Accounting Coordinator

WHO WE ARE Mason County Public Transportation Benefit Area, doing business as Mason Transit Authority (MTA), is a Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) Authority, authorized in Chapter 36.57A RCW, located in Mason County, Washington. The service was approved by Mason County voters in November 1991, and MTA began providing public transportation in December 1992. The service area is all of Mason County, where road access is available, with connections to adjacent counties. WHAT WE DO MTA transportation services consist of Fixed Route local and regional deviated fixed routes, Worker/Driver commuter service to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Demand Response. These services are provided with diesel and hybrid 35' transit buses, cutaways, and vans. MTA is currently exploring alternatively fueled vehicles such as propane, hydrogen, and electric. Facilities include Johns Prairie maintenance base, the downtown Shelton Transit-Community Center, and a Belfair park and ride complex. MTA supports a network of park and ride facilities that are located throughout the County by managing and providing routine maintenance for locations owned by Washington State Department of Transportation (“WSDOT”), the County or others. OUR MISSION We provide transportation choices that connect people, jobs, and community, increasing the quality of life in Mason County. OVERVIEW Under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Mason Transit Authority’s (MTA) Accounting Coordinator position oversees accounting and financial functions, performs a variety of professional technical accounting duties and financial recordkeeping functions. This includes preparation of the annual budget, monthly and year end financials, quarterly DOR reports, quarterly grant reimbursements and reports. Provide review of the functions related to payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and other areas of fiscal accounting as assigned. The assignment of specific duties to the Accounting Coordinator will vary depending on the Agency’s business needs and individuals’ expertise and skill sets. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Employees assigned to this class are part of the team effort which provides support and assistance to staff. Incumbents are responsible for providing excellent customer service and resolving customer concerns and questions in a timely and effective manner. Incumbents are tasked with a wide variety of activities to support the fiscal well‑being of the Agency. SALARY RANGE Salary Range: $33.54 - $45.63 per hour DOQ. Non‑exempt subject to FLSA requirements. COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDES Mason Transit Authority offers an excellent benefit package which includes 95% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision for employee and dependents, life, optional additional life, long‑term disability, EAP, 11 paid holidays, vacation accruals based on years of service that begin at 3.69 hours per pay period (12 days per year), additional 1.69 hours of paid sick leave per pay period in addition to the required WA Paid Sick leave (total 12 days per year), two 8 hour personal days per calendar year, three days of bereavement leave per loss of immediate family member, Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plan options, and optional Deferred Income (IRS 457) retirement plans. In addition, position is eligible per permitting circumstances for inclement weather pay, meeting and training pay, wellness incentives, and educational assistance. SUPERVISION RECEIVED FROM Finance Manager Position is open until filled with a first review of applications on June 26th. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Ensure accounting is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Washington State BARS Manual, GASB, IRS, State, and FTA requirements. Review and post cash receipt, accounts receivable and accounts payable batches in financial database. Back‑up to payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable as needed. Ensure all capitalized assets are recorded, depreciated, accounted for and presented properly. Prepare necessary monthly journal entries and compile monthly financial reports. Reconcile and balance general ledger accounts, correct errors, list discrepancies for adjustment, and prepare adjusting journal entries. Coordinate and prepare the annual budget. Monitor budget status; provide monthly financial reports to department heads; work with staff to maintain budgetary control. Prepare the annual financial report for the Washington State Auditor’s Office. Manage the annual SAO Accountability, Financial and Single (federal) audits, participate in WSDOT, or other external agency audits as appropriate. Prepare and file Department of Revenue quarterly Combined Excise Tax and Leasehold Tax returns. Allocate expenses between grants projects in accordance with WSDOT and FTA requirements; prepare and submit operating and capital grant reimbursement requests and quarterly reports. Lead and reconcile physical inventory counts, maintain general ledger reconciliation between accounting and maintenance software. Investigate and correct discrepancies. Cross‑train Accounting Assistant(s) in department functions to accommodate for unforeseen circumstances and vacations. Review, modify, and document business processes for optimal efficiency and internal controls. Respond to staff inquiries related to areas of responsibility. OTHER FUNCTIONS Perform duties in support of ongoing and special projects. Serve on committees, task forces and other work groups. Perform other duties as assigned and any duties of a similar nature or level needed to achieve MTA’s vision of “Driving our community forward”. The job duties as defined above are an accurate reflection of the work to be performed by this position. This Summary Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job; it is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about this job. Mason Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veterans status, disability status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Please let Mason Transit Authority know if you need accommodations in order to participate in the application process. Mason Transit Authority follows the requirements of the “Fair Chance Act,” RCW 49. We will not inquire about prior arrests and convictions until after we determine an applicant is otherwise qualified for the position for which the applicant applied, except as allowed under RCW 49. There are specific exemptions for applicants working with children under 18 years of age, or vulnerable persons, certain financial institutions, law enforcement, and volunteers. REQUIREMENTS QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; three (3) years’ minimum progressive accounting and three (3) years’ payroll‑related experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Successfully pass a background screening. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of Washington State BARS, Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). State and federal laws and regulations pertaining to payroll. General accounting principles and practices pertaining to payroll. Modified accrual accounting concepts. Skill in: Operate a computer using Office 365 products, and accounting, or ERP software applications. Meet established timeframes. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Maintain orderly records; organize for proper retention. Ability to: Analyze, discover, research, resolve errors or discrepancies. Multi‑task and respond appropriately and effectively in hectic situations; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and materials; provide excellent customer service; work independently. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The duties of this position require sitting for extended periods of time and use of hands to accomplish work. Standing, walking, reaching, bending and lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds are required. Reasonable accommodations are made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. KEY COMPETENCIES EXPECTED Accountability Take responsibility for content and quality of assigned work. Complete assigned tasks and meet key deadlines, producing accurate and timely work. Punctuality and regular work attendance. Give and accept constructive feedback. Use time wisely. Adaptability/Flexibility Acknowledge that unanticipated events will occur and help to build capacity to adjust when such events occur. Find ways to effectively respond to unanticipated situations. Adapt positively and constructively to changes to the work environment and work priorities. Engage appropriately with Supervisor in discussion about maintaining a sustainable workload in the event of new, unanticipated work projects or initiatives. Ensure affected team members clearly understand when changes occur and what is expected of them. Customer Service Provide accurate and timely information. Understand and respond to your customers’ objectives and needs. Be accessible, providing timely and responsive replies to customer requests, emails, phone messages and mail. Handle customer inquiries and complaints in a prompt, courteous and professional manner while adhering to rules and regulations. Maintain an optimistic attitude, supporting teamwork and cooperation through open and honest communication. Anticipate, assess, and respond to changing customer needs. Consistently provide products and services that meet or exceed the expectations of the customers. Willingness to explore new ideas. Collaboration/Teamwork Help create an atmosphere that brings people together, so they have a stake in the solution. Involve others in matters that affect what they do. Seek out and act on opportunities to improve, streamline and re‑invent work processes. Contribute to the development, cohesion and productivity of the team; be receptive to new ideas and adaptable to new situations. Model effective group process behavior, such as listening, discussing, negotiating, rewarding, encouraging and motivating. Keep management well informed of issues and trends; openly share your ideas, suggestions and opinions with team members. Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual respect. Core Competencies Inspirational Leadership Informed Decision Making Transparency & Accountability Respectful Relationships Personal Responsibility Outstanding Customer Service #J-18808-Ljbffr