What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Specialist I, Grants Finance (Limited Term) position at Metrolink?
PURPOSE OF POSITION
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The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), operator of the Metrolink passenger rail service, is seeking a Finance Specialist I who will perform a wide variety of accounting work in accounts receivable, grants, collections, and general accounting.This position will be involved in managing projects and tasks as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE), a multi-year program to increase the capacity of the regional rail system by adding double track, station platforms, grade crossing improvements, signal respacing, and maintenance facilities.
This is a Limited Term position not to exceed five (5) years. This position is funded in whole or in part through federal, state, or other governmental grants, which are limited by time or funding. Limited Term positions may be eliminated when the funding ends, time expires, or due to a lack of business need for the position. Limited Term employees receive all benefits provided to full-time employees, including but not limited to retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT : Applications will be reviewed and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins January 13, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level in the Financial Specialist series. At this level, assignments are generally limited in scope and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Receives supervision from departmental management / supervisory level roles.
No formal supervisory responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.Ensure compliance with applicable Authority and department policies. Review contracts and grant documents prior to setting up award / project budgets in Oracle.
Prepare contract / grant billings and submit for reimbursement ensuring compliance with agreements prior to submission.
Proactively monitor invoice status and resolve issues to ensure timely receipt of payments from grantors.
Ensure the efficient utilization of accounts receivable and project accounting systems, taking advantage of system capabilities.
Track and monitor deposits, ensuring that projects have sufficient capital on hand for funding.
Prepare routine correspondence, including collection correspondence to vendors, grantors, businesses, or the public.
Respond to requests for project closeout and perform final reconciliation documentation with applicable invoice or refund processes. Process closeout forms for projects and update SCRRA’s financial system accordingly.
Review accounting and financial documents to ensure the accuracy of information, calculations, and correction of entries.
Provide user support to inquiries, providing an explanation of standard operating procedures and Authority policies.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships to facilitate the achievement of department goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Associate degree in Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related degree.
A minimum of two (2) years of work experience performing accounting work in accounts receivable, preferably related to grants and general accounting.
A combination of training, education, and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Transit-related grants finance experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of :
Accounting principles, practices, and financial recordkeeping
Invoicing and collections procedures
Basic understanding of grant funding
Skilled in :
Use of Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
Use of Oracle or comparable Enterprise Resource Planning financial systems
Use of Adobe Acrobat
Ability to :
Explain and help affected parties solve payment collection issues.
Manage time effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Create Accounts Receivable invoices.
Provide customer service, internally and externally.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery
Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs
Exchange ideas by means of communication
Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks
Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
Balance, ascend / descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations
Working Conditions
Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Selection Process :
Following a review of resumes and / or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interviews. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.
Internal Candidates : Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and / or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.
Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO / ADA
