report, workers' compensation report, Wisconsin Retirement, etc., and submit to the appropriate taxing authority.
• Process and post journal entries, related reports, and account activity into utility financial and accounting software system, and perform monthly and annual close‑out processes and reports.
• Balance, file, and pay monthly sales and use tax.
• Process and post customer account corrections, wire payments, miscellaneous receipts, and other transactions in the Customer Information System (CIS) software. Run month‑end aging accounts receivable reports. Close out month and year in CIS.
• Prepare miscellaneous invoices for billable construction and maintenance work and damaged infrastructure. Prepare and send past‑due notices to customers with unpaid balances. Work with utility leadership and Technical Operations Division staff to collect outstanding balances through established collection methods.
• Prepare and distribute various accounting and financial reports, including recurring monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to accounts payable, employee payroll, sales and use taxes, work order status, and more. Prepare other scheduled and unscheduled reports.
• Prepare daily bank records for deposit and verify deposited funds.
• Monitor bank statements for returned payments and process account adjustments in CIS.
• Alphabetize and file reports and invoices.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and other educational opportunities related to job responsibilities.
• Comply with all internal control policies and procedures.
• Comply with all Stoughton Utilities Safety Programs.

• Attend and assist with utility-sponsored public events, prepare educational materials, and participate in outreach efforts.
• Greet and direct visitors. Answer, direct, and route telephone calls and messages.
• Provide backup…