Manager, Accounting

Cota; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 91,041 - 107,099; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Discounts

COTA Bus Pass

Wellness Initiatives

On‑Site Chair Massage

On‑Site Health Coach

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

Public Pension (OPERS)

Job summary

COTA is seeking a Manager, Accounting in Columbus to lead day-to-day accounting operations, ensure timely financial reporting, and uphold GASB/Uniform Guidance compliance. You will oversee general ledger, payroll, AP/AR, and audits, partnering with Grants, Capital Projects, Procurement, and Operations for fiscally sound service delivery.

The role requires at least five years of accounting experience with two in supervision, a bachelor's degree, and CPA/CPFO/CGFM preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years' progressive experience in Accounting, including at least two (2) years' in a supervisory or lead role.
• CPA/CPFO/CGFM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead month/quarter/year end close, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, allocations, and management reporting.
• Oversee chart of accounts, cost centers, and project/grant structures for accurate reporting.
• Manage bank and balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure GASB standards and Uniform Guidance compliance; prepare audit schedules and respond to inquiries.
• Supervise AP/AR and payroll accounting; support cash flow forecasting and debt schedules.
• Serve as ERP lead for grants, fixed assets, procurement; develop SOPs and train staff.
• Lead staff development, policy adherence, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Skills

Leadership & People Management

GAAP & GASB

Financial Reporting

Budgeting & Forecasting

Internal Controls

Audit Support

ERP Systems

Cash Management

Education

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

Tools

ERP System

Job description

Salary

Salary: $91,041.60 - $107,099.20

Location

Location: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On‑Site Chair Massage
• On‑Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

Position Summary

The Manager, Accounting leads the day-to-day accounting operations for COTA, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with GASB, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and state/local regulations. This position oversees general ledger, grants and capital project accounting, payroll accounting, accounts payable/receivable, monthly close, and audit readiness. The Manager is a key partner to Grants, Capital Projects, Procurement, and Operations to support fiscally sound service delivery and stewardship of public funds.

Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

Operational Accounting & Close

• Lead month-quarter-year end close, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, allocations, subledger reviews, and timely delivery of close calendars, variance analyses, and management reporting.
• Maintain and enhance the chart of accounts, cost centers, and project/grant structures to support accurate reporting and budgeting.
• Oversee bank and balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with GASB standards, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit), and internal policies; prepare audit schedules/PBCs and address auditor inquiries.
• Maintain strong internal controls over cash, disbursements, payroll, fare revenue, inventory, and financial systems; monitor adherence and recommend improvements.

AP/AR, Payroll & Cash Management

• Oversee AP (3-way match, vendor onboarding/1099s), AR (billings, collections), and payroll accounting (labor distribution, leave accruals, benefit and pension entries).
• Support cash flow forecasting, investment policy compliance, and debt service schedules.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as functional lead for the ERP/financial system and related modules (grants/project accounting, fixed assets, procurement), driving automation, data integrity, and reporting enhancements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures; provide training and guidance to staff and cross‑departmental users.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff, including workload management, goal setting, and performance development.
• Partner with Budget, Grants, Capital Projects, and Operations to provide financial insights that support service reliability and strategic priorities.
• Manages and provides leadership for their staff. Hires, trains, develop, and appraise staff effectively. Ensures the organization meets its responsibilities by assisting in identifying problem areas, participating in review of complaints alleging discrimination, and supporting career counseling for employees. Takes corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis, and in accordance with policy.
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years' progressive experience in Accounting, including at least two (2) years' in a supervisory or lead role. An equivalent combination of education or training and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO); or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status