Accounting Manager

Job Description:

Under limited supervision, serves as the Accounting Manager for the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). Develops and manages a comprehensive accounting program. Supervises the preparation of statutory, regulatory, and GAAP financial reports. Analyzes financial statistics and other accounting data.  Manages operational analyses of accounting systems, subsystems, and procedures. Coordinates the accounting operation, with budgetary, administrative support, and programmatic functions. Represents the financial interests of the department in accounting-related interactions/negotiations with other parties, such as banks, vendors, external auditors, and management staff of other governmental entities.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 1. Manages a comprehensive accounting program integrating Generally Accepting Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards, statutory accounting requirements, and departmental fiscal policies and procedures. 

1.  Appropriately applies comprehensive knowledge of accounting theory, practices, principles, and terminology to the management of the accounting program.

2.  Establishes and properly prioritizes appropriate goals and objectives for the accounting function.

3.  Develop and maintain effective internal control structures that preserve the integrity of the accounting program.

4.  Properly evaluates and effectively implements appropriate electronic data processing systems and software applications for the accounting function.

2. Directs the preparation of statutory, regulatory, and GAAP financial reports in both standard and specialized formats to detail and certify the fiscal state of the department.

 3. Analyzes financial statistics and other accounting data to identify trends impacting the fiscal position of the agency including cash flow analysis, budget analysis, forecasts, and projections. Advises agency directors on findings and recommendations.

 4. Identifies/develops processes that will result in compliance, greater efficiency, and/or operational effectiveness.

5. Regularly uses appropriate methods to accomplish effective oral and written interdepartmental communication. Presents complex accounting data in an effective and understandable form to people with varying knowledge of the field.

6. Completes other miscellaneous accounting and financial-related duties as required.

7.  Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to use technical judgment in determining the accuracy and completeness of financial information.

Ability to research current trends and changes in accounting policy, federal grant guidelines, and other related areas.

Ability to conduct financial compliance audits.

Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of governmental accounting.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of GAAP accounting.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to handle confidential matters.

Ability to confer with state officials and federal representatives related to the agency’s accounting practice

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field and four (4) years of professional accounting experience.

Prior experience must demonstrate proficiency in the following tasks:

• Prepare and review monthly journal entries to recognize expenses, revenues, accruals, adjustments, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Conduct thorough monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts and financial data between multiple financial systems and software platforms.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in financial records, ensuring accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Proficient in using complex Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, and IF/AND formulas for data analysis and manipulation.
• Experienced in creating and managing PivotTables, graphs, and charts to summarize and analyze large datasets effectively.
• Prepare and/or review invoices, reimbursement reports, packets, and documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure proper documentation and reporting of reimbursable expenses.
• Understanding of state and federal reimbursement regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance and efficiency in reimbursement processes.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of responses to accounting audits, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors and ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to investigate audit discrepancies, implement corrective measures, and ensure accurate financial reporting.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the State’s TeamWorks Enterprise Financial System (FSCM)
• Experience with Workday Enterprise Financial System
• Prior government accounting experience and/or related work experience
• Experience with the State’s Financial Close and Consolidation Software (FCCS)
• Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate certification (GCPA) from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services or related certification

Preferred qualifications also include expertise in the following areas:

 Understanding of Excel's advanced features for modeling, forecasting, and financial analysis.

The capability to automate tasks and processes using macros and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a plus.

Developing and monitoring budgets in collaboration with department heads and senior management.

Coordinating year-end financial tasks, including preparing trial balance sheets, SEFA (Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards) reports, and various financial statements in compliance with regulatory requirements.