Senior Accountant (Accountant III) #2008-221200-01

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

• Assists with the preparation of Year-End processes to include fixed assets, capital projects, inventory, accruals, subsequent payments, and support schedules.
• Maintains the record keeping and subsidiary schedules for fixed assets and capital projects.
• Reconciles capital project ledger and fixed asset accounts by verifying, allocating, posting transactions, and resolving discrepancies.
• Develops and/or administers processes to ensure the fiscal integrity of the books and records and protect the assets of the organization, including tracking capital, expenditures and fixed assets to maintain accurate balances.
• Provides analysis and reports on accounting matters and ensure that management has accurate and timely information to assist in the financial decisions.
• Administers activities by providing day-to-day oversight to include timely and accurate monthly/or as required reports, specialized reports as instructed, and ad-hoc internal reports.
• Performs analysis and assist with the interpretation and implementation of accounting policies and procedures to ensure the proper accounting of CATS’ fixed assets and capital projects/expenses.
• Prepares the annual Cost Allocation Plan for submission to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with supporting documentation through data analysis and research.
• Maintains, follows, develops, and implements appropriate accounting and financial control processes and procedures to increase efficacy and productivity.
• Responsible for the coordination and compliance with City accounting processes and (current and future) systems. Communicates as necessary with in-house departments to ensure that reporting information functions effectively.
• Ensures historical reference by maintaining a record-keeping system, documenting procedures and decisions, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring delivery of documents as necessary.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with co-workers and management by communicating necessary information, responding to requests, building rapport, and participating in problem-solving methods.
• Performs other duties as may be required or assigned.

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Principles, practices, and methods of accounting as related to fixed assets, capital projects, inventory, and accruals.
• The development and implementation of appropriate accounting and financial control processes and procedures.
• Grants management systems, payment processing system (ECHO), NCDOT grant management systems, and automated accounting systems.
• eBuilder or other project management software.
• Public agency accounting and finance principles, methods, and applications, including generally accepted governmental accounting principles and government accounting standards.
• Aspects of accounting functions (such as capital projects and fixed asset accounting, general ledger, and financial reports).
• Federal Circular 5010.1E and OMB regulation referred to as the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other applicable governing Federal Regulations.
• Principles of capital program development and grant administration.
• Project and construction management practices.
• Federal and State budget appropriation process.
• Transit systems operations.

Skilled in:  

• Use of mathematical concepts.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer and associated software, including applications for creating and working effectively with spreadsheets, databases, and accounting systems.
• Microsoft Office Software (Access, Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects in a fast pace environment. 
• Ability to be detail oriented, ensure accuracy, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Strong computer skills are a must; advanced proficiency with Excel is required.

Ability to:

• Maintain accurate technical operating records and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Develop complex grant proposals and negotiate complex grant issues.  
• Analyze problems and recommend effective solutions concerning grants, contracts, financial, and administrative reports.  
• Perform and interpret statistical compilations and investigate variances. 
• Analyze and understand the nature of CATS’ business and how its initiatives will impact the strategic plan, financial resources, and human resources of the organization. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, customers, co-workers, contracted personnel, and those doing business with CATS. 
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Make presentations, facilitate meetings, listen actively, and persuade others to accept recommendations. 
• Follow strict deadlines. 
• Work in a diverse environment and coordinate various functions.

Experience in a similar position in the transit industry is preferred.

Considerable knowledge of governmental accounting, Federal, State, and Local regulations is required.

Must be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze complex financial issues and preparing effective recommendations and solutions.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field, and three (3) years’ experience in financial reporting, accounting, analysis, and statistical reports;

or a Master’s degree with one (1) year of related government grant experience.

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.