Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Job

Sr. Accounting Officer- Accounting

Job ID:

240148

Location:

VA - Metro Bldg At Eisenhower

Full/Part Time:

Full-Time

Posting Open-Close

04/26/2024

-

05/16/2024

Union

NRP

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Job Description

Sr. Accounting Officer, Marketing Statement:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is looking for a high-energy, hands-on individual who can work in a collaborative and independent setting.

The Senior Accounting Officer will report to the Senior Accounting Manager and will be responsible for the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including monthly/quarterly financial statements, and ensuring that timely reported financial results comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP & GASB), and other applicable regulatory accounting requirements (Federal Transit Administration [FTA], etc.)

This position requires strong technical and analytical skills, and the ability to build and sustain productive relationships with management, staff, external auditors, and peers. The Senior Accounting Officer will be expected to exhibit the highest professional standards and attention to detail while working on numerous routine and ad-hoc accounting support functions. A successful candidate is expected to have the capacity and willingness to assume high level of accounting responsibilities and the ability to communicate technical accounting information verbally. The candidates will possess other valued attributes; a strong work ethic and consistent performance with a sense of urgency and commitment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Experience

• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, analysis, presentation, and/or financial reporting of complex financial information and transactions to include a minimum of six (6) years of experience using automated accounting systems in an accounting environment. Experience should include:

• A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the application of US GAAP and preparation of financial statements and note disclosures.

• Demonstrated experience in applying management procedures and techniques to document and improve business processes.

• Demonstrated experience in performing complex analyses using automated tools and techniques.

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Experience

• Prior big 4 accounting firm experience

• Expertise using large enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, including PeopleSoft Financials, Oracle, or SAP. and Cognos

• Experience with the preparation of audited financial statements.an annual CAFR

• Experience working in an organization of similar size and complexity.

• Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Certified Governmental Financial Manager (CGFM)

• Continuous improvement training such as Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, and demonstrable project management experience

Training and certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodation

SUMMARY

The Senior Accounting Officer has oversight and responsibility for financial management and reporting activities that support and influence policy decisions. The Senior Accounting Officer facilitates a defined course of action for financial projects, interprets and implements complex Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and applies the appropriate standards to financial statements and audit reports. The incumbent implements strategies to support actions, policies, and management decisions regarding budget, accounting, and auditing issues. The incumbent develops and implements policies and procedures and monitors adherence to established internal controls. The Senior Accounting Officer serves as a liaison between ACCT and all WMATA departments on all financial, accounting, monthly close, asset management, accounts receivable, payroll, accounts payable, accrual, analysis, and financial reporting activities. The Senior Accounting Officer performs activities on behalf of senior management and is privy to sensitive and/or confidential information. The privileged information supports meaningful analyses and forecasts of the Authority’s financial standing. The data includes but is not limited to, assumptions, revenue, expenses, staffing, procurement, and executive reporting, and forecasting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops complex financial models, reports, forecasts, audits, and statistical analysis for internal and external audiences including executive staff, Board of Directors, and jurisdictional partner agencies. Works closely with WMATA departments to plan, design, and or execute processes, systems, and tools for accurate and timely execution and delivery of business and financial analyses, trends and forecasts and financial reports. Defines processes and coordinates guidance for WMATA departments on reimbursable project activity, monthly close deadlines, National Transit Database deliverables, and other management reports.

• Prepares financial statements including all operating and capital programs that are submitted to grantors and bond issuers. Reports on local and national trends and statistical indicators on financial trends, revenue capacity, debt capacity, demographic and economic information, and operating information. Supports deliverables and audits on WMATA’s operating and capital fund agreements and grant programs.

• Ensures the proper accounting and financial reporting of financial transactions align with US GAAP standards. Leads the preparation of the Authority’s financial statements (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report), including the related disclosures, in accordance with US GAAP and/or preparation of the Single Audit and other compliance reports in accordance with the related compliance requirements, policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Maintains the general ledger and supports month, quarter, and year-end close procedures. Analyzes and ensures accuracy of transactions occurring in the general ledger and the subledgers. Generates budget variance reports that are distributed to all WMATA departments and performs variance analyses on all expense, revenue, and balance sheet activities.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on complex accounting and reporting issues. Researches, interprets, and implements complex financial accounting standards and provides guidance to staff on the correct application of the standards.

• Identifies and resolves differences resulting from reconciliations in a timely manner and initiates correcting adjustments as needed.

• Reports out on and interprets budget and financial data across all departments, including periodic and ad-hoc custom reports for distribution throughout the Authority. Strategically leverages compelling tables, charts and graphics in presentations and reports for management, audits, Board Committees, and other audiences.

• Interfaces directly with the Authority’s officers and senior management, as well as external auditors and auditors of Federal, state, and local jurisdictional agencies.

• Produces and analyzes qualitative and quantitative performance measures to inform management decisions; assess the effectiveness of accounting processes; and identify errors, breaks in controls and inefficient processes. Proactively implements personnel, process, and/or system changes in response to the performance indicators. Develops statistical models for evaluating the financial impact of internal and external variables on certain initiatives, strategies, risks, and financial health of the authority. Develops and recommends alternatives and options for management consideration.

• Leverages technology and implements activities to automate manual processes. Proactively develops and implements appropriate corrective actions resulting from deficiencies and/or recommendations identified from external and internal audits. Coordinates deliverables, internal reconciliation, presentation, corrective action plans, and process improvement activities.

• Establishes framework for standard operating procedures. Develops and ensures the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of accounting policies and procedures and provides training and instructions to staff. Performs tests and reviews to ensure transactions are being processed in accordance with established internal controls, policies and procedures, and US GAAP; and prepares work papers that summarize the related results.

• Reviews work, trains, and provides guidance and support to lower level represented and/or unrepresented staff on behalf of management relating to complex accounting matters. Develops and/or provides WMATA-wide and cross-departmental training on the proper accounting for financial transactions.

• Leads complex accounting projects, including planning, developing, organizing, coordinating, and monitoring the efforts to meet accounting objectives; establishes project timelines and periodic status reports; and ensures the effective utilization of resources.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment

• Personal interview

• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)

• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)

• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)

• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.