Accountant IV #2204-221300-02

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.

In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, performs professional administrative support and supervision of accounting duties in the development, oversight, analysis, and   reporting as related to maintaining CATS fixed assets, capital projects and general ledger accounting. Primary duties include developing and administering processes to ensure the integrity of CATS financial  records, conducting research and complex financial analyses with maintaining CATS fixed asset, capital projects and general ledger accounting records in a manner that safeguards, and allows for sound management of the assets. Ensures adherence to and implementation of applicable Federal and State laws as well as City policies and procedures.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Ensures adherence to guidelines for acquisition, maintenance, depreciation, retention and disposition of fixed assets and associated records.
• Oversees and determines acquisition cost/value of fixed assets acquired by donation, condemnation or eminent domain.
• Supervises, trains and evaluates Fixed Asset and General Ledger Accountants. Establishes priorities and delegates workload.
• Maintains the record keeping and subsidiary schedules for fixed assets, general ledger and capital projects.
• Reconciles general ledger, 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.
• Oversees and determines acquisition cost/value of fixed assets acquired by donation, condemnation or eminent domain.
• 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, general ledger and capital projects/expenses.
• Capitalizes and ensures asset valuation of equipment, inventory, rolling stock, vehicles, machinery, land, buildings and other improvements, constructed assets, making sure cost and funding source are applied/recorded.
• 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.
• Approves and coordinates the physical transfer/disposal/retire transactions of vehicles, rolling stock, land and building according to FTA 50.10.1E policy.
• Ensures guidelines/instructions are followed for grant-funded assets.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with co-workers and management by communicating necessary information, responding to requests, building rapport, and participating in problem-solving methods.
• Assists with the preparation of Year-End processes to include fixed assets, capital projects, inventory, accruals, subsequent payments, and support schedules.
• Performs other duties as may be required or assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Job descriptions are subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.

Knowledge of:

• 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.
• 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.lE and 0MB 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.
• 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.
• Analyze problems and recommend effective solutions concerning inventory and fixed assets contracts, and 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.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field, and five

(5) years' experience in financial reporting, general ledger, fixed assets, analysis or a Master's degree with three (3) years of related governmental fixed assets and general ledger experience. Experience in a similar position in the transit industry or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 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. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, a criminal background check, DMV report, and be eligible for a City driving permit.

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.

Effective October 1, 2021 the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Area Transit System requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such, will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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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.

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

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