Senior Accountant - Syracuse - Central New York Regional Transportation Authority : Job Details

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing complex accounting tasks and supporting the financial reporting and analysis functions of the organization. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the company's financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Senior Accountant participates in month-end and year-end close processes, annual budget development, journal entries, account reconciliations, and provides guidance to junior accounting staff. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within the accounting team. DUTIES: Accounts Payable

• Manage the straight pay accounts payable process, including invoice verification, account coding, and payment processing.
• Review and post PO-related transactions submitted by junior AP staff.
• Train and mentor junior AP staff as needed to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Process all credit card transactions and ensure they are accompanied by proper approvals.
• Prepare and file annual IRS Forms 1096, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC.

General Accounting, Financial Reporting and Banking

• Process assigned banking transactions using agency-approved banking software (e.g., M&T, JP Morgan Chase).
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries as required.
• Ensure all accounting processes comply with internal controls, established policies, and applicable regulations.
• Assist with preparing the agency's annual operating and capital budgets as assigned.
• Support year-end audit activities by preparing necessary documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Serve as a backup for weekly payroll fund transfers and 457(b) plan wire payments.
• Provide backup support for preparing and posting payroll-related journal entries from PDS Vista to Abila.
• Act as a backup for electronic remittance of payroll taxes to the IRS and New York State.
• File sales tax returns in compliance with New York State regulations.
• Participate in special projects and perform additional tasks as assigned by the Accounting Manager or Director of Accounting.

Asset Management

• Tag all capital assets and record asset information in the agency's financial system.
• Facilitate ongoing physical inventories and condition assessments of capital assets in accordance with FTA requirements.
• Coordinate with departments to maintain accurate records of asset location and status.
• Oversee the disposal process of agency property, including administering Public Surplus auctions and coordinating external retrievals.
• Collaborate with the Director of Capital Programs to ensure that asset disposals are properly reported to the FTA.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required with a minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience.

Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and internal control frameworks.

Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.

Experience in account reconciliation, journal entries, and month-end/year-end close processes.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements and the familiarity with audit processes, and audit compliance

Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve accounting discrepancies and financial variances.

Strong analytical skills to support forecasting, trend analysis, and cost tracking.

Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and time management.

Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively present financial data to internal departments, auditors, and external agencies.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

High level of integrity and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.

Commitment to ethical financial practices and maintaining confidentiality.

Knowledge of the transportation industry and public transit operations is a plus.

Understanding of the financial and operational environment of public authorities and/or agencies.