11112 - Accountant AP

Virginia Department of Transportation•Richmond, VA

2d•$49,894 - $81,077•Onsite

About The Position

This position ensures the accuracy of all financial transactions posted to the financial system, provides guidance on fiscal procedures to internal and external customers, and prepares accounting work papers, financial statements, and other financial reports. The role performs a full range of accounting functions in accordance with GAAP, federal, state, and agency policies and procedures. It involves advising users on agency policies and practices, supporting other accounting functions and projects, and responding to inquiries with excellent customer service. The position also performs pre-audit analysis on expenditure documents, ensuring compliance with State and VDOT policies and procedures, and provides assistance to team members regarding coding and compliance issues. Correspondence with vendors regarding payments or overpayments, and analysis, research, and reconciliation of project expenditures and reimbursements for compliance with federal and state guidelines are also key functions. The role may perform analysis and final approval for consultant and construction vouchers.

Requirements

Ability to analyze and interpret financial data in compliance with federal, state and local accounting directives and procedures.
Ability to code and batch accounting documents.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working and interpersonal relationships with all divisions and customers.
Ability to gather and analyze data and prepare technical financial reports.
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations to evaluate the adequacy of documentation.
Ability to perform complex and detailed cost analysis and reconciliations.
Ability to perform in-depth financial reconciliations.
Ability to prioritize and organize work effectively.
Ability to research, analyze, evaluate, and reconcile financial data and resolve problems.
Ability to work as a team player.
Ability to work independently and perform effectively in a time-sensitive work environment.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Knowledge of accounts payable practices and procedures.
Knowledge of office practices and procedures, filing systems and coding structures.
Skill in handling confidential and sensitive issues appropriately.
Skill in preparing and analyzing financial reports, statements and transactions.
Skill in providing and promoting excellent customer service and financial support to internal and external customers.
Skill in using computers and software applications to include automated financial systems.
Skilled in performing mathematical calculations.
Ability to apply office practices, procedures, filing systems and coding structures.
Ability to develop, maintain effective working, interpersonal relationships with all divisions and customers.
Ability to perform detailed work with numbers.
Skill in gathering, analyzing data and preparing technical reports.
Skill in interpreting and applying complex regulations to evaluate the adequacy of documentation.
Skill in the use of computers, software applications to include MS Office products and automated financial management software systems.
Skilled in performing mathematical calculations.

Nice To Haves

A combination of training, experience, or education in Accounting, Business Administration or related field desired.
Accounting experience to include accounts payable.
Knowledge of Federal Grant costing principles and practices.
Strong working knowledge of automated financial accounting systems such as Cardinal.

Responsibilities

Develop and perform compliance reviews on accounting transactions and documents to ensure work units operate within Commonwealth and agency policies and procedures.
Ensure accounting activity is performed in compliance with applicable Department of Accounts, Treasury, and VDOT policies and procedures.
Organize and prioritize incoming accounting items.
Audit, review, and organize the flow of accounting data submitted from Central Office Divisions and Districts.
Ensure payments have the necessary documentation for processing.
Prepare correspondence to banks requesting release of retainage held in escrow accounts.
Prepare correspondence to consultants and contractors requesting funds due to VDOT once final payment is processed.
Review and reconcile contracts including associated ledgers that are finalized by running reports and identifying any discrepancy, error, or issues.
Provide vouchers for finalized contracts to external audit and construction division.
Exhibit professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with internal and external customers.
Assist customers in resolving billing and collection issues.
Provide guidance and direction to VDOT staff.
Research, analyze, and report on financial transactions or customer files as needed or requested.
Assist in maintaining policies and procedures.
Perform other administrative or special project related duties as requested.
Prepare accounting work papers, financial statements, and other financial reports.
Perform analytical review and apply existing accounting policies and procedures of consultant and vendor vouchers from documentation.
Review transactions to evaluate the adequacy of documentation and verify transactions are compliant with State and VDOT policies and procedures.
Ensure vendors and consultants are paid under the proper contract.
Analyze the invoice summary report resolving discrepancies.
Research, investigate, and correct errors related to coding distribution (i.e. speed types and activity codes).
Review voucher documentation for errors and omissions.
Foster team environment and work with other financial specialists to audit and review vouchers.
Organize and prioritize daily workload and incoming accounting items.
Ensure State and VDOT policies, procedures, and guidelines are followed.
Review and revise standard operating policies for audit and financial reporting to ensure effectiveness and compliance with established requirements; providing required updates to Supervisor for review and approval.
Review and reconcile general ledger accounting transactions associated within AP areas of responsibility.
Ensure transactions are corrected, recorded, and management is informed of issues.
Perform final review and approval for vouchers that have been keyed into VDOT's automated financial management software system.
Process time-sensitive payments by overriding due dates to expedite payments to vendors.
Ensure vouchers are accurate, and print reports to verify voucher data.