Assistant Director, General Accounting

Southern California Regional Rail Authority•Los Angeles, CA

16d

About The Position

The Assistant Director, General Accounting, provides staff leadership and plans, directs, manages, and oversees the General Accounting team within the Finance Department. The team is responsible for the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, audit support, monthly balance sheet reconciliation and validation, fixed assets, and other financial reporting. The role receives general oversight from director- or executive-level management and supervises and monitors a team or department. The position directs the maintenance of official Agency financial records and develops policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, support accurate financial reporting, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote organizational efficiency. It oversees accounting close activities, payroll and other accounting operations, financial audits, preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, indirect cost allocation plans, and reports to state and federal entities. The role also oversees fuel hedging activities and related Board reporting. The Assistant Director develops fiscal plans and goals, supports operating and special revenue fund budgets, monitors financial activity, and provides fiscal information and presentations to Agency leadership, the Board, government authorities, auditors, media representatives, and the public. The position represents Finance and General Accounting in cross-functional groups and promotes customer-service-oriented financial reporting. Additional duties may be assigned, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
Current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license issued by the California Board of Accountancy or a similar licensing body in another state.
At least 8 years of progressive work experience in accounting, auditing, finance, budgeting, or a related field.
Experience managing accounts payable, accounting and payroll teams, fixed asset inventories, capitalization, revenue and expense recording, and monthly and year-end closing cycles.
At least 5 years of experience supervising and monitoring subordinate staff or project managers, including monitoring and evaluating staff.
Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Working knowledge of governmental and enterprise fund accounting.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Knowledge of modern management, supervision, training, and performance-evaluation principles.
Knowledge of principles, practices, policies, and procedures related to the assigned function.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills and the ability to develop PowerPoint presentations and complex Word documents.
Skill in using or deploying technology innovatively to accomplish department goals efficiently and effectively.
Ability to perform complex analysis and produce clear, informative summaries or reports.
Ability to lead, motivate, train, and mentor a strong, resilient team.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to communicate articulately, concisely, and appropriately for the audience so people can understand, accept, or act on provided guidance.
Ability to apply critical thinking to assess the accuracy and completeness of inputs and outputs and ensure quality results.
Ability to manage relationships and conflict smoothly while understanding others’ emotions and perspectives.
Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to work independently and elevate issues with recommended solutions.
Ability to transition between a stationary desk or work location and moving about facilities or other work sites; operate computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery; transport equipment or boxes weighing up to 25 pounds; exchange ideas through communication; and meet the visual, hearing, balance, climbing, kneeling, bending, crouching, or crawling demands described for work on or near railroad tracks.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Public Administration.
Experience working in a public sector agency.
Experience with Oracle financial software.
Knowledge of Six Sigma problem-solving methodology.

Responsibilities

Direct, manage, monitor, and evaluate the work and activities of the assigned team.
Plan, organize, and direct maintenance of official Agency financial records.
Develop policies and procedures that support internal controls, segregation of duties, efficiency, best practices, regulatory compliance, and alignment with existing policies.
Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard assets and review financial systems to support the Agency’s goals and objectives.
Ensure the timeliness and accuracy of payroll, revenue collection, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger records.
Lead month-end and year-end accounting close activities.
Lead preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and provide technical guidance and support for related team tasks.
Lead and manage internal and external financial audits.
Lead preparation of the indirect cost allocation plan.
Lead preparation of reporting to the State Controller’s Office and the National Transit Database.
Oversee the Authority’s fuel hedging activities, including reporting program results to the Board.
Develop a customer-service-oriented operating philosophy that provides accurate, timely, and usable financial reports to organizational stakeholders.
Develop and implement fiscal plans and goals.
Research or direct research and prepare reports on financial records and activities as required by law or ordinance, or as requested by Agency officials and appropriate staff.
Participate in cross-functional committees and task forces, representing Finance and General Accounting viewpoints.
Assist in preparing the annual operating budget and develop special revenue fund budgets.
Direct and recommend revenue and expenditure projections, and monitor expenditures, revenues, investments, and debt accumulation and payments.
Provide fiscal information to executive management, the Agency’s Board, state and federal authorities, news media representatives, independent auditors, and the public.
Prepare and deliver concise, professional oral and written presentations.
Maintain knowledge of public finance administration, budgeting and auditing practices, office procedures and equipment, relevant legislation, ordinances and laws, fiscal forecasting techniques, investment strategy, organizational administration, and personnel management.
Communicate financial terms, policies, and limitations in a solution-oriented and understandable way to non-financial professionals.