Sr. Accounting Officer Job ID: 250040 Location: DC - L'Enfant Plaza Full/Part Time: Full-Time Posting Open-Close 01/14/2025 - 02/02/2025 Union NRP Regular/Temporary: Regular **Job Description** **Senior Accounting Officer, Marketing Statement:** The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) invites exceptional accounting professionals to bring their expertise and enthusiasm to our team. We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Senior Accounting Officer who thrives in both collaborative and independent work environments. Reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager, this critical role is instrumental in preparing WMATA¿s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including the production of accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial statements. As a Senior Accounting Officer, you will ensure compliance with US GAAP, GASB, and other regulatory standards such as those set by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), contributing to the integrity and transparency of our financial operations. We value individuals who possess a blend of technical accounting expertise and strong analytical abilities. The ideal candidate will be adept at fostering productive relationships with internal teams, external auditors, and organizational peers, serving as a trusted partner and contributor to our mission. Attention to detail, the highest level of professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively are essential traits for success in this role. If you have a passion for precision, a dedication to excellence, and a commitment to delivering results with integrity and urgency, we encourage you to apply. **MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS** **Education** + Bachelor¿s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. **Experience** + A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, analysis, presentation, and/or financial reporting of complex financial information and transactions to include a minimum of six (6) years of experience using automated accounting systems in an accounting environment. Experience should include: + A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the application of US GAAP and preparation of financial statements and note disclosures. + Demonstrated experience in applying management procedures and techniques to document and improve business processes. + Demonstrated experience in performing complex analyses using automated tools and techniques. **Certification/Licensure** + N/A **Preferred** + **Education** + **Experience** + **Certification** Training and certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) **Medical Group** Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodation. **SUMMARY** The Senior Accounting Officer has oversight and responsibility for financial management and reporting activities that support and influence policy decisions. The Senior Accounting Officer facilitates a defined course of action for financial projects, interprets and implements complex Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and applies the appropriate standards to financial statements and audit reports. The incumbent implements strategies to support actions, policies, and management decisions regarding budget, accounting, and auditing issues. The incumbent develops and implements policies and procedures and monitors adherence to established internal controls. The Senior Accounting Officer serves as a liaison between ACCT and all WMATA departments on all financial, accounting, monthly close, asset management, accounts receivable, payroll, accounts payable, accrual, analysis, and financial reporting activities. The Senior Accounting Officer performs activities on behalf of senior management and is privy to sensitive and/or confidential information. The privileged information supports meaningful analyses and forecasts of the Authority¿s financial standing. The data includes but is not limited to, assumptions, revenue, expenses, staffing, procurement, and executive reporting, and forecasting. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Develops complex financial models, reports, forecasts, audits, and statistical analysis for internal and external audiences including executive staff, Board of Directors, and jurisdictional partner agencies. Works closely with WMATA departments to plan, design, and or execute processes, systems, and tools for accurate and timely execution and delivery of business and financial analyses, trends and forecasts and financial reports. Defines processes and coordinates guidance for WMATA departments on reimbursable project activity, monthly close deadlines, National Transit Database deliverables, and other management reports. + Prepares financial statements including all operating and capital programs that are submitted to grantors and bond issuers. Reports on local and national trends and statistical indicators on financial trends, revenue capacity, debt capacity, demographic and economic information, and operating information. Supports deliverables and audits on WMATA¿s operating and capital fund agreements and grant programs. + Ensures the proper accounting and financial reporting of financial transactions align with US GAAP standards. Leads the preparation of the Authority¿s financial statements (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report), including the related disclosures, in accordance with US GAAP and/or preparation of the Single Audit and other compliance reports in accordance with the related compliance requirements, policies, procedures, and regulations. + Maintains the general ledger and supports month, quarter, and year-end close procedures. Analyzes and ensures accuracy of transactions occurring in the general ledger and the subledgers. Generates budget variance reports that are distributed to all WMATA departments and performs variance analyses on all expense, revenue, and balance sheet activities. + Serves as a subject matter expert on complex accounting and reporting issues. Researches, interprets, and implements complex financial accounting standards and provides guidance to staff on the correct application of the standards. + Identifies and resolves differences resulting from reconciliations in a timely manner and initiates correcting adjustments as needed. + Reports out on and interprets budget and financial data across all departments, including periodic and ad-hoc custom reports for distribution throughout the Authority. Strategically leverages compelling tables, charts and graphics in presentations and reports for management, audits, Board Committees, and other audiences. + Interfaces directly with the Authority¿s officers and senior management, as well as external auditors and auditors of Federal, state, and local jurisdictional agencies. + Produces and analyzes qualitative and quantitative performance measures to inform management decisions; assess the effectiveness of accounting processes; and identify errors, breaks in controls and inefficient processes. Proactively implements personnel, process, and/or system changes in response to the performance indicators. Develops statistical models for evaluating the financial impact of internal and external variables on certain initiatives, strategies, risks, and financial health of the authority. Develops and recommends alternatives and options for management consideration. + Leverages technology and implements activities to automate manual processes. Proactively develops and implements appropriate corrective actions resulting from deficiencies and/or recommendations identified from external and internal audits. Coordinates deliverables, internal reconciliation, presentation, corrective action plans, and process improvement activities. + Establishes framework for standard operating procedures. Develops and ensures the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of accounting policies and procedures and provides training and instructions to staff. Performs tests and reviews to ensure transactions are being processed in accordance with established internal controls, policies and procedures, and US GAAP; and prepares work papers that summarize the related results. + Reviews work, trains, and provides guidance and support to lower level represented and/or unrepresented staff on behalf of management relating to complex accounting matters. Develops and/or provides WMATA-wide and cross-departmental training on the proper accounting for financial transactions. + Leads complex accounting projects, including planning, developing, organizing, coordinating, and monitoring the efforts to meet accounting objectives; establishes project timelines and periodic status reports; and ensures the effective utilization of resources. **The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.** **Evaluation Criteria** Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience. Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following: ¿ Skills and/or behavioral assessment ¿ Personal interview ¿ Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses) ¿ Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment) ¿ Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions) ¿ Review of a current motor vehicle report **Closing** WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law. This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.