About the role

Compensation: Starting $70,000

Accounting & Operations Analyst Position

Applications Due: October 23rd, 2026

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Accounting & Operations Analyst
Department: Marion Water Department
Reports to Position: General Manager
Location: Marion Water Department
Overtime Status: Hourly
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary

$70,000 - $85,000, depending on qualifications and experience

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the General Manager, the Accounting & Operations Analyst performs the Marion Water Department's accounting, payroll, and benefits administration functions. This position maintains accurate financial records, prepares financial and regulatory reports, supports budgeting and audit activities, and coordinates department business software and related processes. The Analyst works collaboratively with the City's Payroll & Finance Department to configure systems and processes to meet the Water Department's operational and reporting needs. This position also collaborates with management and staff to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient department operations. This position is non-exempt, with a standard work schedule aligned with the Marion Water Department's business hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

Accounting and financial reporting

Maintain the general ledger; prepare and process journal entries; reconcile bank accounts and balance transfer sheet accounts; and prepare monthly and year-end financial reports.

Accounts payable and cash management: Review accounts payable for proper account coding, capital asset classification, and accruals; monitor cash flow and bank transfers; reconcile and coordinate remittances to the City; and process check voids as needed.

Budgeting and financial analysis

Assist with budget preparation and implementation, monitor revenues and expenditures, analyze variances and trends, and support utility rate forecasting and reporting.

Payroll Administration

Process payroll, reconcile payroll liabilities, remit employee withholding and employer contributions, and prepare quarterly reports, annual W-2s, and other required payroll filings.

Human Resources and benefits

Administer employee benefit and wellness programs, maintain authorized personnel and benefits records, prepare employee benefit communications, coordinate interviews and employee onboarding, and assist the General Manager with personnel policy updates and HR compliance.

Tax and regulatory reporting

Prepare and submit applicable sales and excise tax reports, vendor 1099s, ACA reporting, and other required filings, obtain and maintain vendor tax documentation.

Capital assets and audits

Maintain capital asset and depreciation records, compile supporting documentation, and assist with financial, IPERS, and worker's compensation audits.

Business systems coordination

Coordinate ERP, payroll, HR, and related software setup, permissions, updates, testing, integrations, and support cases; collaborate with staff and vendors on meter-reading and utility billing system needs.

Data and process improvement

Compile and analyze financial and operational data, communicate findings to management, maintain forms and procedures, and recommend improvements to accuracy and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as the Water Department's primary liaison with the City of Marion's Payroll and Finance Department, external auditors, and department staff to coordinate accounting and financial reporting, support audits and annual benefits open enrollment, and configure payroll systems and processes to meet department needs.

Confidentiality and Personnel Records

Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive payroll, compensation, and employee benefits information accessed or processed in the course of assigned duties.

Other duties as assigned

Participate as needed or assigned in special department projects or assignments.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge of accounting principles, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Knowledge of payroll processing, tax reporting, employee benefits, and applicable HR requirements.
Strong Excel skills and proficiency with ERP systems (e.g. Tyler Technologies, SAP, Oracle)
Ability to analyze financial data, monitor budgets, identify discrepancies, and recommend improvements.
Ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information with discretion.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet recurring deadlines.
Effective communication, sound judgement, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50lbs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or a closely related field preferred.
3 - 5 years of progressive corporate accounting, municipal finance, and/or business systems administration. Experience inside a public utility department is preferred but not required.
Meet eligibility requirements for employee fidelity bond as set by Department’s insurance carrier.

Accounting & Operations Analyst

About the role