Staff Accountant II

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Under direction of the Assistant Controller, the Staff Accountant II is responsible for the accurate and timely maintenance of general ledger and bank accounts, month-end close, fare collection accounting, and audit preparation.

Requirements

An excellent knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including the requirements of governmental financial reporting
Strong knowledge of Excel, ERP systems and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire
Ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions
Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports
Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations
Ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts
Ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English
Ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy
Ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, accounting or related field as well as a minimum of three years of experience that demonstrates substantial knowledge and the ability to perform the specific job functions.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions.

Nice To Haves

CPA certification and experience in governmental accounting are preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the general accounting of MTS, San Diego Transit (SDTC), San Diego Trolley (SDTI) and other entities in a timely manner.
Prepares daily/weekly/monthly journal entries as needed.
Acts as a key player in the month end close process including the preparation of necessary accruals and balance sheet reconciliations.
Responsible for the monthly BRT reconciliation and invoicing to SANDAG for station and operating expenses.
Reviews and correctly posts non-invoice related cash receipts to the general ledger.
Completes a thorough budget to actual analysis monthly for all agencies to ensure all accruals and necessary transactions were posted or reversed.
Reviews the daily earned fare revenue batches in SAGE, the PRONTO specific ERP system.
Monitors the deposits in transit clearing accounts for both credit card and retailer network sales.
Researches and records customer chargebacks and coordinates with Staff Accountant l to update customer accounts.
Prepares journal entries in SAGE for month end close
Maintains daily Farebox spreadsheets for both SDTC and SDTI to ensure deposits are clearing timely. Works closely with both the bank and revenue operations when there are discrepancies.
Assists in preparation of the schedules and notes for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Complies with local, state and federal government reporting requirements.
Interacts with the external auditors by assembling information for the auditors and assisting with annual audit field work.
Prepares schedules for other ancillary federal and state audits which include NTD, B-10/11 and State Controller’s Reports.
Responsible for various compliance items such as CNG Tax returns and Propane Tax Returns.
Responsible for the accurate set up of customers and vendors in SAP, including proper 1099 designation and collecting forms required by the State of California.
Monitors AR aging reports to ensure customers pay timely.
Works closely with assignment office to invoice external agencies when their projects require MTS flagging services near our SDTI lines.
Provides excellent and timely service to all MTS departments when accounting guidance or information is needed.
Regularly updates procedure manuals related to SAP, PRONTO and other assigned duties.
Attends conferences and webinars to keep informed of current and new accounting standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.