Staff Accountant

Capital Area Transit System (CATS); Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join the Finance team in Baton Rouge. The role covers accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, grants, payroll, pension accounting, and month-end close, within a public-sector setting.

The ideal candidate balances deadlines with accuracy and compliance, leveraging advanced Excel and ERP experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting/Finance or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of relevant accounting experience, with AP emphasis
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and processes
• Experience with accounting, payroll, or ERP systems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Process and review high-volume invoices with proper coding and documentation.
• Perform three-way matching and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare weekly vendor payments and AR aging reports.
• Prepare journal entries and monthly reconciliations.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain audit-ready accounting records and internal controls.
• Assist with financial reporting and analysis.
• Support grants accounting, reporting, and funding collections.
• Assist with audits (internal, external, grant, pension).
• Process payroll functions and provide backup payroll processing.

Skills

Advanced Excel

High-volume accounting

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Multi-priority management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Associate degree in Accounting or Finance with relevant experience

Tools

Netchex

Tyler/Munis

ERP systems

Job description

Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join its Finance team.

The Staff Accountant supports the agency’s accounting operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, grants, payroll, pension accounting, and month-end close. Reporting to the Senior Accountant, this position plays an important role in maintaining accurate financial records, effective internal controls, and audit readiness within a public-sector environment.

The ideal candidate has strong accounting fundamentals, experience working in a high-volume accounting environment, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to balance multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Manage full-cycle accounts payable and accounts receivable activities.
• Process and review high-volume invoices, coding, supporting documentation, and purchase order transactions.
• Perform three-way matching and resolve invoice and purchasing discrepancies.
• Prepare weekly vendor payments and accounts receivable aging reports.
• Prepare journal entries and monthly account reconciliations.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready accounting records.
• Assist with financial reporting and analysis.
• Support grants accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and funding collections.
• Assist with internal, external, grant, and pension audits.
• Perform assigned payroll functions and provide backup payroll processing support.
• Reconcile payroll deductions, withholdings, deposits, and pension liabilities.
• Prepare payroll and labor cost reports.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, agency policies, procurement requirements, and applicable accounting standards.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; OR
• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with meaningful, directly relevant accounting experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant accounting experience preferred, including significant accounts payable experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Experience using accounting, payroll, or ERP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.

Preferred

• Public-sector or governmental accounting experience.
• Experience with procurement and purchase order systems.
• Experience with month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll processes and wage requirements.
• Experience supporting financial or compliance audits.
• Experience with Netchex, Tyler/Munis, or comparable systems.
• Grants accounting or reporting experience.