Assistant Director, General Accounting

Metrolink; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Metrolink is seeking an Assistant Director, General Accounting to lead the General Accounting team within the Finance Department. The role oversees general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, audit support, and monthly balance sheet reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and GAAP/GASB compliance.

The position requires an active CPA, a Bachelor’s in business or accounting, 8+ years in accounting (5+ in supervision), and strong Excel/Office skills to guide internal controls and reporting across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Current CPA license issued by the California Board of Accountancy or equivalent.
• Minimum 8 years progressive accounting/finance experience including payroll, AP, GL, and audits.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience overseeing staff or project teams.
• Experience with GAAP, GAS, GASB, and ACFR preparation.
• Working knowledge of Governmental and Enterprise Fund Accounting.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, monitor, and evaluate work of the accounting team.
• Plan and direct maintenance of official agency financial records.
• Develop policies to ensure internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure payroll, revenue, AR, AP, and GL accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes and ACFR preparation.
• Oversee internal and external financial audits and reporting.

Skills

Financial management

Staff leadership

GAAP expertise

Regulatory compliance

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field

CPA license

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Oracle financial software

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Assistant Director, General Accounting, will provide staff leadership, plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the General Accounting team within the Finance Department. This team is responsible for general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, audit support, monthly balance sheet reconciliation and validation, fixed assets, and other financial reporting.

Summary

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Assistant Director, General Accounting, will provide staff leadership, plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the General Accounting team within the Finance Department. This team is responsible for general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, audit support, monthly balance sheet reconciliation and validation, fixed assets, and other financial reporting.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job description is not part of a job series

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives general oversight from director or executive level management
• Responsible for supervising and monitoring the performance of a team or department

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Direct, manage, monitor, and evaluate work and activities of assigned team.
• Plan, organize and direct maintenance of official Agency financial records.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure adequate internal controls, segregation of duties, organizational efficiencies, adherence to best practices, and compliance with regulatory requirements, while maintaining alignment with existing policies and procedures.
• Assure the financial integrity of the organization by developing and implementing a system of internal controls to safeguard assets and continually review financial systems to assure achievement of the Agency's goals and objectives.
• Ensure the timeliness and accuracy of payroll, revenue collection, accounts receivable, accounts payable and general ledger records.
• Lead the month-end and year-end accounting close.
• Lead preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), providing technical guidance and support to related tasks delegated to your team.
• Lead and manage internal and external financial audits.
• Lead the preparation of the indirect cost allocation plan
• Lead the preparation of reporting to the State Controller’s Office and the National Transit Database
• Oversee the Authority’s fuel hedging activities, including reporting to the Board on the results of the program.
• Develop a customer service oriented operating philosophy within the finance department that emphasizes providing accurate, timely and usable financial reports to meet the needs of others throughout the organization.
• Develop and implement fiscal plans and goals.
• Research or direct research and prepare reports on financial records and activities as required by law and ordinance, or as requested by Agency officials and appropriate staff.
• Participate in various cross-functional committees and task forces while representing the viewpoints of Finance and General Accounting.
• Assist in preparing the annual operating budget and develop special revenue fund budgets. Direct and recommend revenue and expenditure projections, and monitor expenditures, revenues, investments, and debt accumulation and payments.
• Provide fiscal information to executive Management, the Agency’s Board, state and federal authorities, news media representatives, independent auditors, and the public. Prepare and deliver concise, professional oral and written presentations.
• Maintain knowledge of current public finance administration, budgeting and auditing practices, office procedures and equipment, pending and existing legislation affecting government finance, applicable ordinances and laws, fiscal forecasting techniques, investment strategy, organization administration, and personnel management.
• Ability to communicate financial terms, policies, and limitations in a way that is solution-oriented and understandable to non-financial professionals.
• The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Essential Job Functions

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Current license as a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) issued by the California Board of Accountancy, or a similar licensing body from another state.
• A minimum of (8) years of progressive work experience in accounting, auditing, finance, budgeting, or a related field, including management of accounts payable, accounting and payroll teams, fixed asset inventories, capitalization, revenue and expense recording, and monthly and year-end closing cycles.
• A minimum of (5) years of experience in supervising and monitoring the work of subordinate staff or project managers, including monitoring and evaluating staff.
• Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
• Working knowledge of Governmental and Enterprise Fund Accounting;

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Public Administration
• Experience working in a public sector agency
• Experience with Oracle financial software
• Knowledge of Six Sigma problem-solving methodology

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and strong familiarity with the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR)
• Applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Modern principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Principles and practices, and corresponding policies and procedures related to assigned function

Skilled In:

• Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills, and the ability to develop PowerPoint presentations and complex Word documents
• Using or deploying technology in innovative ways to accomplish department goals and objectives efficiently and effectively
• Performing complex analysis and producing clear, informative summaries or reports

Ability to:

• Lead, motivate, train, and mentor a strong resilient team
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion
• Communicate in an articulate, concise, and manner appropriate to your audience, allowing people to understand, accept or act on the guidance you provide
• Apply strong critical thinking skills to assess the accuracy and completeness of inputs and outputs, ensuring quality results
• Manage relationships and conflict smoothly, understanding the emotions and perspectives of others
• Prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Work independently, elevating issues when they arise armed with recommended solutions

Physical Requirements

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication
• Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA