Senior AP Accountant

H2O America is the parent organization of 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.

About the role

This role leads advanced accounts payable operations for H2O America to ensure financial integrity and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include overseeing the accounts payable (AP) lifecycle—invoice processing, payment disbursements, analysis, vendor management, and compliance—while developing complex journal entries and reconciliations. The Senior AP Accountant leads month-end/year-end close activities, prepares robust financial reporting, and coordinates audits to strengthen controls and reduce risk. This role serves as a technical expert on AP software, mentors junior staff, and builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Occasional domestic travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Leads the accounts payable process, including invoice processing, payment disbursement, and vendor communications.
• Leads the reconciliation of vendor statements and resolves complex discrepancies.
• Oversees maintenance of vendor files, including vendor statements and aging reports.
• Prepares and executes payment runs (check, ACH, P-Card disbursements) while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Oversees and validates P-Card expense reconciliations and resolves complex discrepancies.
• Oversees personnel onboarding financial workflows by ensuring timely and accurate P-Card issuance and account setup for new hires.
• Manages the filing of 1099 tax forms and ensures required tax documentation is collected and submitted in regulatory compliance.
• Builds and maintains relationships with vendors, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Leads complex reconciliations on AP ledger to the general ledger; acts as an escalation point, researches, and resolves high-level discrepancies.
• Ensures accurate financial records by posting complex journal entries, including AP accruals and adjustments.
• Executes AP month-end/year-end closes, including trial balances, adjusting entries, and preparing schedules.
• Prepares and analyzes complex financial reports, statements, and summaries to support strategic decisions and submission to regulatory bodies (e.g., cash flow, aging reports, payment forecasts).
• Leads and performs complex audit and SOX procedures, including developing audit plans, coordinating auditor activities, and preparing responses to complex inquiries.
• Ensures compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and regulatory standards; provides guidance and recommends improvements to strengthen controls.
• Serves as a technical lead and mentor for junior staff.
• Completes occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines or address emergencies as needed.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Holds relevant certifications required for the team’s need or directed by management.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Expertise in GAAP, accounts payable, and bookkeeping best practices.
• Expertise in general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Subject matter expert in one or more aspects of accounts payable accounting.
• Expertise in accounts payable software (e.g., Bottomline, TAP).
• Experience coordinating audit processes and preparing relevant documentation.
• Proficiency in financial data analysis and providing actionable insights into complex anomalies.
• Strong knowledge of sales and use tax, as well as unclaimed property filings.
• Deep understanding of SOX compliance and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel).
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, Bottomline Technologies, Insight, QuickBooks, Oracle).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Pay

• CT/ME: $64,796 - $103,673
• CA: $79,174 - $126,721
• TX: $59,884 - $95,815

Location

San Jose, CA | New Braunfels, TX | Saco, ME | Cromwell, CT