Senior Accountant

Senior AccountantWe are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region The Senior Accountant works under limited supervision/procedural control, functions as primary accountant for divisional departments or major functional area (e.g. grants, capital projects) performing full accounting activities requiring experiences, professional knowledge and application of accounting principles and practices. Perform a wide range of detailed/complex accounting and advisory functions and assures day to day operations are carried out in accordance with established accounting principles, policies, objectives and controls; performs related work as required.What you would do in this jobRun reports in the financial systems, reconcile account balances and prepare journal entries for assigned funds and accounts to ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the financial systems.Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals, correct posting errors, etc.Consolidate expenses and prepare draws for federal disbursementBooking revenue for AP and payroll activityMaintaining access database to stay current with grant changes and other relevant updates.Monitoring financial control over expenditures and receipts; reviewing monthly reports with management; and making adjusting journal entries if necessary.Developing, recommending, and implementing internal procedures; reviewing and researching expenditures for accuracy and timeliness; and advising program and activity managers of concerns and/or problems.Assists in the monitoring, reconciliation, and reporting activity (monthly, quarterly, yearly) of grants or other project related reporting, to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet department and activity needs by reviewing requests for compliance with federal and state laws, department policies and internal controls; analyzing and interpreting fiscal data; developing and implementing new procedures to solve problems; and monitoring cash flow.Train co-workers, as directed, in specific task and job practices and procedures to improve and maintain performance levels by communicating timetables and quality standards for tasks; and providing instruction on policies and procedures as needed.Prepare documents for compliance and financial audits in accordance with GAAP and other applicable reporting requirements.What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)High school diploma/GED with six (6) years of experienceAssociate degree with four (4) years of experienceBachelor's degree or higher with two (2) years of experienceDesirable QualificationsExperience with PeopleSoft financials systemsGovernmental Accounting Experience.CPA certification.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of:Generally accepted accounting principles and practices sufficient to apply them to specialized accounting activitiesExperience with fixed assets accounting including financial reporting requirementsComplex financial information systemsApplicable internal controls to ensure the protection of financial assets, and compliance with financial rules and regulations and the ability to determine those actions not in complianceBudgeting principles sufficient to prepare, analyze, monitor, and review department or functional area budgetsState and Federal grant procedures and policies sufficient to assist in the monitoring, reconciliation, and reporting of department funding grants.Ability to:Understand, interpret and solve complex problemsCommunicate financial data to non-accounting personnelIndependently handle short and critical deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneouslyUnderstand, analyze and interpret federal and state regulations to work assignmentsInterpret and analyze fiscal reports and records.Develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, internal and external auditors, and other staff members.Additional informationUnion(s): Non Represented Grade G FLSA Status: Exempt Safety Sensitive: No Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting. Requires travel between primary work site to other sites. The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility What steps the recruitment process involves:We review your minimum qualifications.We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employee only).We rate your education and experience.We conduct a structured panel interview.We conduct a selection interview.Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then: If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation. If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position. IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fundOpportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) planTwo or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insuranceThe following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:View email address on click.appcast.io clinicbus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per yearparking at many job locationsfitness centers at many job locationsEmployee Assistance Programextensive health and wellness programs and resources