Accountant

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Good work-life balance

On-site training

Job summary

Metropolitan Council in Minnesota is seeking an Accountant to perform general ledger accounting for governmental funds, prepare journal entries, and support monthly close activities. You will work with Financial Analysts and program staff to ensure accurate reporting for the ACFR.

This role emphasizes reconciliations, grant billing, and adherence to GAAP, with opportunities to contribute to audits and finance operations across funds.

Qualifications

• GAAP knowledge and application
• Strong reconciliation skills
• Proficient in MS Excel
• Experience with government or fund accounting is a plus

Responsibilities

• Monitor general ledger accounts for assigned funds and accounts.
• Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals and correct posting errors.
• Reconcile grant account balances; prepare supporting documentation and billing for state/federal reimbursements.
• Perform reconciliations and allocations of account balances to ensure proper recording and system integrity.
• Prepare documents for compliance and audits in accordance with GAAP for assigned funds.

Skills

General ledger accounting

Reconciliation

Journal entries

GAAP

Excel

Financial reporting

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

High school diploma/GED with four years experience

Associate degree with two years experience

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

PeopleSoft

Reporting tools

Job description

We 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. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The accountant is responsible for general ledger accounting functions for basic governmental funds (may include the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and/or Special Revenue Funds). This position works with Financial Analysts and Division program staff performing calculations, preparation, analysis and reconciliation duties. Duties include reconciliation of account balances, preparation of state and federal grant reimbursement billings, creation and review of journal entries, report generation (monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc) and preparation of financial statements the Council's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

This posting will establish a six-month eligibility list to fill current and future openings.

• Monitor general ledger accounts for assigned funds and accounts to assure transactions are accurately recorded in the financial system.
• Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals, correct posting errors, etc.
• Reconcile grant account balance; prepare supporting documentation, and billing for state or federal reimbursement requests.
• Perform reconciliations and/or allocations of account balances to assure appropriate recording and financial system integrity (may include such accounts as; payroll, cash, investments, inter-fund activity, or other balances as assigned).
• Prepare documents for compliance and audits in accordance with GAAP for assigned funds.

Any of the following combinations of experience in accounting or related field and completed education (degree field of study in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely related field):

• A high school diploma/GED with four (4) years of experience.
• An associate degree with two (2) years of experience.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience with financials systems (like People Soft or similar).
• Experience and knowledge of accounting practices: reconciling account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Experience working in an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and reporting requirements and apply to job responsibilities.
• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional documents.
• Ability to calculate balances and resolve variances.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union(s): Non-Represented Grade F

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. 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, Aff… 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 [e-mail].