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Under general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller-Fiscal, Projects and Grants oversees the administration, programming, accounting, billing, reporting, auditing, and budgeting of grants and projects and ensures that North County Transit District (NCTD) maintains compliance with grant and awards rules and regulations. The Controller-Fiscal, Projects and Grants also participates in the planning of the short-term and long-term capital program, fixed asset planning, and the annual capital budget development. This position has oversight of the District asset management program.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is distinguished by its responsibility for managing a diverse portfolio of grants, with the ability to apply a comprehensive knowledge of multiple funding sources and respective compliance requirements. This position will manage all administrative processes for various federal, state, and local grants, from identifying funding opportunities to timely grant closeout. Work assignments are complex and characterized by specific work planning and organization constraints, including management of tight deadlines and efficient use of staff. This position will collaborate regularly with NCTD staff and external stakeholders. The Controller-Fiscal, Projects and Grants must be able to communicate clearly and professionally and have the ability to make presentations to the NCTD Board of Directors and other external stakeholders.

Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports to and works under the direct supervision of the Chief Financial Officer and supervises management analysts and grant accounting staff. This position has considerable interface with other NCTD staff including District Managers and the Executive Management Team. Regular interaction and collaboration with District personnel, external grantor staff, and project managers is required. This position will work collaboratively in the development and monitoring of the District’s capital and operating budget. Furthermore, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between NCTD sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees and participates with staff in performing the day-to-day operations, including grants accounting, billing, and collections;

• Manages capital and operating expenditures within allocated budget limits.

• Implements and monitors grant administration guidelines, requirements, and regulations;

• Prepares grant-related reports for internal and external stakeholders;

• Programs funding sources to projects in accordance with grants and awards eligibility and matching requirements;

• Researches and disseminates information about potential grant opportunities, develops grant funding strategies; completes necessary grant programming and application materials;

• Communicates information about pending grant-related legislation and regulations to appropriate NCTD Divisions/Departments;

• Assists in the development of grant contract documents and amendment requests;

• Reviews or prepares status, milestone progress and financial status reports for federal, state and local granting agencies, NCTD staff, management and Board.

• Participates in the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) planning and programming process and drafts the capital section of the District’s annual budget document.

• Provides input into the annual operating budget process, collaborating with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and regional partners to forecast grant revenues and expenditures, and develop the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).

• Works with project managers, department heads, accounting and finance staff to resolve grant, project, or budget discrepancies or issues.

• Develops the NCTD capital element of the SANDAG Regional Transportation Plan, Regional Transit Capital Inventory, and Transit Asset Management Plan, including development and input of planned project and fixed asset replacement information to meet the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) MAP-21 State of Good Repair mandate.

• Prepares and may present staff report items to the NCTD Board relating to grant matters (e.g., CIP, RTIP, use of funds, and authorization to receive and use funds).

• Develops department responses to internal and/or external recipients regarding compliance and financial reviews and audits (e.g., internal controls review, annual federal single audit and FTA Triennial Review).

• Evaluates and makes recommendations to existing standardized capital and grants-related policies and procedures in support of streamlining work processes.

• Applies industry best practices to ensure accurate tracking of District assets within the asset management program.

• Maximizes department efficiency and productivity and ensures compliance with grantor and statutory requirements.

• Responsible for the hiring, training, supervising, reviewing, disciplining, and terminating subordinate staff as needed and in accordance with NCTD policy.

• Performs other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field with major coursework in accounting, finance, or business administration, from an accredited four (4) year college or university is required.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional finance experience, including two (2) years at a supervisory or management level in a finance and/or accounting department is required, preferably in a governmental or public agency setting.

• Experience overseeing the administration, accounting, billing, and financial reporting of Federal grants is desirable.

• Experience with job/project accounting is desirable.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/License and Special Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Government Financial Officer (CGFO) or other professional designation is desirable.

• Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.

• Maintain compliance with the NCTD’s policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, internal control practices, public finance, and financial reporting.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures related to grants, capital programs, planning and project development.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying level of responsibility and backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to prepare and deliver concise reports and the ability to translate complex materials into readily understandable information.

• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze information, arrive at sound conclusions and synthesize concepts; effective interpersonal and supervisory skills.

• Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.

• Professional level of expertise in multiple areas and demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties.

• Familiarity with current issues and trends concerning the transit industry.

• Demonstrated above-average proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems such as JD Edwards.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between NCTD locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.

• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.