Staff Accountant - Construction-In-Progress (CIP)

San Antonio Water System
San Antonio Water System

Accounting & Finance

San Antonio, TX, USA

Posted on Oct 9, 2026

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing a variety of professional level accounting functions and creating management and financial reports for internal and external use. The staff accountant records various financial transactions and events in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
General Functions:
  • Researches and reconciles general ledger accounts to sub-ledgers and financial reports.
  • Analyzes and interprets accounting transactions, resolves accounting issues and discrepancies, and performs general ledger maintenance.
  • Records, classifies, and summarizes financial transactions and events. Verifies documents for completeness and compliance with GAAP and governmental regulations.
  • Develops financial reports for all levels of management in order to facilitate financial analysis, budget, and forecasting decisions.
  • Compiles financial schedules and reports for monthly statements and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
  • Provides customer support by researching and resolving accounting issues and discrepancies and providing information to internal staff and organizations outside of SAWS.
  • Coordinates and schedules meetings within the organization to monitor, evaluate, and recommend actions that directly impact financial functions.
  • Evaluates, recommends, and implements operational processes and procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Facilitates interdepartmental teamwork.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Construction-In-Progress (CIP):

  • Review CIP projects throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring costs are accurately processed and tracked.
  • Partner with Engineering and Operations personnel to obtain project status updates, validate in-service dates, and support the accurate reporting of capital project activity.
  • Review project expenditures to determine appropriate capitalization, asset classification, and useful life assignments in accordance with accounting policies and GAAP.
  • Perform analysis and reconciliation of CIP balances and project costs, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
  • Prepare supporting schedules, documentation, and financial analyses related to capital projects for management reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance.

DECISION MAKING
  • This position receives general supervision.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
  • Three years' experience performing professional level accounting work.
  • Experience using automated accounting systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to use computer languages and relational database concepts.
  • Experience with governmental accounting.

JOB DIMENSIONS
  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Knowledge of financial accounting and reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
  • Knowledge of the preparation process for financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Knowledge of internal controls.
  • Proficient PC skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
  • Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records.
  • Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, banking personnel, vendors, investment providers and the general public.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Subject to sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing. Working conditions are in an office environment.

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule such as nights and weekends.