PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), operator of the Metrolink passenger rail service, is seeking a Finance Specialist I who will perform a wide variety of accounting work in accounts receivable, grants, collections, and general accounting.This position will be involved in managing projects and tasks as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE), a multi-year program to increase the capacity of the regional rail system by adding double track, station platforms, grade crossing improvements, signal respacing, and maintenance facilities.

This is a Limited Term position not to exceed five (5) years. This position is funded in whole or in part through federal, state, or other governmental grants, which are limited by time or funding. Limited Term positions may be eliminated when the funding ends, time expires, or due to a lack of business need for the position. Limited Term employees receive all benefits provided to full-time employees, including but not limited to retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: Applications will be reviewed and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins January 13, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level in the Financial Specialist 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

• Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with applicable Authority and department policies. Review contracts and grant documents prior to setting up award/ project budgets in Oracle.
• Prepare contract/ grant billings and submit for reimbursement ensuring compliance with agreements prior to submission.
• Proactively monitor invoice status and resolve issues to ensure timely receipt of payments from grantors.
• Ensure the efficient utilization of accounts receivable and project accounting systems, taking advantage of system capabilities.
• Track and monitor deposits, ensuring that projects have sufficient capital on hand for funding.
• Prepare routine correspondence, including collection correspondence to vendors, grantors, businesses, or the public.
• Respond to requests for project closeout and perform final reconciliation documentation with applicable invoice or refund processes. Process closeout forms for projects and update SCRRA's financial system accordingly.
• Review accounting and financial documents to ensure the accuracy of information, calculations, and correction of entries.
• Provide user support to inquiries, providing an explanation of standard operating procedures and Authority policies.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships to facilitate the achievement of department goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Associate degree in Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience performing accounting work in accounts receivable, preferably related to grants and general accounting.
• A combination of training, education, 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 the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Transit-related grants finance experience.

• Accounting principles, practices, and financial recordkeeping
• Invoicing and collections procedures
• Basic understanding of grant funding

• Use of Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
• Use of Oracle or comparable Enterprise Resource Planning financial systems
• Use of Adobe Acrobat

• Explain and help affected parties solve payment collection issues.
• Manage time effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Create Accounts Receivable invoices.
• Provide customer service, internally and externally.

• 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