SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) is a public utility proudly serving the citizens of Columbia and Maury County Tennessee since 1939. CPWS is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our finance team. This role is critical in maintaining the financial integrity of our organization through comprehensive accounting and financial management responsibilities.  
 
Primary duties & responsibilities:

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated experience performing general accounting operations, including proven proficiency in general ledger management, journal entry preparation, and account reconciliation. An ideal candidate will have a background in cash management and bank reconciliation, as well as experience preparing financial reports and supporting audit processes. Knowledge of municipal or government accounting practices is highly valued, particularly experience with specialized reporting requirements.

Primary responsibilities will include maintaining and balancing the general ledger while analyzing and reviewing all general ledger accounts and accounting entries to ensure accuracy and compliance. The Senior Accountant will manage cash operations, including making daily deposits as necessary and executing all bank transfers. Additionally, this role will oversee capital project cash management and create schedules for pre-payments and accruals to support our financial planning.

Daily duties include preparing and entering journal entries, balancing all account sub-ledgers, managing joint expense and interfund transactions, and preparing specialized reports for the City of Columbia and sales tax spreadsheets for filing with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. This role will also be responsible for the preparation of quarterly Broadband franchise fees and semi-annual Broadband royalty fees.

Beyond day-to-day accounting functions, the Senior Accountant will collaborate with other departments and co-workers as needs or new processes arise, ensuring smooth communication across the organization. This role will also assist in the audit process and contribute to the annual TVA report. Furthermore, it will support the preparation of annual financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) as defined by the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting ACFR checklist, encompassing all statements, schedules, MD&A, and footnotes. You will also assist in the preparation of annual budgets, forecasting, long-range financial planning, and financial analysis.
Physical Requirements:
 
This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of up to 2 hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day, and to talk, see, hear, reach, handle, and feel. Must be proficient in using eyes, hands, and fingers to operate a computer keyboard quickly and accurately. Able to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
 
Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of 6 years’ work experience in accounting required.
• 1-2 years of accounting experience with FERC or RUS accounting preferred.  Prior general utility industry experience will be considered with demonstrated understanding of utility account structure.
• Must be highly proficient in Excel with ability to create charts, tables, and trend analysis.
• Proficient with Word and Outlook.
• Experience using accounting software with an ability to learn CPWS’s current software, NISC.