Accounting Specialist

About the role

This position is primarily responsible for following detailed standardized procedures in performing accounting clerical operations. The role involves a variety of duties related to the accounting functions within the credit union.

Responsibilities

• Balances data received from data processing for share draft posting exceptions.
• Researches and resolves members' questions about ACH and share draft postings.
• Verifies return totals to actual credit received.
• Processes Automated Clearing House (ACH) origination and all daily ACH files and exceptions.
• Prepares, posts, and balances payrolls.
• Scans items necessary for record retention.
• Balances individual work to subtotals; classifies totals per general ledger.
• Reconciles auto recon general ledger daily.
• Prepares escheat letters relating to outstanding checks over 90 days old.
• Balances assigned accounts as needed (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).
• Handles research requests for members not available in the credit union's computer-based record retention software.
• Receives mail from branch and postal delivery and distributes to appropriate accounting staff.
• Supports the Accounting call queue.
• Orders cash for branch offices.
• Processes file daily for A2A transfers (from Home Banking).
• Processes wire transfer requests, including documenting member call backs when required and completing OFAC checks prior to remitting.
• Balances credit union daily check deposit (Check 21) and other assigned accounts.
• Maintains debit card daily reconciliations.
• Processes Callipay exceptions daily.
• Performs other duties that management deems necessary for the overall smooth operation of the credit union.
• Compiles and sorts documents, such as invoices and checks, substantiating business transactions.
• Verifies and posts details of business transactions, such as funds received and disbursed, and totals accounts in computer spreadsheets and databases.
• Investigates problems vendors or purchasing agents have with obtaining payment for bills.
• Prepares vouchers, invoices, checks, account statements, reports, and other records, and reviews for accuracy.
• Reconciles general ledger accounts with various spreadsheets.
• Reconciles report discrepancies and problems and makes corrections.
• Processes return checks daily.
• Assists employees, vendors, clients, or members by answering questions related to accounts, procedures, and services.
• Assists the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), VP of Accounting, or Accounting Manager on journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and other accounting tasks as assigned.
• Maintains controls and records of financial transactions. May audit operating reports, vouchers, invoices, requisitions, purchase orders, and similar statements.
• Cross-sells services.

Requirements

• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent in Accounting or Finance from a two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of full-time experience in accounting principles, practices, and procedures; and performing routine accounting work.
• Knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Maintains working knowledge of various accounting software programs.
• Knowledge of front-line software to support front-line staff.

Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of Internet software, spreadsheet software (Excel), word processing software (Word), and electronic mail software (Outlook).
• Other Skills:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to gain the trust of customers.
  • Excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and handle work-related stress.
  • Friendly, courteous, service-oriented, professional, outgoing, and customer service-oriented.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
  • Ability to work independently and productively with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes, and resolve routine problems.
  • Team player with a "can do" attitude that can work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain a professional atmosphere for employees, clients, and customers.

Competencies

• Intellectual Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control.
• Leadership Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organization Ethics: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Self-management Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety And Security: Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Attendance/Punctuality: Consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here 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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and climb or balance.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Reports to: VP of Accounting & Card Services