PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT (ACCOUNTING)

Basic Function Performs a distinct function in the management and support of highly complex financial reporting, payroll, and accounting/financial systems for different departments.
Example Of Duties Plans, prioritizes, and organizes accounting functions within the Accounting Department Prepares accurate and timely financial statements and reports for management staff Reviews complex grant funding agreements, bond issues, and other financial contractual agreements with federal, state, and local governmental agencies Prepares or supervises the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, payroll related tax reports, and other financial schedules Responds to audit inquiries and other information required by federal, state, and local government agencies Coordinates with department management staff regarding related processes, such as timekeeping, payroll, project management, and invoice payment or billing processes Complies with Metro's bill payments standard to ensure project and cost center invoices are paid according to agreed terms Supervises the research of finance, accounting, and payroll systems issues and makes recommendations to senior management Acts as a project lead for software upgrades, implementation, deployment, and training and documentation of business requirements Advises staff and department staff on complex accounting issues, cost standards, legal requirements, and labor and tax regulations Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives Establishes schedules, controls, and systems to ensure accuracy and security of financial records and source documents Prepares, reviews, and supervises the preparation of board and other management reports Serves as lead and provides work direction to accounting professionals as necessary Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out May be required to perform other related job duties Requirements For Employment A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.
A typical combination includes: Education Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field Experience Five years of relevant experience in accounting performing complex management, operations, financial, budgetary, or other related analytical work; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment; project lead experience preferred Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions for the non-contract jobs CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and/or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) preferred Preferred Qualifications Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity.
These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position.
PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment.
In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.
Experience applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and/or Governmental Accounting Standards Boad (GASB) pronouncements in the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
Experience utilizing accounting software such as Oracle E-Business Suite Applications to record financial transactions.
Experience using advanced Excel such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and logical formulas in compiling and analyzing data to provide information to management and stakeholders.
Experience supervising and leading teasm of non-represented and/or respresented direct reports.
Knowledge: Theories, principles, and practices of governmental accounting, grants administration, budgets, credit and collections, business finance, and financial recordkeeping Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing a public transportation agency or financial reporting agency Applicable accounting codes, regulations, and cost accounting standards Principles of supervision Applicable business software applications Skills: Preparing complex accounting or credit and collections work and financial analysis Determining strategies to achieve goals and objectives Establishing and implementing applicable policies and procedures Analyzing situations, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions Communicating effectively orally and in writing Interacting professionally with various levels of the organization and external representatives Learning and utilizing new and existing financial/accounting software Operating computers and general office equipment Abilities: Compile and analyze complex data Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence Meet tight deadlines and time constraints Think and act independently Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements Represent Metro before the public Plan financial and staffing needs Oversee, train, mentor, and motivate assigned staff Read, write, speak, and understand English Selection Procedure Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.