Accounting Specialist (Accounts Payable)

This position will perform a wide variety of activities to support the Finance Department including Accounts Payable, Payroll, and General Accounting functions.  This role will collaborate with Finance staff and various departments to complete timely development of accurate reports and ensure appropriate account management.  

• Perform accounts payable and general ledger activities, including but not limited to invoice coding and processing, general ledger entries
• Assist with annual audit preparation support
• Prepare employee payroll, process retirement contributions, and assist in employee benefit administration 
• Accurately process invoices by ensuring receipt, recording, and receiving timely approvals
• Receive, research, and resolve a variety of routine internal and external inquiries concerning account status, and discrepancies in a timely manner
• Ensure weekly check runs are submitted, approved, and completed  
• Confirm daily accuracy of Positive Pay and properly escalate any discrepancies or concerns
• Complete weekly/monthly/annual reporting (e.g., Check Disbursements, 1099’s, month close/year end)
• Complete appropriate reconciliations by validating information and resolving payment discrepancies
• Process end of month Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) and post accordingly 
• Maintain fixed asset ledgers and perform reconciliation 
• Retrieve and complete general ledger distribution of employee benefits invoices (e.g. CalPERS Health, Dental, Vision) from vendors
• Responsible for Cal-Card reconciliation by ensuring all documentation is received, recorded, and approved 
• Ensure timely processing of invoices and adhere to all departmental procedures. Void and reissue checks as needed
• Files and documents all records within established GCTD requirements 
• Review and process payroll deductions, reimbursements (e.g. expense, tools, tuition), check requests, and maintain annual rollover files
• Ensure vendor account information is on-file, recorded, complete, accurate, and current
• Complete disability, unemployment, and employment verifications as needed.
• Cross-train and back-up mission-critical functions primarily assigned to the Accounting Manager, the Payroll Coordinator or the Finance Analyst
• Maintain communication with vendor Accounts Receivable and Sales representatives to ensure prompt resolution of any items that may delay invoice processing 
• Establish and maintain contact with new and existing vendors. Keep vendor tracking system up to date 
• Support GCTD Operations as needed, assist with cash counting activities for Customer Service Center Deposit and assist with money bagging
• Perform other duties as assigned

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability needed to perform this role.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION & EXPERINECE 

• Associate’s Degree in Accounting or a related field is required 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting or financial analysis and/or accounts payable/receivable.   Payroll experience preferred 
• Additional work experience may substitute education on a year-by-year basis
• Experience utilizing computerized accounting software strongly preferred

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by state law, and insurability by GCTD carrier for those driving GCTD vehicles.

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, accounting database systems, and related business software  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to successfully impart information at all organizational levels and to the public 
• Capable interpersonal skills, a strong cross-functional team player with the ability to operate independently 
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills 
• Maintains a high level of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism  
• Ability to perform in a high demand, dynamic environment and appropriately manage established deadlines and/or expectations
• Occasionally travel for company business using reliable transportation
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality
• Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hear, see, sit, stand, keyboard/type, conduct repetitive motions, use dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, and occasionally balance, bend, stoop, climb up and down stairs, alternate standing/sitting, climb ladders/steps, kneel, reach at, below, or above shoulder level, squat, and lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.  

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be evaluated on their related work experience and education qualifications. GCTD will invite the most qualified candidates to participate in the interview process. The GCTD application must be fully completed. Any questions unanswered may cause you to be excluded from the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter with their completed application. All applications must be filled out completely and must clearly show that the minimum requirements are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Invalid applications are subject to disqualification.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS:
The process includes a job-specific pre-employment physical and drug screening to be completed by an industrial health clinic of our choice; criminal background and references will also be checked. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successful completion of this pre-employment process.

About Gold Coast Transit District
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is a publicly owned transit agency which provides local bus service to the western portion of Ventura County. The agency, originally known as South Coast Area Transit, was organized in 1973 when the Ventura City Transit Lines and the Oxnard Municipal Bus Lines were merged to provide better transportation service both within and between the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura and the unincorporated areas of western Ventura County between these cities.

Immigration & Control Act of 1986
In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Gold Coast Transit District is an Equal Opportunity (at will) Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual preference, gender identity, religion, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, mental condition, or any other category protected by state or federal law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance, please contact GCTD’s Human Resources at (805) 483-3959, Ext 138