Assistant Controller

The Rapid; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

403(b) plan with employer contribution

457 plan access

Life and disability insurance

Employee wellness program

Free Transit Ride with employee badge

Generous PTO and sick time accrual

Job summary

The Rapid is seeking an Assistant Controller to partner with the Director of Finance and oversee day-to-day financial operations, forecasting, budgeting, and core accounting functions. You will ensure financial integrity, compliance, and transparency while delivering advanced analysis to leadership.

Responsibilities include leading the annual close, grant reporting, and NTD submissions, with a focus on internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field is required.
• 7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting or equivalent.
• Government accounting knowledge or public transit finance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee annual operating activities with department leadership.
• Build forecast models and scenario analyses to support decisions.
• Perform variance analysis of budget vs. actuals and explain deviations.
• Review financial transactions and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate month- and year-end closing and audit liaison.
• Provide trends/forecast analysis and actionable recommendations.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial modeling

GAAP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Presentation skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP software

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Rapid is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to partner closely with our Director of Finance to provide day-to-day analytical and technical support in overseeing the organization's financial operations. The position ensures financial integrity, compliance, and transparency, and has significant responsibility for financial forecasting and budgeting, leading core accounting functions, grants management, and federal and state transit funding compliance and reporting. In this role you will deliver advanced financial analysis and strategic insight to support leadership decision-making and exercises independent judgment.

Essential Functions

• Lead, monitor, and oversight of the annual operating in coordination with department leadership.
• Build and maintain forecasts, financial models, and scenario analyses to support decision making.
• Monitor budget to actual performance and provide variance analysis.
• Review and approve financial transactions and support documentation prepared by staff.
• Lead month and year end closing process; serve as liaison for the annual independent audit.
• Provide analysis of trends and forecasts and recommend actions for optimization.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Develop and enforce internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements such as 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), FTA Circulars, and state reporting guidelines.
• Prepare and submit timely grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and closeouts.
• Prepare and coordinate National Transit Database (NTD) reporting in accordance with FTA requirements.
• Identify and standardize ad-hoc reports, tools, and dashboards to increase productivity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 7 years' progressive experience in finance and accounting or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Government accounting and/or knowledge of public transit finance preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to apply accounting principles and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, professional financial presentation to leadership, committees, and boards.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and grant funding requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-support skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across departments and partners.
• Ability to influence outcomes and support organizational initiatives without direct supervisory authority.
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, analysis, and forecasting, with Work, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience using financial systems and ERP software for budgeting, reporting, and general ledger analysis.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Retirement Plans - 10% employer contribution to 403(b) and access to a 457 plan
• Insurance Coverage - Employer paid Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support - Employee assistance program, fitness center access, and gym membership reimbursement
• Free Transportation - Ride The Rapid at no cost with your employee badge (includes eligible dependents)
• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation and sick time accrues monthly

The Rapid is an EEO Employer. Minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply. The Rapid is committed to employing people with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations for them. Let our recruiter know if you need an adjustment at any point during the application/interview process.

Salary: $85255.89 - $102307.07 per year