Strategic Assistant Controller – Public Transit Finance

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 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.