Accounting Associate at DART - Des… · Des…

Summary: DART - Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is Iowa's largest public transit agency, providing essential transportation services throughout Greater Des Moines. The Accounting Associate role is responsible for core accounting functions including cash handling, deposit preparation, and accounts receivable support, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with internal controls. Responsibilities: - Count, sort, verify, and prepare farebox cash, coin, token and checks for deposit and armored car pickup using vault, cash-counting, and approved equipment - Maintain chain-of-custody records, cash logs, count sheets, deposit documentation - Coordinate scheduled pickup with armored car service and monitor money room supplies, equipment, and cash-counting issues for timely resolution - Prepare daily deposits and process check scans for farebox, mail, and other cash receipts - Reconcile cash counts, farebox activity, sales batches, pass sales activity, returned deposits, and bank confirmations; escalate variances for review - Record and post ACH, credit card, and routine cash receipts within accounting and bank systems - Track deposit activity and provide departmental deposit support; follow up on missing documentation and communicate discrepancies to the Staff Accountant or Accounting Manager - Assist with returned deposit items, bank corrections, and deposit research by gathering documentation and preparing clear support for review - Post approved batches from integrated systems and source reports - Prepare invoices, credit memos, journal entries, and related accounting documentation in accordance with GAAP principles - Coordinate with Customer Service, Operations, and Finance to research cash-to-farebox reporting differences and help resolve source data questions - Maintain accurate electronic and paper records to support month-end close, audit requests, and financial reporting - Coordinate with Customer Service, Procurement, Finance, and external partners regarding deposits, invoicing, sales activity, and banking transactions - Provide accurate information and support related to cash receipt processes, documentation, ACH/wire activity, and positive pay review - Follow established cash handling, security, internal control, segregation of duties, and deposit control procedures; promptly report discrepancies or control concerns - Maintain confidentiality and integrity of financial data and accounting information - Follow documented procedures and assist with process updates and audit support activities - Support annual audit and internal control review by retrieving and organizing supporting documentation - Perform other accounting and administrative support duties as assigned Required Qualifications: - Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required - Knowledge of basic accounting principles, cash handling procedures, reconciliations, internal controls, and financial recordkeeping practices - Knowledge of general office procedures, electronic recordkeeping systems, and Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate Excel skills - Ability to accurately process, balance, reconcile, and verify cash, deposits, transactions, and financial records while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail - Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and follow established procedures and internal controls - Ability to identify discrepancies, research issues, and escalate concerns appropriately - Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal staff, banks, vendors, and external partners - Ability to operate computers, office software, calculators, cash-counting equipment, and related financial processing tools - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filtering, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP functions Preferred Qualifications: - One (1) year of cash handling, bookkeeping, accounts receivable, banking, accounting coursework, or internship experience preferred - Experience using cash counters, vaults, point-of-sale reports, accounting systems, or spreadsheet-based reconciliations preferred Required Skills: Cash handling procedures, Accounts receivable, Banking transactions, Accounting principles, Financial recordkeeping, Internal controls, Microsoft Excel, Excel filtering, Excel pivot tables, Excel VLOOKUP, Cash-counting equipment, Journal entries, Invoice preparation, Credit memos, GAAP principles