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Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Accountant III - Capital Billing

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199


Salary:

$113,245.08 - $137,579.00 Annually

Location :

CA 95134-1927, CA

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Number:

1358-Feb2024-AF-E-MF

Department:

Finance, Budget & Real Estate

Division:

Capital & Revenue Accounting

Opening Date:

11/07/2024

Closing Date:

11/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description

VTA's Finance, Budget, & Real Estate Division is looking for a dedicated Accountant III to join them in preparing and reporting capital billings. This role is pivotal in helping VTA remain an innovative leader in the public transit industry. Apply Now!

Ideal CandidateIdeal candidate should be proficient in Excel and familiar with SAP or have experience with an equivalent system. They must be able to perform well independently for assigned billing tasks as well have the ability to collaborate with other colleagues.Four-year degree and capital billing experience is preferred.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org

About the DivisionUnder the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of the CFO, Finance, Budget & Real Estate division fulfills the Controller and Treasury functions for VTA including financial reporting, accounting, budgeting, investment services, cash management, debt administration, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, real estate, and farebox revenue services.

Our Community

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as "Silicon Valley", is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The county's population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

DefinitionUnder general supervision, an Accountant III performs a wide variety of complex professional accounting duties in the analysis, preparation, and maintenance of financial records and reports for assigned Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) programs and business activities in accordance with VTA policies, legal requirements, and professional standards; leads other accounting personnel, as assigned.

Distinguishing CharacteristicsAccountant III is the advanced professional class in the Accounting Series. An incumbent performs complex accounting and financial analyses in assigned technical areas to support sound decision-making and ensure appropriate public disclosure and accountability. Work involves the exercise of independent judgment based on a sound knowledge of VTA financial management practices and procedures. Positions in this class may lead subordinate staff.

Accountant III is distinguished from Senior Accountant in that an incumbent in the latter class performs a wider array of more difficult, complex, and sensitive work with greater VTA-wide impact, and supervises other accounting personnel. Accountant III is distinguished from Accountant II in that an incumbent in the former class has a greater level of responsibility, works with a higher degree of independence, affects results having a greater impact on VTA as a whole, and leads subordinate staff, as assigned.

Classification Bargaining Unit: AFSCMEApplication Details:Please be aware that this position will close promptly on 11/21/2024 at 11:59pm. We encourage interested applicants to apply early to ensure consideration.Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

May provide lead direction to and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; orients and trains unit staff as appropriate;Develops and completes detailed financial and accounting reports and records, including Financial Status Reports (FSR), Metropolitan Transportation Commission 10Q, Annual State Controller's Report, National Transit Database (formerly Section 15) and/or payroll reports;Analyzes, researches, calculates, and compiles relevant data, statistics, and other information in compliance with VTA, state, federal, and other reporting requirements;Reviews, reconciles, assesses, and makes adjustments to financial records and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness; as required or requested, evaluates accounting-related information and presents findings and/or recommends courses of action to management;Performs complex and technical accounting analyses, research, calculations, data collection, and/or monitoring of information in assigned areas; calculates grant-funded portions of completed projects; prepares monthly accruals of sales tax and other revenues; posts payments based on accounts receivable deposit slips; prepares complex journal entries; compiles revenue and expenditure statistics; reviews, monitors, and analyzes assigned budget information;Compiles and prepares data and information for internal and external audits; reconciles subsidiary schedules to general ledger accounts on a monthly basis; develops and maintains worksheets and footnotes for inclusion in financial statements; prepares adjusting journal entries;May prepare invoices in assigned areas; compiles, calculates, verifies, and completes monthly invoicing of retired employees insurance premium and ECO pass, shuttle service, ACE train service, and other service agreements ensuring accuracy, completeness and timeliness; calculates, verifies, and completes invoices and/or draw downs against federal, state and other grants;May download, import, review, and/or reconcile specified bank statements, including daily bank statements of all VTA accounts and positive pay bank statements; identifies and manually posts items not posted automatically on applicable bank statements; analyzes daily outstanding reconciliation items and prepares adjusting journal entries; investigates Positive Pay exceptions and determines whether to authorize payment;May participate in maintaining utilization of SAP financial accounting information system; identifies, diagnoses, and resolves problems; recommends system improvements to supervisor;May prepare active employee and retiree payrolls; maintains and updates payroll information and data on individuals and bargaining units; assesses, creates, ensures the accuracy of, and enters payroll formulas for various bargaining units; reconciles and verifies accuracy and completeness of payroll; identifies and resolves problems; confers with IT to ensure timely and accurate payroll; researches and/or responds to questions and inquiries;Advises VTA management on accounting and finance-related information and status of projects and programs;Performs related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications

Employment StandardsSufficient training, education, and public or private sector experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field; and three years of progressively responsible professional accounting or auditing experience, preferably in a public agency. (A Payroll Support Supervisor or Accounts Payable Support Supervisor with four years of VTA experience and the required four year degree meets the minimum qualifications for the Accountant III classification provided that the experience includes application of advanced accounting principles and preparation and review/audit of complex and difficult accounting and bookkeeping records, controls and reports.)

A Master's degree in Business Administration with emphasis in accounting may be substituted for one year of experience.

Interested applicants may only meet some of the requirements. We encourage applications from any person who believes they can thrive and grow within VTA.While we're welcoming to a variety of different candidates, this position could be an excellent role for a number of different profiles, including those who:

Want to be team players with strong interpersonal skills, working within the community and VTA to help elevate and integrate equitable transit initiatives throughout our work

Are passionate, adaptable, and innovative team players who want to learn and contribute to the development of a visionary transit network through an equity lens

Are interested in collaborative and impactful, transformative change; working with supportive diverse teams to help grow our service and lead our region.Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and terminology of general, fund, and governmental accounting, including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting;Internal control and audit principles and practices;Laws, regulations, and professional standards applicable to governmental accounting;Business data processing particularly related to the processing of accounting and financial information;Federal and state laws and regulations applicable to grant funding, payroll processing including those pertaining to garnishments, income and employment taxes, tax treatment of employee benefits, PERS, and related matters;Standard business and office practices;Principles and practices of lead supervision and training.Ability to:

Operate a computer using word processing and spreadsheet and other standard business and financial software;Perform complex mathematical calculations;Analyze and evaluate complex financial and accounting data, operations and problems and reach sound conclusions;Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive financial statements, reports, and written materials;Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines;Develop and implement financial procedures and controls consistent with legal requirements and professional standards;Plan and direct the work of others; provide coaching and training as appropriate;Establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, staff, auditors, and others encountered in the course of work.

What's in it for You?

Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and a option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.

Retirement:

- Participation in CalPERS

Classic Members: 2%@55

PEPRA Members: 2%@62- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

457 pre-tax457 Roth

Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree's medical premium

Additional perks:

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Professional Development Fund

- Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General InstructionsPlease read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is "continuous," apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:

As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All

Classic

AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All

New/PEPRA

AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.

01

Please describe your experience in the various areas of accounting. Please include specifically your experience in accounts receivable, account reconciliation, and analyzing financial transactions.

02

Please describe your experience in assisting with month end and year end closing.

03

Please describe your relevant experience in coordinating with other departments and/or other external agencies.

04

Describe your experience performing capital billing or an equivalent accounting function-describe the organization, how many years and did you supervise anyone?

Required Question