Accountant

Company Overview

Cherriots provides public transportation services within the urban growth boundary of Salem and Keizer, Oregon. Our mission is creating community connections. We are committed to better air quality, less congestion, and increased services to enhance the quality of life for the Salem-Keizer area. Our strategic goals include increasing transportation option awareness and increasing awareness of environmentally sustainable choices. Cherriots has won several awards for its efforts in sustainability.

About the job
Who We Are:

The Salem Area Mass Transit District, known as Cherriots, is a great public transit system. We work hard every day to give our customers the best experience possible. We provide local, regional, and paratransit services in Marion and Polk counties. But we do more than just transportation. We help people get to jobs, shopping, and schools. We help businesses find more workers. We ensure that people can enjoy recreational, social, faith-based, and other activities without needing a car.

Cherriots is an equal opportunity employer that aims to create a workforce that reflects our diverse community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

About the Role:

Under the administrative direction of the Controller, the Accountant performs professional-level finance and accounting functions, including reconciling financial records, preparing routine financial reports and annual financial statements, and completing special projects as required.

Duties:

Prepare complex journal entries and account reconciliations, including receivables, payroll liabilities, and accounts payable. Assure the accuracy of information integrated into the General Ledger from all subsidiary systems.
Perform cash management duties and management of banking accounts.
Prepare journal entries for banking wire transfers, AVH payments, etc., for all associated SAMTD bank accounts.
Prepare, manage, and maintain a monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing schedule, ensuring all required activities are completed according to schedule.
Routine review for the General Ledger Month End Manager program. Ensuring all journals are posted. No unbalanced journals, Fund Control Discrepancies, or Unbalanced funds exist. Review with the Controller any discrepancies needing correction. Close each period upon completion of financial reporting.
Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports.
As needed, assist other departments in preparing annual budgets and support Finance staff in the budget process from proposal to adoption.
Assist in year-end asset inventory and perform the annual count of petty cash.
Assist in monthly and annual National Transit Database (NTD) reporting.
Assist in federal triennial audit preparation and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation.
Review payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable documentation for accuracy.
Maintain and reconcile petty cash funds.
Assist in year-end audit processes, including reconciliations and worksheets.
Adhere consistently to a defined work schedule and be present onsite, as this is crucial to the successful performance of this role’s job duties and responsibilities. The essential duties of this role require reliable presence for planned or unplanned in-person meetings and other interactions necessary to operate efficiently, including communicating assignments to and from managers and other day-to-day activities to serve internal and public access needs.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

What You Will Need to Be Successful in this Role:

Perform duties with minimal supervision.
Extensive Excel and Word software experience.
Experience with asset software and automated financial systems.
Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, procedures, and controls, preferably in governmental or fund accounting.
Considerable knowledge of pertinent accounting and financial-related federal, state, and local regulations and laws, including internal control principles.
Working knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques needed to prepare audit documentation and a budget document.
Communicate orally and in writing with other employees and the general public in a clear, concise, and logical manner at the level necessary to perform the position’s duties satisfactorily.
Interact with other employees and the general public using courtesy, tact, and sound judgment and act as a positive representative of the District.
Work cooperatively with others, respect co-workers, and promote teamwork.
Expend the effort and time necessary to do the job well.
Perform the job functions in a timely and accurate manner.
Maintain confidential information.
Considerable skill in operating a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications.
Perform job duties safely.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or business administration is required. OR A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s essential functions. SAMTD reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.
Five years of accounting experience. Financial experience with the governmental or transit industry is required. OR A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s essential functions. SAMTD reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.
An MBA, CPA, CMA, CGFO, or similar certification is preferred.
Must present the District with a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain a driving record that demonstrates adherence to safety and traffic laws and regulations.

Physical Requirements

Frequent use of a calculator, phone, printer, computer, and related hardware.
A person must be able to stand, sit, see, hear, talk, use hands to type, handle, or feel tools or controls, and use hands and arms to reach.
Occasionally, lifting or moving up to 30 pounds is required.
Able to perform all essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed primarily in an office environment.
Must travel occasionally to attend meetings and conferences. May occasionally have to drive or take the bus to perform position functions.

How to Apply: