ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES

The East Orange Water Commission (EOWC) is actively soliciting proposals for Utility Operational Accountant and Financial Consulting Services. This comprehensive engagement involves providing expert operational and financial advisory support, inspecting financial transactions and records to ensure proper accounting procedures, and assisting with audit reporting. The scope includes critical services such as advising on metered revenue, customer service billing and collection systems, capital project execution and monitoring at a financial level, and supporting capital financing and existing debt management in collaboration with bond counsel and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB). Additionally, the selected firm will provide accounting, budgetary, financial, and long-term plan advisory services, produce monthly and yearly forecasts of revenue and expenses, maintain the General Ledger, reconcile checking accounts, prepare checks, and advise on legislative changes impacting financial records, all while attending EOWC meetings and supporting auditors and other third-party advisors. Prospective contractors must demonstrate professional, financial, and administrative capabilities essential for providing the outlined services. Key requirements include relevant education, certifications, and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing audit and specialized financial consulting services within the water utility industry. Firms are required to assign senior staff members as regular support, ensuring at least one employee is available on a part-time basis for 7 days a month and another for remote assistance, calls, meetings, and reporting as needed. A mandatory minimum requirement is maintaining a current principal office within the State of New Jersey. Furthermore, respondents must possess knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations, and experience advising municipal entities on records compliance, budget development, labor negotiations, and other financially relevant tasks for municipalities comparable in size to East Orange. Proposals must be submitted to the Purchasing Committee in the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The firm's name and the title “ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES” must be clearly marked on the sealed envelope. Submissions are due on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, at which point they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Detailed RFP packets are available for a non-refundable cost of $25.00, payable to the East Orange Water Commission, or can be downloaded from www.eastorange-nj.gov. All professional service contractors are required to comply with various New Jersey statutes, including those related to Affirmative Action, Business Registration of Public Contractors, and Disclosure of Ownership. Proposals cannot be modified, withdrawn, or canceled for sixty (60) days after the submission deadline. For any questions regarding the RFP, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.