Staff Accountant – Casualty and Liability Accounting

Capital Area Transit System•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Staff Accountant – Casualty and Liability Accounting to join our Finance team. This position supports general accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end closing activities. The Staff Accountant also serves as the Finance Department's primary resource for casualty and liability accounting, including financial reporting associated with automobile liability, general liability, workers' compensation, and self-insured claims programs. The ideal candidate has strong accounting fundamentals, excellent analytical skills, experience working in a high-volume accounting environment, and the ability to maintain accurate financial records in a compliance-driven organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; an associate's degree in a related field may be accepted with meaningful, directly relevant accounting experience.
At least three (3) years of professional accounting experience, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, month-end closing activities, and accounts payable.
Strong understanding of accrual accounting principles and financial reporting.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience using accounting software or enterprise financial systems.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate financial records.
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet established deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
Experience with casualty and liability accounting, insurance claims, workers' compensation accounting, or self-insured programs.
Experience preparing claims liability schedules, reserve reconciliations, or actuarial reporting support.
Experience supporting external financial audits.
Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
Public-sector, government, transportation, or insurance-industry accounting experience.
Experience with Tyler/Munis or comparable enterprise accounting systems.
Familiarity with procurement, purchase orders, grants accounting, and payroll processes.
Progress toward CPA certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate accounting records for casualty, liability, and workers' compensation claims.
Record claim payments, recoveries, reserve adjustments, and related journal entries.
Reconcile claims reports, third-party administrator records, and general ledger accounts.
Maintain claims liability schedules, reserve roll-forwards, and supporting documentation.
Track and reconcile legal expenses, insurance premiums, and claims administration costs.
Prepare financial schedules and supporting information for annual actuarial studies and audits.
Support GASB financial reporting and required disclosures related to claims liabilities.
Prepare casualty and liability cost information for National Transit Database reporting.
Coordinate with risk management personnel, external auditors, attorneys, and third-party administrators on financial reporting matters.
Maintain appropriate internal controls and audit-ready documentation.
Perform full-cycle accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
Process high-volume invoices and verify appropriate approvals and supporting documentation.
Perform three-way matching of purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
Prepare vendor payments, including checks, ACH, and electronic payments.
Maintain vendor records, W-9 documentation, and 1099 reporting information.
Reconcile customer accounts, cash receipts, and outstanding balances.
Prepare accounts receivable aging reports and assist with resolving discrepancies.
Ensure compliance with established purchasing, payment, and financial procedures.
Prepare and post journal entries and perform monthly account reconciliations.
Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and financial records.
Prepare financial schedules, reports, and supporting documentation.
Assist with internal and external audits.
Support grant accounting, reporting, and reconciliations as assigned.
Provide limited backup support for payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, and pension accounting as needed.
Perform other related accounting duties as assigned.