Senior Cost Analyst

SUMMARY
Provides analytical support, consultation, and advice to staff, managers and executive staff members regarding financial reporting and analysis. Performs cost analysis and financial analysis to assist with the Authoritys strategic business planning process. Prepares monthly and year-end close-out of all financial reporting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the MARTA ACT. Serves as consultant and subject matter expert for the integrated Oracle system, including the General Ledger module. Reviews complex journal entries including those related to hedging and investment derivatives, lease-leaseback transactions, bond issues and retirements, debt service management, investments and commercial paper. Prepares monthly and year-end close-out of all financial reporting records. Serves as subject matter expert and resource to cost analysts accountants, and accounting specialists, while providing instructions on complex, accounting transactions and financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) and other applicable guidelines and authorities. Supports staff of cost analysts and accountants using GAAP, and various analyses and accounting functions. Works closely with various departments, including the Office of Budget, Office of Treasury, and Office of Risk Management to develop and implement complex system changes. Implements efficiencies and writes accounting policies and procedures for General Ledger Accounting policies and Oracle system processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs cost analysis and financial analysis to assist with the Authoritys strategic business planning process. Prepares monthly and year-end close-out of all financial reporting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the MARTA ACT.

2. Reviews and analyzes system changes, and automated accounting changes in the Oracle modules.

3. Researches and determines the proper accounting treatment for various accounting transactions. Ensures all transactions are in complinace with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Govermental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the MARTA ACT.

4. Reviews complex journal entries and reconciliations including those related to hedging and investment derivatives, lease-leaseback transactions, bond issues and retirements, debt service management, investments and commercial paper, and all other entries submitted by Cost Analysts and Accountants.

5. Works closely with various departments, including the Office of Budget, and the Office of Treasury to develop and implement efficiencies and complex system changes.

6. Implements efficiencies and writes/updates accounting policies and procedures for General Ledger, and Oracle System Processes.

7. Reviews all GL account reconciliations and effect correcting entries as necessary on a timely basis. Assist managers with the external audit process and works closely with the external auditors, and departments/offices of the authority to ensure its timely completion.

8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Cost Analysts, Accountants and Accounting Specialists

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
Takes every reasonable precaution given the circumstances to ensure the protection of employees, patrons, and members of the public. Identifies and informs employees of hazards in the workplace. Determines safe work methods and ensures employees are notified of new and modified methods. Ensures employees are trained on safety policies and procedures. Ensures employees follow procedures. Responds to health and safety concerns of employees in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform 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 required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
A Bachelors degree in finance, accounting or related field with a minimum of eight years of progressive professional experience in accounting, finance or business analysis. Specific job-related experience is required in at least two of the following areas: general ledger accounting, generally accepted accounting principles, GASB interpretation and implementation, Designation as a Certified Public Accountant or a Masters degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical quantitative analysis. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios to practical situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Must have a high level of proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of applications including Excel, Word, and Access. Must be proficient with Oracle applications and have a working knowledge of SQL and/or Sequel including updating, maintenance, running and its relationship to Access and other environments, Toad and/or SQL Navigator applications for Oracle.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations related to federal reporting, projects costing, financial reporting, cost allocation plans, Oracle integrated system analysis, and other complex situations. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Designation as a Certified Public Accountant or a masters degree in a related field preferred.

CONSEQUENCES OF AN INAPPROPRIATE DECISION

The Authority is at risk of losing federal funding, including stimulus awards, if it does not comply with the Office of Management & Budget circulars and reporting, Federal Transit Administration circulars and reporting, and House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure reporting. The Authority is a risk of not being in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and the MARTA Act. The Authority is at risk of incurring substantial federal and state financial penalties and interest.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is ordinarily performed in a standard office environment.