Staff Accountant

About the role

Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join its Finance team. The Staff Accountant supports the agency’s accounting operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, grants, payroll, pension accounting, and month-end close. Reporting to the Senior Accountant, this position plays an important role in maintaining accurate financial records, effective internal controls, and audit readiness within a public-sector environment. The ideal candidate has strong accounting fundamentals, experience working in a high-volume accounting environment, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to balance multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle accounts payable and accounts receivable activities.
• Process and review high-volume invoices, coding, supporting documentation, and purchase order transactions.
• Perform three-way matching and resolve invoice and purchasing discrepancies.
• Prepare weekly vendor payments and accounts receivable aging reports.
• Prepare journal entries and monthly account reconciliations.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready accounting records.
• Assist with financial reporting and analysis.
• Support grants accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and funding collections.
• Assist with internal, external, grant, and pension audits.
• Perform assigned payroll functions and provide backup payroll processing support.
• Reconcile payroll deductions, withholdings, deposits, and pension liabilities.
• Prepare payroll and labor cost reports.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, agency policies, procurement requirements, and applicable accounting standards.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; OR Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with meaningful, directly relevant accounting experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant accounting experience preferred, including significant accounts payable experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Experience using accounting, payroll, or ERP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.

Preferred:

• Public-sector or governmental accounting experience.
• Experience with procurement and purchase order systems.
• Experience with month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll processes and wage requirements.
• Experience supporting financial or compliance audits.
• Experience with Netchex, Tyler/Munis, or comparable systems.
• Grants accounting or reporting experience.