Accountant

Metra operates one of North America's largest and most intricate commuter rail systems, serving multiple counties in Northeastern Illinois, including Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry. This agency connects communities by delivering safe, dependable, and efficient commuter services.

The Financial Affairs division, led by the Chief Financial Officer, comprises six groups: Financial Affairs, Treasury, General Accounting, Budget Management Analysis and Contracts, Grant Management, and Procurement Operations. These teams collectively work to provide precise financial data, which is essential for Metra's efficient operations, with a combined staff of approximately 170 professionals.

Position Overview

Under supervision, you will engage in entry-level professional accounting tasks, such as analyzing accounts, transactions, and documents; coding, reconciling, and adjusting data; consolidating and analyzing financial information; preparing financial statements and reports; and participating in special projects as needed. Responsibilities include reviewing documents to ensure proper authorization and compliance with government rules, contracts, and grant agreements. Duties also encompass preparing requisitions, coding financial transactions, posting journal entries, completing profit and loss statements, and compiling financial data for account closures and periodic reporting. You will monitor account balances to ensure cash flow is available for obligations and recommend actions as necessary. Additionally, you’ll handle routine accounting inquiries.

The final salary will be partly based on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least one year of professional accounting experience.
• Solid understanding of mathematical principles and their applications.
• Basic knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Familiarity with internal control practices.
• Basic skills in relevant computer software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and professionalism.
• Comfortable interacting with individuals at all organizational levels.