Jeffrey Petersen, CPA
Vice President, Accounting Services

Jeffrey Petersen has extensive experience in financial management and accounting operations, as well as county government budget oversight and long-range planning. He is highly skilled in the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), and Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). 

Mr. Petersen previously had a 30-year career with Cobb County, a Metro Atlanta government serving a population of approximately 700,000. Throughout his county career, he managed a comprehensive 20-year financial plan model used for project revenues and expenses, capital improvement planning, bond needs, annual rate requirements and cash balance/debt service maintenance. Mr. Petersen has worked in a supervisory capacity managing multi-million dollar budgets and portfolios, and served as a liaison with numerous consultants, auditors, and agencies.

Experience

Vice President, Accounting Services
JAT Consulting Services, Inc.

Interim Finance Division Manager
Water System
Cobb County, Georgia

Oversees ongoing accounting and key monthly accounting services for JAT clients. Prepares financial statements and produces project financial analyses, as well as involvement in capital budget preparation and reviews. Monthly accounting services include review of contracts, payroll administration, expense tracking, and bank statement and general ledger reconciliation.

Manages professional level accounting staff in general accounting, project accounting, budget, and procurement. Reviews staff responsibilities to ensure proper alignment of daily tasks; makes recommendations to Director as deemed necessary. Assists in development of biennial budget and financial planning model maintenance. Manages annual audit process. Reviews accounting policy and procedures for proper implementation. Manages both Water System’s lockbox and collection services contract and develops RFPs as needed.

Accounting Manager
Water Department
Cobb County, Georgia

Maintained and managed utility's long-range financial plan model, including preparation of rate scenarios and recommendations for future rate needs. Managed $210 million annual operating budget and $350 million five-year CIP budget. Directly involved in financing of county’s largest capital improvement projects (Chattahoochee Tunnel- $113 million/South Cobb Tunnel- $305 million), working with GEFA to secure all necessary funding. Worked directly with rate consultants and auditors, as well as with bond rating agencies, financial advisors, and bond counsel. Managed major bond issues (both new and refunding) and corresponding official statements in preparation for major capital improvements. Played an integral role in Water System earning AAA bond rating in 1999 and its continuing AAA status with Moody’s, Standard & Poor, and Fitch. Managed the Water System’s annual audit and prepared financial statements for inclusion in Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Managed and prepared Water System’s Lockbox RFP, meeting with committee members, administering pre-proposal meeting, and making recommendations to Director.  Appointed by County Manager to serve on various management review committees and served on various RFP and interview committees.

Investment Manager
Finance Department
Cobb County, Georgia

Responsible for management of $500 million portfolio. Invested all monthly-generated SPLOST funds and coordinated cash flows with Cobb County DOT. Prepared cash flow schedules for county funds and amortization schedules for corresponding investments. Projected annual county Tax Anticipation Note (TANs) borrowings and prepared corresponding official statement documents, working directly with bond counsel and financial advisors. Developed investment model to minimize risk, establish guidelines, and help structure investment portfolio. Assisted in documentation of county’s cash handling procedures.  Participated in issuance of county bond issues. Prepared arbitrage schedules for all outstanding bond issues to mitigate arbitrage liability. Managed bank services agreement for all county funds.

Accounting Supervisor
Water Department
Cobb County, Georgia

Responsible for managing professional level accounting staff in general accounting, project accounting, and budgets.  Worked in conjunction with county staff and financial advisors in developing original financial planning model. Managed three bond issues (1985, 1986,1988) in order to finance major water and sewer projects. Managed annual budgets and audits for the Water System, coordinating with finance staff and county auditors.

Education

B.B.A. Accounting, Kennesaw State University

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant
Certified Financial Officer

Affiliations

Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Georgia Government Finance Officers Association
American Water Works Association
Georgia Association of Water Professionals