Manager, MT Accounting

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 on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

1. Financial Reporting

• Coordinate and report monthly/quarterly financial information with forecasts for the balance of the year to the Metro Transit General Manager, Director of Finance, and Management Committee.
• Coordinate, develop, prioritize, and oversee Ad Hoc Reporting Requests to ensure understanding of the request, consistency of the information, and compliance with Metro Transit Operating and Capital Budgets and Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Financial reporting.
• Coordinate preparation for Federal, State of Minnesota Annual Audit, Metropolitan Council Internal Audits, and State Legislative Audits for Metro Transit.
• Coordinate and manage the cash management of Metro Transit's operating and capital activities to ensure adequate cash on hand for obligations.
• Manage the fixed asset and inventory accounting system with to ensure proper tracking of extensive fixed assets and inventory.
• Coordinate the grants accounting activity with the grants management activity to ensure proper expenditure and reporting to the Federal Transit Administration.

2. Monitor and enforce compliance with all applicable federal, state, Metropolitan Council, and GAAP laws, policies, and standards.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and Metropolitan Council policies and procedures.
• Monitor and enforce any changes to GAAP and GASB to ensure division compliance.
• Monitor and enforce changes for federal, state, and local policies and standards.
• Identify and implement improvements to business practices benefiting timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Review and determine allocations needed at the division and Metropolitan Council level.

3. Staff Leadership and Development

• Promote coordination within division Finance and Departments internally and with Regional Administration services at the Metropolitan Council.
• Foster a customer service mentality throughout the department to ensure a high level of service for all internal managers who require timely and accurate financial information.
• Manage and evaluate staff performance, encourage staff training and development, counsel and mentor when appropriate, and document non-performance.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and Metro Council personnel policies and procedures.

Any of the following combinations of experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management, AND completed education in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a directly related field; including three (3) years of supervisory experience:

• High school diploma/GED and eleven (11) years of experience; including three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Associate's degree and nine (9) years of experience; including three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience; including three (3) years of supervisory experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience coaching, developing, and mentoring staff.
• Experience working in a public sector finance particularly government finance.
• Experience in ERP system implementation.
• Accounting best practices in public transportation
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and diverse communities

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for governmental organizations' accounting practices and principles
• Knowledge of governmental rules and regulations relating to grant administration
• Knowledge of project management, strategic planning, presentation development, and public speaking
• Knowledge of Financial Systems and Accounting Best Practices
• Knowledge of management/supervisory practices, performance management, including coaching, counseling, staff development, performance improvement, and discipline
• Demonstrated experience and skills in financial management systems to efficiently and effectively supervise the preparation of financial statements and analysis
• Skilled in project management and leadership skills, including developing effective units and project teams, delegating tasks, problem-solving, scheduling, and budgeting
• Skills in problem-solving
• Ability to explain complex financial issues
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to meeting expectations and deadlines with quality work product
• Ability to lead staff, work groups, facilitate/negotiate with others to implement best practices, new GAAP, internal controls, etc.
• Ability to apply mathematics/statistical methods/procedures
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional documents
• Ability to present findings and recommendations to all levels of management inside the organization and to external stakeholders.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: TMSA/Grade K
FLSA: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between the primary work site and other sites

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 drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and 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 drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the 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 emailHR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.