First things First: Who are we?
First Transit Inc. is a leading provider of public transportation contracting and management services. For over 60 years, we have supplied precision, efficiency, innovation, and all-around expertise to both public and private transportation systems. Today, we operate in 335 locations, carrying more than 350 million passengers annually throughout the United States in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Join and grow with an industry leader operating multiple locations in Chicagoland. Our success and the fact that we are an essential business creates security and stability to our employees.
About the Position
Join the First Transit family as an Accounting Manager in Chicago, IL, at Pace (615 W. 41st ST, Chicago, IL, ph: 773.579.2960). This position is responsible for all accounting oversight at the location level. Prepares financial reports under general supervision. Performs moderately complex activities related to the maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger. Performs administrative tasks related to accounting and finance.
- Responsible for completion of monthly financial close for location(s) inclusive of preparing journal entries; GL review and completing variance explanation reports to forecast, budget, and prior year.
- Analyzes financial reports and records, making recommendations to region finance lead relative to the accounting of reserves, assets, and expenditures.
- Prepares and verifies the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications assigned to various records.
- Responsible for preparing routine invoices to client, reconciling client payments, and tracking incentives/disincentes as applicable. Supervises billing/trip editors (where applicable) to ensure accuracy and timelines.
- Responsible for accurate and timely payroll submissions; provides oversight/spot checks of payroll entries; reviews wage and benefits; supervises payroll clerical staff.
- Where applicable, responsible for all aspects of cash and fare media reconciliations and reporting, including oversight of daily counts, preparation of daily deposits, and daily and monthly reconciliations to expected intake.
- Responsible for accurate AP; includes resolving invoice concerns, ensuring proper GL coding, review of use of Purchase Orders by location staff, and maintenance of vendor records.
- Reports the company’s finances to management, offering suggestions about resource utilization and assumptions underlying budgets and forecasts.
- Coordinates and communicates accounting matters with other departments on site. Attends staff meetings, safety meetings and participates in a team setting.
- Responsible for asset management inclusive of quarterly inventory counts, preparation of capital expenditure requests, and understanding of the fixed asset policies.
- Responsible for preparation of routine forecasts. Analyzes trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to predict future revenues and expenses.
- Responsible for creating the annual budget with the input of the GM and supporting staff.
- Acts as the liaison between location and corporate/region for all accounting and finance-related matters. Conducts special projects and/or analyses as needed by client or company. Performs other functions as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must have a Degree in Accounting or a related field.
- 3-5 years of related experience.
- Thorough knowledge of accounting practices and procedures.
- Experience with MS Office products and accounting software preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of 4-4-5 period accounting is a plus.
First for a Reason
Benefits
We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation.
Diversity & Inclusion
Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day.
Professional Advancement
Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within, which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 18-month Aspiring Manager Program prepares future leaders at First Transit.
Extensive Training
Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.
Community Service & Impact
Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First Transit and First Vehicle Services in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others.
Apply today and get your career on the road with First Transit!
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We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce therefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. For candidates applying to positions in San Francisco or Los Angeles California, First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance. First is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.
