The Lead Accountant oversees and performs advanced accounting functions to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial operations. This position provides technical guidance and mentorship to accounting staff, coordinates daily fiscal activities, and leads process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and internal controls. The Lead Accountant reviews and approves complex financial transactions, ensures the timely reconciliation and reporting of accounts, and serves as a primary liaison with internal departments, vendors, and auditors. Working collaboratively across functional teams, this role sets priorities, and supports staff development.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field and four (4) years of experience in:

• General accounting
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Financial analysis
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience with Oracle and complex financial models
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including, but not limited to Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and queries
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified applicants to the selection process.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Arizona Driver's License

Background Investigation:
Employment is contingent upon the results of the background and credit check

The statements listed below describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time. 

• Provide technical guidance to assigned staff, collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams; sets priorities and follow-up to ensure coordination and successful completion of tasks and projects, provide mentorship to junior staff. May participate in hiring staff and providing input for performance evaluations.
• Lead and oversee daily accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, journal entries, cash reconciliations, and financial reporting to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant fiscal management.
• Review, validate, and approve invoices for payment; verify fund availability; process batch and early payments; research and reconcile bank transactions; and prepare detailed cash and deposit reports for management review.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement accounting policies, internal controls, and process improvements to strengthen financial integrity, safeguard assets, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as primary liaison for internal departments, vendors, and auditors by researching and resolving escalated financial issues, supporting audits and corrective actions, and preparing analytical reports to inform management decisions.
• Perform the functions of subordinate staff.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge of:

• Extensive coordination of general accounting procedures.
• Detailed understanding of compliance auditing methodology.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Advanced application of budget monitoring practices.
• Applications related to enterprise resources planning and enterprise asset management (Sage, Oracle, and Trapeze software are desirable);
• Comprehensive understanding of general ledger control processes.
• Thorough familiarity of financial documentation procedures, processes and methodologies.
• Extensive understanding of accounting systems operations.
• Using a computer and related software.

• Inputting and retrieving financial information from a computerized accounting system.
• Leading, training and mentoring accounting staff.
• Reviewing general ledger transactions.
• Training team members on fiscal procedures.
• Coordinating audits with internal and external partners.
• Preparing complex financial documentation.

Physical ability to perform office and related work, including operating computers and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Valley Metro promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.