Accountant and Financial Consulting Services

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting qualification proposals through a Fair & Open Public Solicitation Process for Accountant and Financial Consulting Services. The selected firm will provide comprehensive financial expertise for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The scope of work includes operational and financial advisory services tailored to utility industry standards, covering metered revenue capture, customer service billing, capital project execution and monitoring, and supporting capital financing and debt management with bond counsel and the NJIB. Additionally, the consultant will offer accounting, budgetary, financial, and long-term plan advisory services, produce monthly and year-end forecasts, inspect financial transactions, advise on legislative changes, and provide both part-time on-site (7 days/month) and remote employee support to the Commission’s Finance Team, including attending various meetings with the EOBWC, City CFO, and City Administrator. Other duties involve maintaining the General Ledger, reconciling accounts, preparing checks, assisting with the annual budget, and ensuring compliance with financial recordkeeping practices and grant funding requirements. Prospective contractors must demonstrate specific qualifications, including holding a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license issued by the appropriate New Jersey authority. A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in providing auditing services to municipalities within the State of New Jersey is mandatory, and senior staff assigned must possess comparable experience in audit and other requested services. Respondents should also exhibit knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations, with proven experience advising municipal entities on records compliance issues, budget development processes, labor negotiations, and other financially relevant tasks for a municipality comparable in size to East Orange. Furthermore, the successful firm must maintain a current principal office within the State of New Jersey. Qualification Proposals, comprising one unbound original, three additional sets, and one thumb drive, must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the consultant's name and "ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES." Submissions are due on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, to the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Required accompanying documents include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, various EEO/Affirmative Action compliance notices, a Business Registration Certificate (NJ), Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, and other administrative certifications. Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per claim and $3,000,000.00 aggregate is required. For inquiries, contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.