The Human Resources Department creates, encourages, and maintains an environment that supports, develops and sustains the wellbeing of RCTC’s employees. This is accomplished by being a knowledgeable, approachable, and professional resource in providing quality services in the areas of employee relations, benefits, recruitment and retention, organizational development, compensation, and human resource information management. Human Resources develops and communicates sound policies and procedures that balance the needs of employees and the needs of the Commission while ensuring compliance with federal and state law. RCTC implements human resource best practices and innovative solutions while providing high quality service, efficiency, employee growth and enrichment. The Human Resources Department maintains a dedicated focus on customer service and continuous improvement and is committed to fostering an environment that sustains RCTC’s collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.

WORKING AT RCTC


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Current job openings

There are currently no job openings.

Salary Range: $8,433 - $11,385 per month
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, 4 PM
*Please submit supplemental questionnaire with application*

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC/Commission), established through California State law, oversees funding and coordination of all public transportation services within Riverside County. The Commission’s responsibilities have grown in the over 41 years since its inception from coordinating highway and transit planning and identifying projects for state and federal funding to responsibility for all aspects of region-wide planning for Riverside County’s mobility and operating toll facilities. Join an amazing team at RCTC and help plan and deliver transportation solutions!

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in the public sector. Additional experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, plans and performs a variety of complex professional accounting work including payroll and general ledger activities, auditing, analyzing, verifying, processing, recording, reporting, and maintaining financial transactions, preparing various financial statements and reports, and reviewing and approving transactions prepared by accounting staff; identifies and implements internal control procedures and ensures accounting standards are met; periodic maintenance of existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System including but not limited to financial, budget, and ad-hoc reporting; provides information to staff regarding accounting practices and procedures; and performs related work as required.

This is the advanced journey-level class in the Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant by performing the most complex work assigned to the series and assisting the Accounting Supervisor in overseeing all or assigned accounting operation functions such as payroll, accounts payable, and general ledger/project ledger reporting. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services and complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only):

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Provides technical and functional direction to assigned accounting staff responsible for payroll, accounts payable and general ledger; reviews and controls quality of work; inspects and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to ensure that accounting activities are performed in accordance with RCTC standards.
  • Monitors quality of work and identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; evaluates, develops, and monitors fiscal practices and controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and fund accounting practices; provides recommendations concerning process changes to the supervisor; and implements changes and improvements after approval.
  • Reconciles and maintains the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers to a variety of source documents and forms; prepares and posts journal entries or reviews and approves a wide variety of journal entries generated by other accounting staff; maintains general and subsidiary ledger chart of accounts.
  • Researches and analyzes transactions to resolve questions and validate data primarily related to payroll, accounts payable, general ledger, and project ledger processes; ensures internal control procedures and accounting standards are met.
  • Reviews, reconciles, and approves bi-weekly payroll, including bi-weekly and monthly employee benefit reporting processed by technical accounting staff;
  • Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing and accounting systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes and other deductions.
  • Participates in the preparation for year-end audits, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and other financial reports/audits; prepares audit schedules, footnotes, documentation support, and reports, for coordination of staff and management review; provides information and works with the Deputy Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and/or designee, and auditors to resolve issues.
  • Prepares year-end accruals, reconciliation, and tie-outs for projects; performs capital project year-end analysis; conducts first-level review of year-end accruals and new fiscal-year reversals for projects prepared by accountants.
  • Coordinates and/or performs monthly and year-end general ledger reconciliation; prepares journal entries and periodic reconciliations of general ledger, project ledger, subsidiary accounts, and bank statements with proper documentation; prepares and posts journal entries and balances general ledger accounts; ensures compliance and accuracy in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures.
  • Perform monthly and year-end closing duties, capital project year-end data analysis, and prepare journal entries and periodic reconciliations of general ledger, project ledger, and subsidiary accounts.
  • Participates in the lead review of the processing of payroll and accounts payable performed by accounting staff. Performs various complex analyses and reconciliations of the chart of accounts; researches and analyzes accounting and financial data from various sources and assists in the preparation of financial reports and statements, including reports submitted to funding and/or government agencies and auditors, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; prepares data summaries, notes, tables, and charts for inclusion in reports.
  • Researches, interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting financial operations.
  • Maintains the operations of the ERP system; responds to end user ERP system problems; provides technical support to end users by investigating and troubleshooting ERP problems with the information technology consultant and/or software vendor for resolution.
  • Assists in developing automated financial reports and documenting system operations; continuously analyzes financial system to develop more effective procedures and reports; identifies system deficiencies and makes recommendations for changes.
  • Assist with the development of audit schedules related to pension, other post-employment benefits (OPEB), and other employee compensation in connection with the development of the ACFR.
  • Participates in the annual budget preparation processes by assisting staff in the preparation and completion of budget worksheets and supporting documentation; assists with compiling the annual budget document and coordinating input of the adopted budget into the ERP system; prepares budget adjustments and monitors budget lines for overages; resolves variances and issues with appropriate department and staff.
  • Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, spreadsheets, files, and accounting records; verifies accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention policies, procedures, and schedules.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and stays abreast of new trends and innovations in accounting and finance.
  • Serves as a resource to other RCTC staff and provides advice and technical assistance related to accounting procedures and ERP system processes.
  • Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Advanced principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting, finance, and auditing, including payroll, general ledger, cash and investments, accounts payable, and fund and project accounting and their application to public agency operations.
  • Principles and practices of payroll preparation and management; policies and procedures related to payroll, time reporting, and benefit plans; federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to payroll processing, withholding, and reporting, including public agency financial operations
  • Benefits related to employee compensation, including but not limited to, pension, OPEB, employee retirement (457 and 401(a)), and insurance.
  • Payroll functions including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements for public sector accounting.
  • Federal, state, local, and related funding sources, use, and reporting requirements applicable to RCTC projects and programs.
  • Accounting source documents including budgets, contracts, expenditures, encumbrances, revenues, special ledger, general ledger, project ledger, cash and investments, capital assets, and related accounting procedures.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to public agency financial operations.
  • Principles and practices of business organization and public administration.
  • Principles of providing technical and functional direction and training to journey-level staff.
  • Record keeping principles and procedures.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, RCTC staff, and staff of member agencies in person and over the telephone.
ABILITY TO:
  • Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present complex financial information and data in an effective manner and draw sound conclusions.
  • Prepare and maintain clear and accurate payroll and accounting records, financial reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Verify the accuracy of financial data and information.
  • Lead and participate in the preparation of clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.
  • Coordinate, record, and post accounts various accounting transactions, adjustments, and journal entries.
  • Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
  • Ability to lead in researching inquires related to payroll, general ledger, cash and investments, accounts payable, and fund and project accounting.
  • Ability to leverage Microsoft Excel or similar software in developing tools to provide internal and external users information of daily transactions generated from either payroll, and/or accounts payable.
  • Effectively provide staff guidance and direction.
  • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, initiative, and prudence within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

This is primarily a sedentary classification, and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other departmental representatives, transportation and government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining RCTC policies and requesting and providing information.

Summary of Benefits Available


  • CalPERS Retirement System
  • Classic: 2.7% @ 55/PEPRA: 2% @ 62
  • Up to $1,500/month towards Medical Plans
  • Dental & Vision fully paid by RCTC
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation
  • $100,000 Group Life Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • 9/80 Work Schedule
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • 13 Holidays/Year
  • Transportation Assistance Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

An RCTC employment application, supplemental questionnaire, and resume must be submitted for consideration by the application deadline.

Salary Range: $183,036 - $247,104 annually
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
*Candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and a compelling cover letter immediately via email to: apply@ralphandersen.com.*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Riverside County Transportation Commission is seeking a highly qualified, proactive External Affairs Director to lead and manage its public affairs, community engagement and federal, state, and local government relations strategy. The position has been vacant since the previous incumbent was promoted to the Deputy Executive Director position in 2024.

This role is critical in ensuring that RCTC’s interests are effectively represented and advanced in the public policy arena. This position also requires an advanced understanding of public and community engagement strategies and the ability to oversee a diverse and unique set of communications and public affairs programs in support of RCTC projects and programs.

The External Affairs Director will work closely with Commissioners, Directors, the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, federal and state legislators, and other political stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that align with RCTC’s goals and objectives.

The External Affairs Director will have supervisory responsibility over four managers: Public Affairs, Community Engagement, Commuter/Motorist Assistance, and Legislative Affairs.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in external relations, expert strategic writing, and verbal communication skills, strong negotiation capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes with diplomacy and tact. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, experienced proactive professional, building strong relationships, and advancing RCTC’s strategic goals. The position requires a blend of strategic insight, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

QUALITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE
  • Strategic Leadership: Essential for navigating complex political landscapes and aligning RCTC’s strategies with government policies and stakeholder interests.
  • Proactive and Forward-Thinking: Necessary for anticipating challenges and opportunities, allowing RCTC to stay ahead of issues and respond effectively to legislative changes.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Crucial for articulating RCTC’s positions and building consensus among diverse stakeholders, including the Board, government officials, and the community.
  • Political Acumen and Sensitivity: Important for managing relationships with key partners and understanding the nuances of different political environments to advocate effectively for RCTC’s interests.
  • Relationship Building and Negotiation: Vital for maintaining strong partnerships with local, state, and federal entities, and for negotiating favorable outcomes for RCTC in legislative and policy matters.
  • Confidence with Humility: Needed to assertively represent RCTC’s interests while remaining open to feedback and able to build consensus among various parties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, government, legal, marketing, communications, or political sciences, or a related field and ten (10) years of professional experience in legislative research, analysis, evaluation, and advocacy at the state and/or federal level or a related field, including at least six (6) years in management capacity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Government Relations Management: Proactively develop and implement comprehensive government relations strategies across federal, state, and local levels. Maintain high visibility and effective communication with elected and appointed officials, their staffs, and other internal and external advocacy stakeholders.
  • Legislative Analysis and Advocacy: Conduct detailed analyses of proposed legislation and regulatory changes impacting RCTC projects, programs, and funding; work with and mobilize coalitions; providing strategic recommendations to the Commission, Board, Executive Director, and Deputy Executive Director.
  • Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including state and federal elected delegations and their staff; paid consultants and lobbyists; industry groups; and community organizations. Ideally, this person can develop those relationships at such a level that the Commission and Board is not caught off guard on legislative issues and policies being considered or stakeholder issues concerning an RCTC project or program. Represents RCTC at community, intergovernmental, and business meetings, including City Council meetings, public hearings, advocacy association meetings, and Chamber of Commerce meetings, and before transportation and habitat conservation interest groups at the regional, state, and national levels.
  • Communication: Proactively develop and execute communication strategies to effectively convey and strategically advocate for RCTC’s position and policies to internal and external audiences. Deploy strategies that will educate the public and gain their support on RCTC projects. They will also be forward-thinking and acutely aware of the messaging and how their communication can strategically position RCTC. Direct and oversee the management of the Commission’s digital communication, including website, social media, video, and newsletter activities.
  • Leadership and Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and others to coordinate RCTC’s policy advocacy as well as lead strategies that build public consensus and support for RCTC activities.
  • Implementation: Assist in implementing elements of the RCTC’s Traffic Relief Plan and other Commission or Board-adopted plans and polices.
  • Branding: Brand the Commission’s programs, projects, and initiatives with the public and key stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Principles, practices, and techniques of public affairs and community engagement program development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Principles and practices of government relations and legislative program goal setting, development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Legislative practices and processes and operations of government at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.
  • Program budgeting and staff management.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $183,036 to $247,104 annually and will be based on qualifications and experience. RCTC offers a competitive benefits program, which will include:

  • Retirement: CalPERS retirement plan for Classic members is 2.7% @ 55 with employee paying a contribution of 8%. Benefits based on single highest year of compensation. New PEPRA members is 2% @62 with employee paying 8.5% of the retirement contribution. RCTC does not participate in Social Security.
  • Choice of HMO and PPO medical insurance plans.
  • Employer paid dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability plans.
  • Vacation starting at 80 hours of vacation per year as well as Holiday and sick leave accruals.
  • Other benefits include educational reimbursement, professional development, and commuter assistance.
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Plan: Employer contributes equivalent to 7.5% of salary each year. Employees vest in the account at 20% each year and become fully vested after five years of RCTC service.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

This is primarily a sedentary classification, and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other departmental representatives, transportation and government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining RCTC policies and requesting and providing information.

Summary of Benefits Available


  • CalPERS Retirement System
  • Classic: 2.7% @ 55/PEPRA: 2% @ 62
  • Up to $1,500/month towards Medical Plans
  • Dental & Vision fully paid by RCTC
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation
  • $100,000 Group Life Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • 9/80 Work Schedule
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • 13 Holidays/Year
  • Transportation Assistance Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
TO BE CONSIDERED:

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, with the recruitment closing on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and a compelling cover letter immediately via email to:
apply@ralphandersen.com. Confidential inquiries should be directed to Mr. Fred Wilson, Ralph Andersen & Associates at (916) 630-4900.

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There are currently no job openings available. Please check back later.

Thank you for your interest in Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

Due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to confirm receipt or current status of individual applications by phone. We make every effort to confirm the receipt of applications via email, when possible.

We appreciate your interest in RCTC and wish you every success.

HOW TO APPLY


RCTC accepts applications for employment only for currently posted/open positions.

Please review the job announcement to confirm any supplemental questions or specific requirements pertinent to that recruitment. Applications received after the posted recruitment deadline will not be considered for the position.

Please submit RCTC Employment Application, resume, and applicable documents directly to HR@rctc.org.

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APPLICATION

Download the application here.
DISCLAIMER - Please fill out the form in your browser or Adobe Acrobat, then save the PDF file before submitting.

It is the policy of RCTC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, RCTC will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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