Accountant III

Job Description:

Accountant III

Description

General

The Accountant Ill reports to the Director, Accounting Accounting Manager and is responsible for performing and reviewing financial reporting activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These activities will be performed for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (ELJPA).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Oversee the month-end and year-end close including reviewing of general ledger account analysis, reconciliations, review and approve journal entries.
• Review and evaluate accounting processes and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP, Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Federal Transit Administration, and other laws and regulations.
• Act as a liaison between other departments, organizations, and agencies.
• Prepare audit schedules and respond to complex accounting questions as well as research and respond to auditors' questions and inquiries.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (CAFRs).
• Hire, mentor, and supervise professional and technical staff. Take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Duties
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual reports including but are not limited to financial statements, board reports, Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, National Transit Database report, State Controller's report, and various compliance reports.
• Prepare and submit monthly/quarterly claims to granting agencies with the required documentation.
• Coordinate annual audit with external auditors to ensure audits are completed on a timely basis.
• Perform capital project accounting and manage the capital asset system.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex accounting issues.
• Maintain and update departmental process and procedures.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:
• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of full-time accounting experience.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with governmental accounting, financial reporting, general ledger, grants management, capital assets, and enterprise fund accounting.
• Experience with ERP database.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Additional Information

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$103,491.00 - $155,238.00 Annually