The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is currently accepting applications to fill the Principal Accountant - Finance, Innovation and Technology position. The RTA oversees financing, secures funding, and conducts transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The RTA manages these three Service Boards’ five-year capital programs. Also, to help riders with disabilities and older adults across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, the agency issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits, assesses eligibility for ADA Paratransit service, and oversees specialized travel training. The RTA offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible work arrangements and a hybrid work environment.

Under the direction of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Manager, the incumbent is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and monitoring funds and accounts related to the financial and operational performance of the Agency and Service Boards. Manage Accounts Receivable (A/R) for the RTA, generate accounting transactions, and reconcile records on the Custodial Fund, General Fund, Debt Service, Capital Project, Bond Proceeds and Transit Benefit Program. Assist in the maintenance of the Applications Studio and run BI FSM monthly and annual reports. Prepare account analysis, journal entries, financial statements, and reports; participate in annual audits and prepare audit schedules as required; assist in preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); prepare OMB Circular A-133 Single Audit Report as required by Government Auditing Standards; prepare Cash Investments, GASB #40 and GASB #13 schedules as required by the Government Auditing Standards; and implement the GASB #34 government-wide financial report models and provide figures for the MD&A section of ACFR.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Provides support in maintaining the Infor CloudSuite Financials general ledger system, including the establishment of business processes and procedure for the Controller/Treasury/RTA Receivables/Capital Project Grants Division.

2. Prepares journal entries, account analysis and reconciliations, reviews financial statements and prepares reports as needed.

3. Collaborate with other RTA departments to facilitate and exchange information, provides training, and supports the Controller in enhancing accounting operations.

4. Ensure the alignment of accounting changes according to GASB and GAAP standards, complying with the financial reporting and accounting requirements.

5. Prepare monthly reconciliations, complex journal entries, compile schedules and analyze the general ledger accounts.

6. Collaborate in the generation of FS reports and assist with the IT department to fulfill project requirements concerning ad hoc reports.

7. Prepare complex AR entries, including preparing, reconciling, applying cash receipts for Debt Service escrow, IDOR State Bonds, sales tax, PTF, Reduced Fare Reimbursement, accelerated tax, and preparing/applying credit/debit memos.

8. Maintain the fixed assets access module in Infor. Implements new procedures for fixed assets and monitor balances/changes in the General Fixed Asset Account Group (GFAAG).

9. Analyze, monitor, reconcile and record transactions for the Debt Service Funds, principal, and interest payments, accrued interest, Debt Service Deposit Agreement Deferred Revenue (DSDA) and related Trustee accounts activities. Maintain spreadsheets that calculate monthly interest, payment schedules of DSDA, monitor Debt Service operating inter-fund transfers, verify transfers and determine the accumulation of sufficient funds in Long-Term Debt Account groups.

10. Reconcile Service Board funding drawdowns, bond allocations and statutory capital (Service Boards Capital Reserves), prepare related journal entries and reconcile cash and investment activity as well as inter-fund balances.

11. Prepare GL transactions from the SymPro Investment and Bonds system for integration into Infor’s general ledger. Reconcile investment ledgers to the general ledger, oversee financial transactions reported in SymPro, establish appropriate account codes for new issuance, and conduct monthly report generation in SymPro.

12. Monitor, record, and reconcile General Fund Balances for reserved, unreserved, and undesignated capital. Prepare calculation of Net Asset Balances statement for annual audit.

13. Assist with the preparation of the GASB #34 conversion schedules, along with creating journal entries with explanations. Prepare the single audit schedules in compliance with OMB Circular A-133 for annual audit.

14. Support annual audits by providing schedules/reports and respondence to audit inquiries from external auditors. Assist in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) each year.

15. Record new General Obligation Bond Issuances and Working Cash Notes Issuances. Maintain schedules for all bonds/notes issues and analyze payments, transfers, and defeasances.

16. Follow RTA’s strategic goals and objectives as developed by the Board of Directors, providing high-level customer service both internally and externally. Will have confidentiality of all information obtained in the performance of the job duties.

17. Performs other related duties as require or assigned that contribute to the effectiveness of the department.

The ideal candidate has the knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance, or the equivalent, or equivalent additional work experience. Master’s degree and/or CPA a plus.

Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in accounting in a comparable organization. Strong analytical abilities with sound knowledge of finance and accounting. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficient with accounting software, preferably Infor Cloudsuite Financials, and Microsoft Suite (Work, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access). Must be able to work independently, plan and organize tasks, problem solve and complete projects in collaboration with various staff. Ability to adapt to change and multi-tasking required.

RTA Benefits!

• Pension plan provided by the RTA at no cost to you or 401(k) salary match option.
• Hybrid work environment – flexible and compressed work schedules
• The RTA provides transit benefits to cover your commute.
• Competitive paid holidays, vacation, and personal time off
• Medical/dental/vision/life/pet insurance
• 401(k) and 457 plan options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Gym membership discount

The RTA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Relocation is not available. For more information about the RTA, visit our website at https://www.rtachicago.org/.

Salary minimum to mid-point: $78,812.15 to $98,516.00

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. RTA provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Salary Range: $78,812.15 to $118,218.77

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Regional Transportation Authority

Human Resources 24-PAFIT

175 W. Jackson, Suite 1550

Chicago, IL 60604

To apply online: create an account by selecting "Apply" and “Login or Register.”

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,812.15 - $118,218.77 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60604