Accountant

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.

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

The General Ledger Department is hiring two accountant positions:

The primary purpose of the Accountant: General Fund, is to support accounting operations of for the general fund, which includes over $135 million of financial activity annually. The Accountant, General Fund, would be responsible for monthly accounting tasks including: preparation of journal entries, posting payroll file from the payroll system to the financial system, payroll account reconciliation, grant billings, budget to actual analysis, account/investment reconciliations, and monthly reporting.

The primary purpose of the Accountant: Capital Assets, is to provide accounting services relating to capital assets for the following Divisions: Regional Administration, Environmental Services, Metro Transportation Services, and Community Development. The Metropolitan Council has over $7 Billion worth of capital assets (land, building, equipment, vehicles, etc.). The Accountant, Capital Assets, would be responsible for monthly recording of new capital assets in the financial management system along with asset retirements, deletions, or changes. This position would also be responsible for the preparation of journal entries, organization of vehicle titles, and financial statement preparation related to capital assets.

Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will establish a 6-month eligible list to fill future vacancies.

• Monitor general ledger accounts for assigned funds and accounts to assure 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 documentations, 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 for assigned funds and activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of experience in accounting or related field and completed education (degree field of study in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely related field):

• An associate degree AND two (2) years of experience
• A bachelor's degree or higher

• Experience with PeopleSoft financials system (or other financial systems)
• Government accounting experience

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

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of budget development and administration.
• Knowledge of state laws regarding governmental accounting and budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of software tools and their use.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and requirements necessary for Certification of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
• Ability to organize complex information and effectively report information to senior staff.
• Ability to provide appropriate, relevant, and timely identification and analysis of financially difficult issues and provide sound recommendations.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to summarize and present clear and concise reports, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work in a team structure and collaborate with team members and other teams.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service to all staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and assistance.
• Advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.

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: AFSCME / Grade F
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your 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 email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.