Accountant, Financial Reporting, Financial Analyst

Accountant

The Metropolitan Council's Regional Administration Division is accepting applications for an Accountant. This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position works within the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven‑county Twin Cities metropolitan area, which plans 30 years ahead for regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. The Finance and Operations department delivers agency‑wide financial, administrative, and operational services to honor the Council’s mission and priorities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Accountant is responsible for general ledger accounting functions for basic governmental funds (may include the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and/or Special Revenue Funds). This role works with Financial Analysts and division program staff by performing calculations, preparation, analysis, and reconciliation duties. Duties include reconciliation of account balances, preparation of state and federal grant reimbursement billings, creation and review of journal entries, report generation (monthly, quarterly, ad hoc), and preparation of financial statements for the Council’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Distinguishing characteristics:
Under general supervision, the Accountant may function as the primary accountant for a department or major division or as an assistant to higher‑level accounting personnel. This role develops, maintains, and interprets accounting information, analyzes fiscal data, and provides a wide range of accounting services. Primary concerns include preparation of journal entries, running reports in the financial systems, and reconciling account balances with a focus on monthly bank reconciliation.

The Accountant compares the general ledger to the bank statement, researches variances, and recommends mitigation actions for future discrepancies. Extensive cross‑functional collaboration across finance teams is required. A six‑month eligibility list will be created for current and future openings.

• Monitor general ledger accounts for assigned funds and accounts to ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the financial system.
• Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals, correct posting errors, etc.
• Reconcile grant account balance; prepare supporting documentation and billing for state or federal reimbursement requests.
• Perform reconciliations and/or allocations of account balances to assure appropriate recording and financial system integrity (may include such accounts as payroll, cash, investments, inter‑fund activity, or other balances as assigned).
• Prepare documents for compliance and audits in accordance with GAAP for assigned funds.
• Run and develop queries and reports from the financial system.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external auditors about assigned funds and activities.

Education & Experience:

Any combination of completed education (in accounting or a related field) and experience in an accounting environment.

• Bachelor’s degree and zero to two (0‑2) years of experience.
• Associate degree and two to four (2‑4) years of experience.
• High School/GED and four to six (4‑6) years of experience.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with People Soft financial systems.
• Governmental accounting experience.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) evidenced by accounting theory and practice coursework.
• Strong mathematical skills sufficient to perform calculations of ratios, identify and reconcile variances, and allocate balances across several accounts.
• Problem‑solving ability sufficient to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills sufficient to deliver financial information to co‑workers, division program staff, and state/federal agencies.
• Ability to identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives into work products and processes.
• Skill with email, word processing,…