Senior Account Analyst (123.24) - American States Water Company

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States.  We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California.  Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounts Payable
• Ensures efficient and accurate invoice transaction processing
• Maintains strong relationships with vendors and resolves any discrepancies or issues related to invoicing and payments
• Facilitates accurate, efficient and timely payments of AP invoices & proper reconciliation of system PO’s and ensure adherence to payment terms
• Provides excellent customer service to internal departments and external vendors
• Matches invoices and reconciles statements on prices, quantities, freight charges, discounts, approvals, account distribution and extensions
• Processes journal entries, purchase orders, and enter vouchers into appropriate systems for allocation classifications
• Analyzes vendor accounts, looks up vendor numbers, and communicates with vendors in a timely, accurate and professional manner to resolve internal and external issues Researches inquiries from vendors and employees as needed
• Processes checks for all subsidiaries of the Company in a timely manner
• Assists AP Supervisor in maintaining AP policy and seeks opportunities to develop process improvements related to payments of company bills and provides recommendations to policy updates as necessary
• Responsible for the successful support and maintenance of the JDE AP module; including development, trouble shooting, and documentation
• Implements process changes as it relates to new system implementation that impact AP functions
• Ensures the accuracy of vendor records in JDE/Address Book
• Trains and develop Accounts Payable Staff
• Prepares Accounts Payable training and documented process manuals
• Processes special projects and other duties as assigned

Credit Card Administration and Management
• Provides support and oversees Company P-Card policies to ensure employees adhere to Company guidelines
• Prepares journal entries to correct account, sub ledger or other reclassifications and adjustments as needed
• Provides oversight and management to the Accounts Payable Team for the ongoing administration of the P-Card program, including the onboarding and off boarding processes of employees

Month, Quarter and Year End Close
• Prepares month-end close including AP sub ledger to GL reconciliation
• Performs monthly accounting close inquiries with vendors and company management for appropriate accruals as part of month, quarter and year end close
• Prepares vendor accrual analysis with explanations for changes in vendor accruals by quarter
• Prepares journal entries and ensures AP vendor accruals are completed timely and accurately
• Prepares sales and use tax filings, Form 1099 filings and other reporting requirements as assigned

Accounting and Internal Control:
• Ensures adherence to SOX and Company guidelines associated to processes and procedures as it relates to all job functions
• Responsible for monitoring compliance with existing internal control procedures
• Responsible for accuracy of all A/P transactions
• Responsible for following through to completion on all job responsibilities and elevating any issues to management for timely resolution
• Interfaces and communicates with internal and external auditors as necessary

Interdepartmental Coordination
• Provides information and/or analysis as requested by all departments
• Communicate policies to organization and monitor compliance
• Works closely with business units to ensure invoices are paid timely and coded properly

Organizational and Communication Skills
• Skilled at prioritizing and handling multiple objectives in a busy office setting
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date accounts payable filing system
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to protect confidential information and maintain positive working relationships with diverse employee groups and external customers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance OR 5 years progressive responsibilities in account analysis and general accounting
• Minimum of 5 years related experience in accounting or finance is required
• Must have strong computer skills including the Microsoft Office suite of products including Word, Excel (e.g. pivot tables, look ups, etc.) and Outlook, including the ability to effectively use available technology, such as TAP (Transform Accounts Payable) and TAC (Transform Active Capture), to streamline processes
• Experience with Oracle J.D. Edwards Enterprise One system preferred
• Good communication (both oral and written) and analytical skills
• Ability to research, interpret and compile analytical data
• Document / invoice imaging system software (i.e. Bottomline)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office such as Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent interpersonal skills; strong collaboration skills
• Ability to lead assignments and projects related to AP Department or as required by management
• Ability to analyze and identify potential adjustments to improve efficiency
• Collaborative/Team Oriented
• Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
• Demonstrates strong level of accountability and ownership
• Executes with discipline and urgency
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibits professionalism with internal and external contacts
• Organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills

May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.  Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents.  We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year.  To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan.  Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws.  Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.