Accountant and Financial Consulting Services

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners (EOWC) is soliciting qualification proposals for comprehensive Accountant and Financial Consulting Services, intended for the financial records of the City for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. The extensive scope of work includes providing operational and financial advisory services tailored to utility industry standards, covering aspects such as metered revenue capture, customer service billing and collection systems, capital project execution and monitoring, and supporting capital financing and existing debt management in collaboration with bond counsel and the NJIB. Furthermore, the selected firm will be responsible for accounting, budgetary, financial, and long-term plan advisory services, producing monthly and balance-of-year forecasts, inspecting financial transactions for regulatory compliance, advising on legislative changes affecting records, and providing dedicated part-time staff support for statements, audit reporting, and virtual consultations. The role also involves attending EOBWC Monthly Commissioner's meetings and committee calls, reviewing and recording expense invoices, preparing various financial reports and summaries, maintaining the General Ledger, reconciling checking accounts, assisting in annual budget preparation (including utility variables), supporting the City's retained auditor, maintaining essential financial records in compliance with state requirements, and reviewing financial documents for tax abated/exempt projects. The contract term is for twelve (12) consecutive months. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification criteria to be considered for these critical financial services. Mandatory minimum requirements stipulate that all respondents must possess a valid Certified Public Accountants license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountants license issued by the appropriate authority of the State of New Jersey. Firms are required to demonstrate a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing auditing services to municipalities within the State of New Jersey, and must assign senior staff members with at least ten (10) years of experience in audit services and the other specialized services requested in this RFQ to support the City. Additionally, the successful firm must maintain a current principal office within the State of New Jersey. Respondents should also exhibit a strong understanding of municipal auditing laws and regulations, coupled with proven experience in advising municipal entities on records compliance issues, budget development, labor negotiations, and other financially relevant tasks for municipalities of comparable size to East Orange. Qualification Proposals are due on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Submissions must be delivered to the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Proposals can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Division of Procurement, First Floor at City Hall, ensuring that mailed submissions are received prior to the stated deadline. Each submission must be enclosed in a sealed envelope clearly bearing the name of the consultant and the title “ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES” on the outside. Required submission materials include one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional copies, and one (1) thumb drive containing the sealed submission, along with a comprehensive list of documents such as the Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Statement of Indebtedness, and both a Letter of Intent and Letter of Qualification. All proposals will remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days after the opening. For any questions, contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.