Staff Accountant II

Job Description

Under direction of the Controller, the Staff Accountant II is responsible for the accurate and timely maintenance of general ledger and bank accounts, month-end close, fare collection accounting and audit preparation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

General Ledger

• Responsible for the general accounting of MTS, SDTC, SDTI and other entities in a timely manner.
• Prepares daily/weekly/monthly journal entries as needed.
• Acts as a key player in the month end close process including the preparation of necessary accruals and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Responsible for the monthly BRT reconciliation and invoicing to SANDAG for station and operating expenses.
• Responsible for reviewing and correctly posting non-invoice related cash receipts to the general ledger.
• Completes a thorough budget to actual analysis monthly for all agencies to ensure all accruals and necessary transactions were posted or reversed.

PRONTO Fare System and Passenger Revenue

• Reviews the daily earned fare revenue batches in SAGE, the PRONTO specific ERP system.
• Monitors the deposits in transit clearing accounts for both credit card and retailer network sales
• Researches and records customer chargebacks and coordinates with Staff Accountant l to update customer accounts.
• Prepares journal entries in SAGE for month end close
• Maintains daily Farebox spreadsheets for both bus and rail to ensure deposits are clearing timely. Works closely with both the bank and revenue operations when there are discrepancies.

Financial Reporting (assisting the Accounting Manager and Controller)

• Assists in preparation of the schedules and notes for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Complies with local, state and federal government reporting requirements.
• Interacts with the external auditors by assembling information for the auditors and assisting with annual audit field work.
• Prepares schedules for other ancillary federal and state audits which include NTD, B-10/11 and State Controller's Reports.

Miscellaneous

• Responsible for various compliance items such as CNG Tax returns and Propane Tax Returns.
• Responsible for the accurate set up of customers and vendors in SAP, including proper 1099 designation and collecting forms required by the state of California.
• Monitors AR aging reports to ensure customers pay timely.
• Works closely with assignment office to invoice external agencies when their projects require MTS flagging services near our rail lines.
• Provides excellent and timely service to all MTS departments when accounting guidance or information is needed.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Regularly updates procedure manuals related to SAP, PRONTO and other assigned duties.
• Attend conferences and webinars to keep informed of current and new accounting standards
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

An excellent knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including the requirements of governmental financial reporting; strong knowledge of Excel, ERP systems and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able operate a motor vehicle and to perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work may at times require more than 8 hours per day or irregular hours to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment. May require travel to external agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting or related field as well as a minimum of three years of experience that demonstrates substantial knowledge and the ability to perform the specific job functions. CPA certification and experience in governmental accounting are preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

SALARY GRADE: #7 ($50,383 - $99,162)*
HIRING RANGE: $65,000 - $75,000

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.