Director of accounting

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Director of Capital Accounting manages the Capital Accounting functions of the Authority, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements related to Financial Management including accounting systems reconciliation, payment review, requisitioning of federal funds, preparation/compliance of the Cost Allocation Plan and calculation of the Indirect Cost Allocation rates, and Fixed Assets Management. This role also serves as an audit liaison for internal and external audits of the Authority.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct operations of the Capital Accounting Section of the Authority and will manage a staff of capital accounting personnel.
• Act as the liaison for internal and external audits of the Authority; ensures coordination between Authority departments and auditors, oversees preparation of annual workpapers, prepares and coordinates all audit responses. Audits include but are not limited to Single audit, FTA/Financial Management Oversight (FMO), FTA Triennial Review and State audits.
• Direct and oversee reporting of capital results across Authority’s organization, establish systems and procedures; maintain SOPs and proper accounting documentation in accordance with circular 5010.F and 2CFR200 regulations.
• Review and approval of the weekly Capital pay list for all payments including Federal, State, Bond and Reimbursable projects.
• Review and approve the monthly reconciliation of all Capital expenditures not included in the weekly Capital paylist.
• Manage the drawdown of all Federal FTA grants, Homeland Security grants, State Capital grants and miscellaneous grants/funding sources within the Capital Fund program.
• Responsible for the preparation, review, and approval of the monthly indebtedness of funds owed by Capital Fund to other funds of the Authority.
• Oversee the quarterly accrual process to ensure complete and accurate reporting in accordance with 2CFR200.
• Oversee the proper accounting treatment of the authority’s fixed assets valued greater than $20B+, including recording CWIP to Fixed Assets, calculation of depreciation, disposals and reconciling the Fixed Asset register to the Trial balance. Oversee the biennial physical inventory process.
• Comply with quarterly Federal reporting requirements as it relates to the life cycle of a federal grant with the preparation Federal Financial Reporting (FFR) and the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Oversee the preparation, audit and completion of the Annual Cost Allocation Plan and process reviewed by third party contractors; including the calculation of the Indirect Cost Rates.
• Responsible for the accuracy of the Capital Financial statements including general ledger account reconciliations.
• Participate in the successful transition from the Capital Management System (CMS) to the Project Accounting module in Financial Management System (FMIS) including reconciliations, user acceptance testing and training.
• Recommend improvements to Capital systems, controls and procedures to streamline processes and enhance the accuracy, quality and efficiency of reporting.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Supervision

• Supervise Capital Accounting staff.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in capital accounting, audit management, or compliance with quarterly Federal reporting requirements related to the life cycle of federal grants, including report preparation.
• Five (5) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Strong financial acumen - analysis, audit management, etc.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Effective organization, analytical, multi-tasking, quantitative and time management skills.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Access Database, Peoplesoft or Mainframe applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization including senior leadership teams.
• Effectively communicate with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, public legislators, and state and federal agencies.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and defining recommended actions across technical and non-technical groups.
• Experience with Oracle/PeopleSoft accounting system or other ERP systems.

Substitutions Include

• A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting/Finance or MBA.
• Certified Public Accountant License.
• Government, Transportation, or Public Sector experience.
• Expertise with data visual software (e.g. Tableau).

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected].

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.