The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), operator of the METROLINK Commuter Rail System, is seeking an Accountant I who will perform a wide variety of professional level accounting duties and responsibilities involved in the recording and reporting of financial transactions, general ledger accounting, preparation of financial report statements and special financial analyses. This position will ensure we are capturing, capitalizing, and depreciating our fixed assets timely.

TO APPLY: This recruitment will have a review of applications beginning September 13, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level in the Accountant series. At this level, assignments are generally limited in scope and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees.

Supervision Exercised and Received

Receive general supervision from departmental supervisory roles.
No formal supervisory 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.

Maintain accurate records of Metrolink fixed assets, including, but not limited to, additions, retirements, and depreciation.
Manage, record, and reconcile fixed assets and depreciation schedules.
Develop asset roll forward for Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Prepare journal entries and other accurate records and reconciles transactions for posting to general ledger.
Support month-end and year-end closeout.
Review accounting and financial documents to ensure accuracy of information, calculations, and correction of entries.
Assist in the design of reporting and processes to enhance the analysis and correction of budget problems.
Collects and analyzes data, record results and make recommendations for cost savings or process improvement.
Assist in the development of various reports for internal and external review.
Work with other finance team staff to coordinate various ongoing and annual special projects such as the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Indirect Cost Allocation Plan, Annual Budget, and internal and external audits.
Facilitate customers' issues by working with staff within department and between departments as needed to resolve.
Ensure established policies and procedures related to organizational financial controls and audit reports are adhered to.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
A minimum of (4) years of work experience in accounting, finance, business intelligence and/or budget.
A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

Accounting principles and procedures to cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
Budget administration and forecasting practices.

Skilled in:

Use of Microsoft Office products and other applicable accounting software.
Strong and effective organizational and time management skills.
Resolving discrepancies and analyzing trends.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to:

Prioritize and simultaneously work on multiple tasks.
Identify, monitor, and track complex trends and patterns.
Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Ability to comprehend the public service environment, SCRRA mission, objectives, and business model.

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 25lbs.
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.

Working Conditions
Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Based on job duties, 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 trains, heavy trucks, construction, etc.).Selection Process:
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