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Utility Accounting Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

VRC

Staff Accountant (Entry Level)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

This role is instrumental in executing a range of general accounting functions, including but not ... Record property transactions, including rent, utilities, insurance, and other related expenses on a ...

Mueller Water Products

Plant Accountant

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

... and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North ... S. degree in Accounting or Finance 2 - 3 years of experience in accounting, manufacturing ...

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Plant Accountant

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

... and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North ... S. degree in Accounting or Finance • 2 - 3 years of experience in accounting, manufacturing ...

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All JobsUtility Accounting JobsUtility Accounting Jobs in Tennessee

Utility Accounting information

See Tennessee salary details

$39.9K

$86.8K

$125.3K

How much do utility accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility accounting in Tennessee is $86,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying field in accounting?

In accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting, and financial management roles tend to be among the highest paying fields. Senior positions such as CFOs or controllers also command high salaries, especially with advanced certifications like CPA or CMA and extensive experience.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Utility accountants typically earn salaries that are below $500,000 annually, as most accounting roles offer compensation within the median salary range for finance professionals. Achieving such high earnings usually requires senior executive positions, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries, rather than standard utility accounting roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Utility Accounting position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Utility Accounting, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and experience with accounting principles—often supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard accounting software (such as SAP, Oracle, or specialized utility billing systems) and regulatory compliance knowledge is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help professionals excel in cross-departmental collaboration and address complex billing or reporting issues. These skills ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory adherence, which are critical for the smooth operation of utility organizations.

What jobs fall under utilities?

Utility jobs encompass roles related to the provision and maintenance of essential services such as electricity, water, natural gas, and sewage. Positions include utility meter readers, line workers, plant operators, and utility billing specialists, often requiring technical skills, certifications, and safety training. These jobs are typically found with utility companies or municipal agencies and may involve fieldwork or office tasks.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Utility accountants, like other accounting professionals, can earn $100,000 or more annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles, certifications such as CPA, and specialized skills can contribute to higher salaries in this field.

What is a Utility Accounting job?

A Utility Accounting job involves managing financial transactions, records, and reporting for utility companies, such as electricity, water, and gas providers. Responsibilities typically include tracking revenues, expenses, billing, and regulatory compliance to ensure accurate financial statements. Professionals in this role analyze utility costs, monitor budgets, and support financial planning to maintain efficient operations. Strong knowledge of industry regulations and accounting principles is essential for success in this field.

What does a typical day look like for someone in a Utility Accounting position?

A typical day in Utility Accounting involves preparing and analyzing financial statements, tracking utility revenues and expenditures, processing invoices, and ensuring regulatory compliance for reporting purposes. Professionals often collaborate with operations, engineering, and customer service teams to reconcile billing records and address discrepancies. There may be periods of increased workload during month-end or year-end closing activities. Utility accountants frequently use both general and industry-specific software to manage complex data and streamline financial processes, making attention to detail and adaptability key for success in this dynamic environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee? For Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Accounting jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Utility Accounting jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Utility Accounting job openings:
Utility Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Accounting job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,822 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Municipal Utility Consultant - IPS

Municipal Utility Consultant - IPS

The University of Tennessee

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description


Provides professional advice, technical assistance, and training on a wide range of water and wastewater utility management issues including regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act to city officials (elected and appointed), and their staff in all cities in the state of Tennessee. These positions consult and train on public health issues regarding the Federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Provides industrial pretreatment, water or wastewater operations, and utility management assistance to Tennessee professional organizations and agencies such as the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association, Tennessee City Managers Association, Tennessee Municipal League, Public Entity Partners, and Clean Water Professionals. Provides technical assistance to Tennessee municipal customers in water and wastewater issues. This assistance can be industrial pretreatment, plant optimization and troubleshooting, biosolids land application, assistance with mandatory reports to the Environmental Protection Agency and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; training of municipal staff in water and wastewater operations and regulations, safety, interpretation and implementation of utility laws both Federal and State; develop publications regarding water or wastewater issues, develop and teach training programs for water or wastewater applications. Utility consultants serve as in-house experts to MTAS staff and will provide support to the Finance & Accounting consultants in rate reviews. Performs other special project work as assigned by the Technical Consulting Program Manager or the Executive Director. Assists other consultants in the performance of projects and participates in team projects.
This position provides technical assistance, training, and professional consulting to Tennessee municipalities and partner organizations on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance. Serves as a subject-matter expert to MTAS staff and municipal officials on issues related to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and utility operations. Develops training programs, publications, and technical resources to support municipal water and wastewater systems across the state.
Responsibilities
  • Provide professional advice, technical assistance, and training to elected and appointed municipal officials and staff on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist municipalities in achieving and maintaining compliance with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and related federal and state regulations.
  • Deliver specialized technical support in areas such as industrial pretreatment, treatment plant operations, collection and distribution systems, infiltration and inflow analysis, biosolids management, laboratory practices, and utility rates and finance.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with assigned municipalities through on-site visits, facility assessments, communication, and ongoing consultation.
  • Design and deliver training programs and continuing education for municipal officials and utility personnel across Tennessee.
  • Research, develop, and maintain publications, guidance materials, and online resources on water and wastewater utility issues.
  • Serve as an in-house technical expert to MTAS staff and support interdisciplinary consulting projects, including utility rate reviews with Finance and Accounting consultants.
  • Provide technical assistance to partner organizations and agencies, including state agencies, municipal associations, and professional organizations.
  • Participate in team projects and perform special assignments as directed by MTAS leadership.
  • Maintain professional expertise through ongoing training, professional engagement, and participation in relevant meetings and conferences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering or related field
  • Experience: At least five years of experience with extensive responsible administrative and supervisory experience in the operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities. Individuals who have a comparable license to the TN grade IV in another state should apply to the Tennessee Operators Certification Board to receive a Tennessee Grade IV license. (must obtain within 6 months)
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Knowledge and ability to diagnose operational deficiencies/issues in a water or wastewater utility.
    • Ability to read and interpret federal or state regulations related to utility operations and management.
    • Skills to offer proper corrective actions in a situation at a utility's operations and industrial pretreatment.
    • Ability to create informative reports and reviews regarding operational, regulatory, and financial function.
    • Ability to recognize a potentially hazardous condition in either drinking water or wastewater operations.
    • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water or wastewater operations

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: Master's degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience: Industrial Pretreatment Certification. Distribution/Collection System Operator Certification. Front-line management and operational experience preferred.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Knowledge of industrial pretreatment programs, permitting, enforcement, and best management practices.
    • Skills in electronic regulatory reporting and computer software (MS Word & Excel).
    • Skill in managing multiple complex projects and analyzing data.
    • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
    • Ability to facilitate/teach technical utility information.
    • Knowledge of municipal budget practices and administration.
    • Ability project utility needs and priorities

Work Location:
  • Location: Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Johnson City, TN

The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.
Benefits
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 3, 2026.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division
The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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