Lead Accountant Washington

Your success is a train ride away! As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful  living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

The Lead Accountant position will have the responsibility of reconciling general ledger account balances and preparing monthly journal entries that are Corporate Accounting’s responsibility. This position plays a key role in researching documents submitted by departments external to Corporate Accounting and determining the journal entry to record the transaction.
Corporate Accounting is primarily responsible for debt and investment transactions, payroll and benefits accruals, subsidiary and intercompany accounting, valuation adjustments for environmental remediation projects, claims liabilities and loyalty programs, monthly close and key financial statement audit activities.

• Analyze and ensure the accuracy and completeness of critical general ledger activities and account balances for which Corporate Accounting is responsible.
• Assess and validate the key assumptions, calculations, and the supporting data used to determine financial results.
• Prepare and upload monthly journal entries in accordance with the 5-day month-end close schedule.
• Research, investigate, and resolve account balance discrepancies and prepare timely monthly balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Support the review of account activity and perform variance analysis to identify and explain fluctuations in financial results during the monthly close process.
• Assists with internal and external audit requests by preparing supporting documentation, conducting financial analyses, and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Monitor and maintain internal controls over financial transactions to ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in special projects, process improvement initiatives, and other ad hoc assignments as directed by the Director of Corporate Accounting.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field.
• Proficient in General Ledger accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word, including the ability to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and support accounting operations efficiently.
• More than 5 years of progressive General Accounting experience with extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong expertise in account reconciliations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).or CPA Eligible
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to prioritize responsibilities, maintain organization, and successfully manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with SAP or other ERP system.
• Public Accounting experience.

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP, with the ability to apply guidance to moderately complex accounting matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, assess root causes, and develop well-reasoned, practical solutions.
• Experience working with…