Accounting Specialist

General Summary

The Accounting Specialist supports the financial integrity and operational efficiency of Concordia Plans by performing accurate payroll and accounts payable processing, benefit reconciliation, and general ledger maintenance. This role ensures timely compliance with financial policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls while supporting audits, budgeting, and vendor relationships.

Essential Job Functions

• Processes semi-monthly and special payrolls for 160+ employees with accuracy and adherence to schedule.
• Executes accounts payable transactions and initiates electronic payments, including positive pay file submission and reconciliation.
• Maintains payroll records and ensures proper documentation for all payroll-related transactions.
• Aids in payroll budgeting and allocation of expenses by plan or product, ensuring supporting documentation is accurate and complete.
• Reconciles monthly benefit billings and payroll tax records, including vacation and paid time off accruals.
• Balances payroll tax returns, deposits, and W-2 forms against internal records to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Supports internal and external audits (financial and workers’ compensation) by preparing schedules and responding to audit inquiries.
• Responds to employee payroll and timekeeping inquiries with professionalism and clear communication.
• Maintains payroll procedures, ensuring compliance with policies, employment laws, and best practices.
• Sets up vendor payments and data for 403(b) plans, personal spending accounts, and charitable contributions.
• Ensures secure document retention and organization of payroll and accounting files.
• Performs general ledger reconciliations related to payroll accounts and prepares related journal entries.
• Supports ongoing process improvement efforts and performs additional duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in payroll processing and accounting preferred.
• Proficiency with accounting and payroll software; experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and SharePoint required.
• Experience in nonprofit or benefits-based organizations is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and results, following through on commitments and acknowledging areas for growth and improvement.
• Communication Excellence: Communicates clearly and concisely across all channels, reflecting the organization's values and fostering mutual understanding.
• Composure: Maintains calm and focus under pressure, navigating stress, ambiguity, and tight deadlines with thoughtful decision-making and poise.
• Customer Focus: Demonstrates care, attentiveness, and responsiveness to internal and external customers; anticipates needs and delivers service with empathy and professionalism.
• Data Literacy: Gathers, interprets, and communicates complex data to uncover insights, guide decisions, and support organizational objectives with clarity and precision.
• Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates precision and thoroughness in all work, ensuring accuracy and completeness with a high level of attention to detail.
• Learning Agility: Quickly assimilates new information, adapts to evolving circumstances, and applies knowledge to improve processes and outcomes.
• Problem Solving: Applies structured thinking and analysis to identify root causes, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions; seeks input and collaborates to optimize results.
• Results-Oriented: Consistently drives toward outcomes, self-motivated and focused on goals while managing time and priorities effectively with minimal supervision.
• Trustworthiness: Demonstrates unwavering integrity, honesty, and dependability; aligns actions with words, safeguards confidential information, and takes full accountability for mistakes without deflection.