Accountant and Financial Consulting Services

The East Orange Water Commission (EOWC) is actively soliciting proposals from qualified individuals and firms to provide comprehensive Utility Operational Accountant and Financial Consulting Services. This critical engagement spans a contract period from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. The extensive scope of work includes delivering operational and financial advisory services aligned with utility industry standards, encompassing crucial areas such as metered revenue capture, customer service billing and collection systems, and efficient capital project execution and monitoring at a financial level. Additionally, the selected consultant will support capital financing and existing debt management activities in collaboration with bond counsel and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB), working closely with the Commission's engineers and financial advisors on capital projects and funding strategies. The role also involves producing monthly and year-end forecasts for revenue, expenses, and cash balances, inspecting financial transactions for proper accounting adherence, and providing dedicated part-time staff assistance to the Commission's Finance Team for statement preparation and audit reporting, alongside remote support for calls, meetings, and reporting. Other duties include compiling financial reports, reviewing/recording expense invoices, maintaining the General Ledger, reconciling accounts, preparing checks, advising on legislative changes, assisting in annual budget preparation, supporting auditors/NJIB/City CFO/Administrator, reviewing tax abated/exempt project reports, and maintaining essential financial records in compliance with state requirements. Prospective contractors must demonstrate deep expertise in municipal auditing laws and regulations, coupled with proven experience in advising municipal entities on records compliance issues. Essential qualifications include significant experience supporting municipalities through budget development processes, labor negotiations, and other financially relevant tasks pertinent to a municipality of East Orange's scale. Mandatory requirements dictate that respondents must possess relevant educational background, pertinent certifications, and substantial work experience within the water utility industry. Firms are required to assign senior staff members with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing audit and the other requested services. Furthermore, maintaining a current principal office within the State of New Jersey is a prerequisite, and all professional service contractors must comply with New Jersey statutes regarding Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. & N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), Business Registration of Public Contractors (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44), and Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2). All proposals for these essential services must be received by the Purchasing Committee in the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at precisely 1:00 p.m. prevailing time, where they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Detailed Request for Proposal packets are available for download from www.eastorange-nj.gov or can be obtained in person from the Division of Procurement, City Hall, 1st floor, for a non-refundable fee of $25.00, payable to the East Orange Water Commission (EOWC). Submissions must be securely enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly bearing the consultant's name and the title "ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES," addressed to the PURCHASING AGENT, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Proposals can be submitted by mail, delivered to the City’s "Drop Box" in the City Hall’s rear parking lot, or presented at the specified date and time. Crucially, late submissions or those in unsealed envelopes shall not be considered. A comprehensive list of eighteen (18) mandatory documents must accompany each proposal, including but not limited to, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Business Registration Certificate, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notices, a Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, Letter of Intent, and Letter of Qualification. For any inquiries, prospective bidders may contact Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5163.