Accounting Manager

H2O America is actively seeking talented, driven, and effective applicants for the position of Accounting Manager to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. H2O America is the parent organization of the following subsidiary companies: San Jose Water, Connecticut Water, Maine Water, and Texas Water. We sustain life by delivering high‑quality water and exceptional service while investing in the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Job Description Position Overview: This role is responsible for managing day‑to‑day accounting operations to ensure accurate preparation of financial deliverables (e.g., journal entries, reconciliations, reports, close activities) and maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions within H2O America. The role oversees accounting staff, reviews complex reconciliations and journal entries, and serves as the primary liaison in audit processes with internal departments and external stakeholders. It also assists in developing strategies to strengthen accounting processes, enhance internal controls, support forecasting and budgeting, and minimize financial risk while ensuring internal and regulatory policy adherence. The role balances leadership and tactical responsibilities to enable team success, requiring strong leadership, advanced accounting expertise, and strategic thinking to drive operational excellence and compliance. Team Overview This manager will oversee the General Ledger Accounting team. The team records, reconciles, and closes out accounts to prepare accurate financial statements and balance sheets for the H2O America enterprise, ensuring integrity and compliance. They also manage full‑cycle month‑end and year‑end closing processes (including journal entries, account reconciliations, interdepartmental coordination), while ensuring compliance with various internal and regulatory standards. Occasional domestic travel may be required for this role to our various reporting locations. Key Responsibilities Lead day‑to‑day accounting operations to ensure accuracy and compliance across jurisdictions. Oversee complex reconciliations and preparations across subsidiary and general ledgers, act as escalation point for complex discrepancies and establish standards for escalation and review. Conduct reviews for complex journal entries, including accruals and adjustments, to ensure accuracy and compliance; post journal entries as needed. Direct and schedule month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes (incl. general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, adjustments, complex schedules). Manage data requests from external stakeholders (e.g., actuaries, insurance representatives, insurance providers, asset holders). Assist in the accurate and timely completion of regulatory filings (e.g., SEC and the public utility authority in each respective state) as needed. Assist in financial forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning. Manage a team of accounting staff in the production of accounting deliverables; perform hiring, mentoring, and performance decisions to build high‑performing teams. Lead development and review of complex financial reports to support strategic decisions (e.g., cost reports, forecast reviews, revenue projects, grant reporting, audit documentation). Prepare complex accounting deliverables when needed. Develop strategies to strengthen accounting processes, enhance internal controls, and minimize potential gaps in controls. Supervise complex audit procedures (e.g., develop audit plans, coordinate audit activities, prepare responses to complex inquiries); provide analysis and reports and present data as requested to various groups, including leadership. Verify cost allocations are made according to company procedures. Serve as primary liaison with internal departments and external agencies to present information, provide recommendations, and support coordinated fiscal operations. Assist in the development of financial strategic plans as needed. Lead O&M budget process and communicate analysis of actual versus budget variances to management. Educate managers in development and analysis of departmental budgets. Provide support in obtaining new long‑term debt (incl. responding to inquiries) as needed. Regularly educate stakeholders and senior leaders on complex accounting topics and financial insights to inform strategic decision making. Support the development and interpretation of company accounting compliance and controls (incl. SOX 404 requirements). Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, staff, and stakeholders to support organizational objectives. Assist in the implementation of software and system upgrades, as needed. Oversee daily data integrations between enterprise accounting systems (e.g., PowerPlant, JDE E1) as needed. Manage organizational cash‑management tools as needed. Perform other treasury and cash management functions (incl. initiating and/or approving wires) as needed. Make recommendations for process improvements to increase efficiency. Complete occasional evening and weekend work as part of an on‑call rotation schedule to meet deadlines or address emergencies as needed. Perform other duties or special projects as required or assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and/or 10+ years of relevant professional experience with progressively increased levels of responsibility. Holds relevant certifications required for the team’s need or directed by management. Holding a CPA license is a plus. Demonstrated experience leading technical or cross‑functional teams. Expertise in GAAP and bookkeeping best practices. Strong expertise in general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations. Experience leading audit processes and preparing relevant documentation. Experience in budget development, monitoring, and forecasting. Expertise in financial data analysis and providing actionable insights into complex anomalies. Deep understanding of tax compliance, internal controls (e.g., SOX), and regulatory reporting requirements. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel). Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Oracle). Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and project management. Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Location: 110 West Taylor Street, San Jose, CA 95110 USA 1399 Sattler Road, New Braunfels, TX 78132 USA 93 West Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413 USA 93 Industrial Park Road, Saco, ME 04072 USA Salary: CT/ME: $101,796 - $183,192 CA/TX: $128,112 - $230,622 EEO Statement: Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. #J-18808-Ljbffr