Metropolitan Council

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

Finance and Operations provide agency-wide financial, administrative, and operational services supporting the Metropolitan Council as a whole and its individual divisions. These services include accounting, financial reporting, and payroll; the Council’s operating and capital budgets; treasury functions; and services supporting the Council’s headquarters facilities

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

This position will be part of the Finance and Operations department maintaining accounts receivable records for the Environmental Services (ES) and Regional Administration (RA) divisions. They will assist with processing of AR transactions to ensure timely and accurate cash applications and deposits. As an Account Specialist, you will perform entry-level duties in the AR work unit. These would include invoicing, sending out past-due notices, matching and applying payments to invoices, and maintaining spreadsheets and documentation. As a Senior Account Specialist, you will perform some transactional accounting, coding and reviewing of statements and payments, research and resolution of problems, and application of discounts requiring math skills.

The salary range for an Account Specialist is $28.30 - $45.96 per hour with an annualized range of $58,864.00 - $95,596.80.

The salary range for a Senior Account Specialist is $32.73 - $53.12 per hour with an annualized range of $68,078.40 - $110,489.60.

Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will establish a 6-month eligible list to fill future vacancies.

What you would do in this job

Account Specialist

• Creates invoices for Environmental Services and Regional Administration Divisions, and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) work unit.
• Maintains accounts receivable records on all Council invoices and payments.
• Follows up on overdue invoices; sends out past due notices. (Reports outstanding invoices to supervisor.)
• Applies payments to customer accounts.
• Matches daily deposits to spreadsheets and codes to appropriate business unit locations.
• Researches customer payments as necessary.
• Runs accounts receivable reports as requested.
• Reconciles A/R to general ledger and makes journal entries.
• works with and conducts quarterly meetings with HRA and Environmental Services management.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Senior Account Specialist:

• Uses substantial knowledge of accounting procedures/coding; codes, reviews, approves, and posts payments.
• Reviews and reconciles account discrepancies on a timely basis and advises supervisor of account statuses.
• Develops and recommends, improves and installs work instructions and forms by applying knowledge of accounting procedures and policies and recommending procedural revision in response to new systems or identified needs.
• Reviews and assists with issues brought forward by the Account Specialist.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Accounts Specialist

• High school diploma or GED; AND three (3) years of related accounting/bookkeeping experience.
• Associate's degree in accounting or finance AND one (1) year of related accounting experience.

Senior Accounts Specialist

• High School diploma or GED; AND five (5) years of related accounting/bookkeeping experience.
• Associate's degree in accounting or finance AND three (3) years of related accounting experience.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (Desired Qualifications):

• Collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Specific experience working with AR in a large, complex organization.
• Experience performing account reconciliation, auditing payment discrepancies, processing accounts receivable payment transactions, and preparing electronic fund transfers.
• Experience using business accounting software (preferably PeopleSoft Financials).
• Experience using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Experience working with governmental accounting.
• Experience working in an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and economic and accounting principles, practices, and procedures related to Accounts Receivable and inventory
• Knowledge of invoice processing and discrepancy resolution
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft Financial system or similar
• Skilled in problem solving; the use of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently; prioritize without direct supervision and maintain a high degree of accuracy
• Skilled at providing basic client services to the public and other agencies within the organization; requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information
• Skilled in Word processing, Excel, Access, and Outlook
• Ability to perform in-depth thorough account analysis and account reconciliation at the General Ledger and Accounts Receivable
• level; assuring accuracy of financial statement information and of customer account information
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest and percentages
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to perform data key with high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret documents, administrative policies, computer software, application manuals, department guidelines, and operational procedures
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively with customers or clients

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Account Specialist Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade C

Senior Account Specialist Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade E

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be: You would perform your work in a standard office setting.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We may conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

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