Accountant

WHO WE ARE -------------- The Metropolitan Council's Regional Administration Division is accepting applications for an Accountant. This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven\-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us is on our website. Metropolitan Council's Finance and Operations department delivers agency\-wide financial, administrative, and operational services to efficiently and effectively honor the mission, priorities, and standards of the Council and its divisions. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Accountant is responsible for general ledger accounting functions for basic governmental funds (may include the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and/or Special Revenue Funds). This position works with Financial Analysts and Division program staff by performing calculations, preparation, analysis and reconciliation duties. Duties include reconciliation of account balances, preparation of state and federal grant reimbursement billings, creation and review of journal entries, report generation (monthly, quarterly, ad hoc) and preparation of financial statements for the Council's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Distinguishing Characteristics Under general supervision/procedural control, functions as the primary accountant for a department, or major division, or as an assistant to higher\-level accounting personnel. Develops, maintains, and interprets accounting information, analyzes and interprets fiscal data to provide a wide range of clearly\-defined accounting services; performs related work as required. Accountant primary concerns are preparation of journal entries, running reports in the financial systems and reconciling account balances. This position will have a focus on monthly bank reconciliation. This work includes comparing the general ledger to the bank statement, researching and identifying variances, and mitigation action for future variances. This work involves extensive cross\-functional collaboration across finance teams. This posting will create a six\-month eligibility list for current and future openings. What you would do in this job --------------------------------- Monitor general ledger accounts for assigned funds and accounts to ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the financial system. Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals, correct posting errors, etc. Reconcile grant account balance; prepare supporting documentation, and billing for state or federal reimbursement requests. Perform reconciliations and/or allocations of account balances to assure appropriate recording and financial system integrity (may include such accounts as; payroll, cash, investments, inter\-fund activity, or other balances as assigned). Prepare documents for compliance and audits in accordance with GAAP for assigned funds. Run and develop queries and reports from the financial system. Respond to inquiries from internal and external auditors about assigned funds and activities. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Education \& Experience Any combination of completed education (in accounting or related field) and experience in an accounting environment. Bachelor's degree and zero to two (0\-2\) years of experience. Associate degree and two to four (2\-4\) years of experience. High School/GED and four to six (4\-6\) years of experience. What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications): Experience with PeopleSoft financial systems. Governmental accounting experience. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) evidenced by accounting theory and practice coursework in accounting or related field degree curriculum. Skills in math sufficient to perform calculations of ratios, identify and reconcile variances, and allocate balances across several accounts. Problem solving ability sufficient to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information. Skills in communicating verbally and in writing sufficient to deliver financial information to co\-workers, division program staff, and state/federal agencies. Experience and demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives meaningfully into work products and processes. Skilled with email, word processing, presentation and spreadsheet computer applications. Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures, professional documents, and reporting requirements and apply to job responsibilities. What you can expect from us: 1\. We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 2\. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on\-site training and tuition reimbursement. 3\. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. Additional information -------------------------- Union/Salary Grade: AFSCME/Grade F FLSA Status: Non\-Exempt Safety Sensitive: No Full Salary Range: $36\.43 \- $59\.13 hourly / $75,774\.40 \- $122,990\.40 annually The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility. What steps the recruitment process involves: 1\. We review your minimum qualifications. 2\. We rate your education and experience. 3\. We conduct a structured panel interview. 4\. We conduct a selection interview. Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then: If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case\-by\-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation. If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety\-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position. IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran\-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR\-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us**. We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below: Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax\-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457\) plan Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80% Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free: Well@Work clinic bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year parking at many job locations fitness centers at many job locations Employee Assistance Program * extensive health and wellness programs and resources