General Accounting Associate

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient service.

Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and is divided into six groups: Financial Affairs; Treasury; General Accounting; Budget Management Analysis and Contracts; Grant Management; and Procurement Operations. The core mission of these groups is to provide accurate financial information so that Metra can run its business efficiently. Together these departments employ approximately 170 people.

The General Accounting Associate performs entry-level professional accounting work analyzing accounts, transactions, and documents; coding, reconciling, and adjusting accounting data; compiling, consolidating, and analyzing fiscal information; preparing financial statements and reports; and performing special projects and related duties as required. Reviews and analyze documents to ensure proper authorization and compliance with government regulations, contract specifications, and/or grant agreements. Prepares requisitions, code financial transactions, post journal entries, and complete profit and loss statements of business activities. Compiles and analyze routine financial information to use in preparing account close outs and periodic reports. Monitors account balances for availability of cash flow to meet financial obligations and recommends actions to meet financial obligations. Researches and respond to routine accounting inquiries. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
2. Good knowledge of mathematical principles and applications.
3. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
4. Knowledge of financial reporting systems.
5. Good analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
6. Good organizational skills.
7. Good computer skills, specifically Microsoft Excel.
8. Good verbal and written communication skills.
9. Good interpersonal skills.
10. Ability to work in a detailed oriented fast paced environment.
11. Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with tact and courtesy.
12. Ability to interact with individuals of all levels both within and outside of the organization.

Preferences:

1. Experience with automated financial reporting system preferred.
2. Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics systems preferred.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.