WG+E is accepting applications for the position of Director of Finance.

The Director of Finance is responsible for leading the Department’s financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting functions. This position ensures adherence to financial regulations, manages cash flow, and offers strategic financial advice to further the organization’s goals. This position is expected to have a profound understanding of financial matters, accounting practices, outstanding leadership abilities, and the ability to make informed decisions to enhance the organization’s financial health and stability. This includes coordinating with local, State, and Federal agencies on financial matters. The Director of Finance is tasked with ensuring that the operations of the Gas, Electric, and Telecom/Whip City Fiber Divisions align with the Department’s overall strategy and goals. This role is instrumental in steering the organization towards financial stability and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Directs the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department including direct supervision of the Business Office Manager, Storekeepers, Procurement, Contract Administration and other administrative staff.
• Works closely with Energy Supply to provide an accurate budget of all operating expenses that is necessary for them to determine rates and revenue.
• Ensures that company financial records, under responsibility, are maintained in compliance with company policies and US GAAP.
• Provides technical accounting GAAP guidance and support to all department staff.
• Responsible for proper timing and application of revenue recognition rules.
• Develop, implement, and maintain processes and controls that are current best practices related to transaction processing.   Ensure that policies and procedures (internal controls) are in place to provide reasonable assurance that the Department’s assets are protected.
• Directs and is responsible for the maintenance of the Department’s system of accounts and financial records, including general ledger and all associated books of original entry, plant ledger and all associated subsidiary ledgers and supporting data, for all Department transactions and assets in accordance with FERC uniform chart of accounts. Perform month-end and year-end closing procedures, account reconciliations, and updating schedules.
• Directs and is responsible for the preparation of the budget and financial projections, maintains other planning and control procedures, including a cost accounting system, analyses of variance reporting.
• Directs and is responsible for the financial affairs of the organization and prepares financial analyses of operations, including interim and final financial statements with supporting schedules.  Prepares and assists with the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports including internal management, Municipal Light Board, industry association, State and Federal reports. Recommend and report upon benchmarks against which to measure organizational performance.
• Directs and responsible for Store and Inventory Management, contract management and administration with the guidelines of State law and Department policy.
• Directs and is responsible for the analysis and administration of the Department’s insurance “Risk Management Program” for the protection against property losses and potential liabilities. Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics.
• Directs and responsible for cash flow projections and cash flow management, bonding activities, reserve and contingency funds, unit outage funds, depreciation, construction and operations funds, etc.
• Coordinate the organization’s cash management, both internally and with the City Treasurer, MMWEC or other consulting entities and to ascertain cash is in balance.
• Provide financial analysis and models as needed, in particular, for capital investments.
• Directs and responsible for the annual independent audit by coordinating schedule requests, preparing account analyses, gathering data, assigning tasks, and rendering any other assistance as necessary. Reviews the organization’s strategic business unit’s financial records and accounting.
• Utilizes expertise in accounting, auditing, internal control, and leadership to devise a system that ensures the monthly analysis and reconciliation of all balance sheet reconciliations, which are performed and reported on a monthly basis.
• Lead role on various finance department projects as necessary. These projects may include software upgrades and special reporting.

Qualifications must include:

• B.S. in Accounting, and 15-year minimum experience in the utility or related industry.
• Ability to communicate well in verbal and written English with internal personnel and external vendors, consultants and business associates.
• Substantial working knowledge of the FERC System of Accounts.
• Knowledge of the financial and accounting operations of regulated gas and electric utilities.
• Must qualify for bonding with regards to performing key financial functions.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Substantial working knowledge of US GAAP, financial accounting and reporting, internal controls, and Sarbanes Oxley.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, proficiency in PowerPoint, and Word, and minimum of five years’ experience utilizing an automated accounting system.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to perform multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• A minimum of 10 years of public accounting experience.
• Solid experience in overseeing reporting, developing budgets, analyzing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, accounting for investments and the general ledger.

The candidate must successfully pass a Criminal Background Check, pre-employment drug screening.

A very generous benefit package accompanies job offer, although relocation services are not provided. Please, no phone calls. Candidates are requested to complete an application found online. Employment applications will be accepted through November 6th, 2023.