What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES (Kenosha Water Utility) position at City of Kenosha, WI?

Salary : $111,276.00 - $165,888.00 Annually

Location : Kenosha, WI

Job Type : Regular - Full Time

Job Number : 202201929

Department : Water

Division : KWU Business Services

Opening Date : 02 / 19 / 2025

General Overview of Position

The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. Individuals interested in this high level management position are encouraged to go to the City of Kenosha website (kenosha.org) for information on KWU and its operations. Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at shill@kenosha.org or 262-653-4308.

This recruitment is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt for potential immediate interview .

The Kenosha Water Utility (under the City of Kenosha) offers a full benefits package including pension, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, health / dental / life insurance and other provisions. Appointment to this management position is subject to a 12-month probationary period to acquire permanent status. The Kenosha Water Utility has an 17-step compensation plan and the above pay scale reflects the first and top steps of this plan. Starting salary will be based on candidate's related experience and in accordance with the City of Kenosha Civil Service Rules and any budgetary constraints. Future pay raises are at 1-year intervals until employee reaches top step of the compensation plan, and are contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations. Any other pay increases (i.e., cost of living) are based on approval of the Board of Water Commissioners.

Under the general direction of the General Manager, the Director of Business Services is responsible for the effective planning, management and oversight of financial operations for the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU or Utility). This includes the analysis, development and implementation of policies and procedures in support of Utility financial operations and in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. In addition, this position will be heavily involved in the City of Kenosha's multi-year process to modernize municipal and utility software applications to more efficiently and effectively serve our customers and constituents.

The Business Services Division includes :

Financial Services which is responsible for payroll processing, purchasing, accounts payable, budgeting, financial statement preparation, asset inventory and depreciation, and ensuring our accounting practices and financial statements / reports are in compliance with regulatory standards.
Customer Services which is responsible for providing information regarding utility services and fees, generating bills, receipting customer payments, documenting and forwarding emergencies to appropriate staff, and scheduling service appointments.
Meter Services which is responsible for the installation, testing, maintenance and reading of residential, commercial, and industrial water meters, and conducting residential cross connection surveys.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

Plans and manages the overall operations for the Business Services Division; develops and executes short and long-term goals.

Delegates, oversees and evaluates work of supervisory staff; approves the need for overtime and requests for time off; provides oversight to subordinate staff in absence of supervisor.

Develops and implements policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and to ensure compliance with Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) Administrative Code, mandated cross connection program and other regulatory requirements.

Oversees the development and implementation of accounting procedures and financial internal controls in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and any other municipal, state, federal government regulations.

Oversees annual independent audit and the preparation and submittal of financial statements and reports to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Provides information and guidance to the Board of Water Commissioners, the General Manager and other KWU staff as the Utility financial subject matter expert; recommends ordinance changes.

Assists the General Manager in the development and cost analysis of the annual operating and capital improvements budget; provides financial information to other KWU divisions to forecast necessary funding; analyzes divisional budgetary needs for staffing, services, equipment, and supplies; monitors budget implementation and account balances.

Assists the General Manager in the compilation, analysis and validation of data and the preparation and submittal of water rate case applications to the PSCW; implements approved rate changes within fee structure and billing process.

Establishes and maintains effective and collaborative working relationships with customers, other KWU divisions, City departments, regulatory agencies, and the general public; resolves complex issues, difficult inquiries or complaints.

Analyzes department staffing needs; reviews and revises job descriptions; participates in the recruitment process to fill division vacancies.

Reviews and evaluates employee job performance for adherence to established competencies / goals, work rules and policies; mentors and provides constructive feedback and training to address deficiencies; investigates, documents and addresses workplace infractions; develops corrective action plans; issues verbal or written warnings; provides documentation to General Manager if extension of probation or suspension / termination may be warranted.

Participates in meetings and training.

Works with City / IT staff to identify and resolve programming issues, and to research and implement new technologies or software.

Performs other duties as required.

Note : The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by the person in this job classification. The above list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this job classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to this position. Further note that employment in this job classification does not create an employment contract between the Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) and the employee, and is subject to change by KWU as the needs of KWU and the specific department change over time.)

Requirements

Required Education, Training and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or related field from an accredited institution;

Supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible professional experience in utility financial management or related field, of which at least three (3) years have been at a supervisory or management level;

Possession of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Masters of Business Administration (MBA) desired but not required;

Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in financial planning and management for a public utility.

Knowledge and application of the principles, practices and procedural methods of government accounting, auditing, budgeting, and financial analysis.

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to a public utility.

Advanced knowledge and application of Utility's financial accounting and reporting systems, including meter reading and customer billing; ability to analyze systems to recommend and implement technology improvements.

Skill in performing mathematical computations related to financial accounting, meter reading and utility billing.

Effective supervisory skills including the ability to train, motivate, mentor, and coach employees; and the ability to plan, delegate, and evaluate the work of staff.

Skill in responding to and resolving customer inquiries and complaints in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to read, interpret and apply complex rules and regulations; ability to advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to utilize and analyze a variety of data and information such as financial statements, statutes, procedures, guidelines, ordinances, contracts, and non-routine correspondence.

Ability to prepare detailed reports, statements, ordinance changes and other documents.

Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects; ability to meet established deadlines.

Ability and skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Utility staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants and the general public.

Skill in using standard office equipment, computer and applicable software and database programs.

Skill in applying independent judgment, personal discretion and being resourceful in considering operational / technological options.

Ability to facilitate meetings to effective outcomes.

Ability to handle reasonable necessary stress.

Physical Requirements :

Job duties are primarily sedentary requiring the ability to sit at a desk or table for an extended period of time.

Job duties require the ability to move about an office area.

Job duties required the coordination of eyes, hands, wrists, and / or fingers in the operation of standard office equipment such as computer terminal, laptop, keyboard, mouse, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, calculator, etc. Duties may require occasional repetitive motion in the use of hands / fingers when operating keyboard, mouse, or calculator.

Job duties may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of objects weighing ten pounds or less.

Sensory Requirements :

Job duties require oral and aural communication.

Job duties require normal vision, with the ability to read and comprehend written materials and to distinguish between colors and shapes.

Environmental Requirements :

Job duties are normally performed in an office environment with occasional

Job duties may require occasional visit to shop area or water or wastewater treatment plant which may involve limited exposure to noise, strong odors, chemical or electric hazards, or wet / slippery conditions.

Other Requirements :

Possession of a valid driver's license.

FLSA STATUS : Exempt

Method of Selection

Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at and click on the "Job Opportunities" link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant experience, education and training. Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the "Work Experience" section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, diplomas, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submission which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.

An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he / she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and / or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules / Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.

Why the City of Kenosha?

We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees!

The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we loveJoin us!

Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually.

We offer health, dental, vision, a pension & more!

We offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) as of the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who complete an annual health risk assessment enjoy access to the City's health & wellness clinic (family members too!) and premium-free health coverage .

Employees and their families may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic & 24 / 7 Virtual Primary Care. There is no co-pay nor cost to employees and their families to access Virtual Primary Care. The onsite clinic may be accessed for a $0-$25 co-pay based on type of visit.

Dental insurance is effective after the first of the month following 30 days of employment. There is no premium for this coverage.

We participate in the This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found

Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees.

Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through , or the

Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off.

Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment.

Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment)

Years of Service Days / Hours per Year

Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours)

After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours)

After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours)

After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours)

After 16-20 years 21 days (160 hours)

After 20 years 25 days (200 hours)

Employees may carry over eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year.

We observe 12 paid holidays & additional paid floating holidays!

New Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day

Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's Eve Day

Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving

Juneteenth

Employees receive at least two (2) paid floating holidays per year . Holiday observance schedule may vary by department.

Additional benefit offerings include tuition reimbursement, professional development & training opportunities, health savings account (HSA), vision insurance, supplemental critical illness / hospitalization coverage, and more!

Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.

What is the highest level of education you have achieved?

Some High School

High School Diploma / GED / HSED

Some College

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Masters Degree

Doctorate (PHD)

None of the Above

What major field of study is your degree(s) in? (If your degree is not in Finance, Accounting or Business Management, also include completed college coursework related to the duties of this position. If you do not have a degree nor took any related college courses, enter "N / A".)

Do you currently possess a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license?

Summarize how your background meets the minimum 5-year professional financial management experience required for this position. (If this information is clearly outlined in your application, resume or cover letter, enter "SEE APPLICATION / RESUME / COVER LETTER". If you do not have this experience, enter "NO PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.")

Check the boxes below of those financial management tasks in which you have related experience.

Developing and implementing financial operational policies and procedures.

Ensuring accounting principles are followed by staff and financial statements / reports are complete and in accordance with accounting standards.

Collecting and analyzing financial and / or billing data.

Developing and monitoring an organization's annual operating budget and capital improvement plan.

Coordinating annual independent audit.

Resolving complex customer billing inquiries or complaints.

Providing assistance and guidance on financial operations to organization's management staff.

I have no experience in the above tasks.

Check the boxes below of supervisory duties you have performed for at least 2 years.

Reviewing and revising job descriptions.

Interviewing and evaluating potential candidates for job vacancies.

Planning, delegating and overseeing work of subordinate staff.

Evaluating and documenting employee performance.

Training, coaching and mentoring subordinate staff.

Addressing employee disciplinary issues or workplace concerns.

Approving overtime and time off of subordinate staff.

I have no experience in the above tasks.

Required Question

Salary : $111,276 - $165,888

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