Accountant (Limited-Term)

Job Description:

Accountant (Limited-Term)

Description

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a limited-term Accountant to join the Finance division . In this role, the A ccountant will participate in a wide variety of professional, analytical, and administrative functions in support of the Accounting team’s goals . These functions include receiving and processing incoming invoices , obtaining approvals, prepaid calculations, sales and use tax analysis, EDD, and other payment requests, applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines to ensure compliance, and collecting, analyzing, and processing various financial transactions and reports. Additionally, the role involves responding to staff inquiries, reviewing general ledger accounts, and processing expense reimbursements. This position is ideal for detail-oriented candidates with knowledge of the accounts payable process, and strong communication and organizational skills.

The Accounting Department supports all agency programs through functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. The Accounting Department is responsible for accurately documenting various types of financial transactions, GASB implementations, and providing outstanding customer service.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week .

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.

Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.

Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.

Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold , and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Reques t approvals and process invoices on a weekly basis to build a batch of vendor invoices in the financial system.
  

• Review general ledger accounts, prepaid accruals , GASB 96, and use tax for accuracy.
  

• Gather voucher approvals and m aintain records and file vouchers on a weekly basis.
  

• Ensure v endor and e mployee address information in GP is accurate .
  

• Manage ongoing email correspondence.
  

• Communicate with all departments to confirm pending invoices, obtain approvals, and respond to other inquiries.
  

• Work collaboratively with the Contract s department for PO adjustment s and assigned project managers for invoice questions and revisions.
  

• Coordinate with the Principal Accountant and Controller to request payment analyses, audit requisitions, prepaid workbooks, quarterly sales tax filings, EDD payments to the site, and weekly reviews of AP aging.
  

• Process stipends and employee expense reimbursements and monitor the accounts payable inbox.
  

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 3 years' experience working in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required skills, knowledge, and abilities is qualifying.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Knowledge of theories, principles, and best practices of governmental accounting.
  

• Knowledge of capital asset policies such as GASB 51, 87 , and 96.
  

• Knowledge of EDD and Sales & Use Tax Filing on CDTFA platforms.
  

• Knowledge of Title 2 C ode of Federal Regulations , Part 200 Uniform Guidelines and single audit requirements.
  

• Experience reconciling accounts and calculating and preparing reimbursement billings.
  

• Accounts payable experience, primarily for federally funded grants .
  

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
  

• Ability to manage several concurrent projects at various stages .
  

• Sound judgment and decision-making skills with the a bility to establish and maintain priorities and work independently.
  

• Ability to research and analyze financial issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and prepare recommendations.
  

• Understanding of cash management principles .
  

• Experience developing and/or reviewing communications and reports .
  

• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
  

• Proficiency in mathematical analysis .
  

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency using features of Microsoft Office Suite.
  

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until June 17, 2025 , with the first application review taking place on June 3, 2025 . Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide two work model options (office and hybrid) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period
All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Closing Date/Time: 6/17/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$83,859.70 - $113,210.60 Annually