Accounting Manager Position:
West Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Higginsville, Missouri is seeking an
Accounting Manager for their 14,800 member system. The position is responsible
for overseeing all financial functions of the cooperative and its subsidiary internet
company; position supervises a department of two persons and reports directly to
the General Manager. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field is
required. A CPA designation and/or experience with a rural electric cooperative is
preferred. Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills and be
proficient in Microsoft Office. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and
a resume with three references to Michael Newland, West Central Electric
Cooperative, Inc., PO Box 452, Higginsville, MO 64037 or email
michaeln@wcecoop.com. The position will remain open until filled.
Job Description:
Under the direction of the General Manager, the Accounting Manager is
responsible for planning, developing and administering a comprehensive financial
services program; and for managing WCE’s general accounting and financial
functions in order to maintain its position as a competitive provider of electric
and ancillary services in Missouri.
Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
● Manages the financial and control activities including consumer and
general accounting financial planning, banking, insurance and taxes.
Ensures that all internal and external financial reports are completed
as scheduled; takes action to correct any problem areas which
prevent timely completion. Reviews monthly accounting reports for
accuracy and direct correction of any discrepancies, ensuring
compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
● Responsible for keeping a complete and systemic set of
administrative and financial records. Records financial transactions
and monitors the financial status of the system. Prepares reports,
financial statements and projections.
● Coordinates the Cooperative’s budgeting process and annual work
plan with other departments, develops departmental budget and
work plan, and recommends budgets to the General Manager for
approval; reviews departmental performance and expenditures
compared to the work plan and the budget to determine any
corrective action required.
● Directs and/or supervises the preparation of consumer bills,
application of rate schedules, verification of calculations, application
of discounts, penalties, payments, balancing of all appropriate
accounts, and cash receipts and member inquiries/complaints.
● Coordinates the annual audit by the independent auditing firm;
reviews the completed audit report and internal control
questionnaire, and consults with the auditors.
● Directs timely and accurate preparation of RUS, CFC, CoBank and
other reports that are required of the Cooperative; prepares monthly
and other periodic financial reports for the Board of Directors and
regulatory agencies as required.
● Manages an internal auditing program to provide for effective
control and safeguarding of cooperative assets; reviews findings of
these audits and takes action to improve internal control.
● Directs and supervises reporting personnel in such a manner as to
promote a safe working environment, efficient operation of the
Cooperative, productive employees, and satisfied members.
Responsible for the selection, assignment, training, development,
review and performance management of assigned direct report
personnel. Additional responsibilities may include recommending pay
changes and other employee status actions based on performance
measures; and for maintaining compliance with state and federal
laws and regulations and the Cooperative’s policies, guidelines, and
affirmative action policies.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The Accounting Manager is the primary financial officer of the cooperative and
contributes to the cooperative’s mission of distributing efficient and effective
services to members over distribution lines in the service area. The incumbent is
responsible for researching and providing guidance to the General Manager on
technical accounting questions, which requires a background with FASB
pronouncements, GAAP, RUS account requirements and the budgetary process.
This position regularly interfaces with personnel from all departments, including
the General Manager. Additionally, the incumbent will interface with the Board of
Directors and has external contact with personnel from member cooperatives,
RUS, CFC, CoBank and other financial institutions, the Cooperative’s external
auditors and other utilities. Within the parameters dictated by policy, GAAP and
regulatory requirements, this position has substantial autonomy and latitude to
identity and solve problems and make the decisions necessary to manage the
Accounting Department.
West Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a distribution cooperative serving the
counties of Johnson, Jackson, Lafayette, Cass and Pettis, in the state of Missouri.
West Central provides power to more than 14,800 members through 2,600 miles
of line. There are currently 41 employees and is governed by a nine-member
board of directors. The company’s headquarters office is located in Higginsville,
Missouri with a branch office in Oak Grove, Missouri.