Accountant III

San Mateo County Transit District; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

San Mateo County Transit District is seeking an Accountant to perform and supervise complex financial reporting under GAAP. The role supports SamTrans, Caltrain, TA, and ELJPA, overseeing month-end close, journal entries, and internal controls.

The position requires guiding staff, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will prepare ACFRs and participate in financial reporting for multiple district

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Three years of full-time accounting experience.
• One year of supervisory or team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the month-end and year-end close, including review of general ledger account analyses and reconciliations and review and approval of journal entries.
• Review and evaluate accounting processes to ensure GAAP, GASB, FTA requirements compliance.
• Serve as liaison between departments and external stakeholders to resolve complex accounting issues.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).
• Hire, mentor, and supervise professional and technical staff; take corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed.
• Coordinate staff training and development; set performance objectives and evaluate staff.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Supervisory experience

Financial reporting

Excel proficiency

Stakeholder communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Accountant Ill reports to the Director, Accounting/Accounting Manager and is responsible for performing and reviewing complex financial reporting activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These activities will be performed for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (ELJPA).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Oversee the month-end and year-end close, including review of general ledger account analyses and reconciliations and review and approval of journal entries.
• Review and evaluate accounting processes and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, Federal Transit Administration requirements, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Act as a liaison between departments, organizations, and agencies and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex accounting issues.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).
• Hire, mentor, and supervise professional and technical staff. Take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
• Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives; monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Duties

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including financial statements, board reports, and other required financial and compliance reports.
• Prepare and submit the National Transit Database report.
• Prepare and submit the Financial Transaction Report to the State Controller's Office.
• Prepare Popular Annual Financial Reports (PAFRs).
• Perform capital project accounting, manage the capital asset system, and prepare/submit monthly and quarterly funding claims.
• Evaluate job performance of staff, which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of full-time accounting experience.
• One (1) year of supervisory or team leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPFO designation.
• Experience in governmental accounting, GASB, enterprise fund accounting, grants, capital assets, payroll, or accounts payable.
• Full-time experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Experience utilizing Tier 1 ERP databases, with a strong preference for PeopleSoft.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.

We are an Aff… Employer.

Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.