Sr Fixed Assets Analyst

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 commuter service.

Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and divided into five groups: Information Technology; Treasury; Accounting, Budget, Management Analysis and Contracts; and Grant Management. 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 160 people.

Reporting to the Manager, Capital & Project Accounting, the Sr Fixed Asset Analyst is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of fixed asset related activities and data; will perform complex accounting and financial analyses; and maintain and update records related to asset acquisitions, disposals, and inventories.

The primary duties include: Track all fixed asset expenditures and cost allocations to ensure appropriate assignment to capital assets and projects; and analyze and reconcile capital project cost reports to the general ledger and fixed asset records for accuracy and timely resolution of variances. Process journal entries on fixed assets capitalization; perform complex financial and accounting analyses of related transactions; assist with the preparation of footnote disclosures to ensure all fixed asset transactions and costs are recorded for accurate and timely financial reporting. Update and maintain records relating to asset acquisition, disposal, and inventory activities; prepare documentation necessary for year-end financial reporting on capital assets; and generate reports for management, other government agencies, and the public to support sound decision-making and ensure appropriate public disclosure and accountability. Prepare information as needed for internal and external audits; and reconcile schedules of federally funded expenditures, fixed asset roll-forward, and disclosure reports; and ensure processes meet generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) rules, standards, and procedures. Assist in the development and implementation of new or updated department processes and procedures; and identify and recommend ways to improve or streamline existing processes. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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

Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related discipline.
• In addition to #1, must have four (4) years of accounting experience.
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of quantitative, statistical, and financial analysis.
• Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and functions of the governmental accounting standards board (GASB) and its pronouncements.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting and financial systems, controls, operations, and processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel); with experience utilizing Dynamics 365 or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to convey information in a precise technical and a concise understandable manner to internal and external stakeholders at varying levels.
• Strong organization, analytical, quantitative, problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think critically to proactively investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions to problems.
• Ability to recommend or develop new or enhanced processes to increase efficiencies.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• Accounting experience in a public or government agency.

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.