Westby Coop Credit Union - Accounting Specialist chez Westby Coop Credit Union

The Accounting Specialist is an integral member of our accounting team. In this position you need to be detail-oriented, and a problem-solver focused on exemplary customer service for internal and external members. Duties include a variety of accounting duties focused on maintaining systems and external payments and balancing and reconciling general ledger transactions from multiple sources.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Issues accounts payable checks and maintains accounts payable files.
• Ability to work at a steady, even pace, and has a high aptitude for work that is mechanical or technical in nature.
• Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
• Annually prepare and file 1099 miscellaneous reports.
• Assign workflows and code the accounts payable, Board and staff reimbursements and manage the daily accounts payable workflows.
• Assist with projects through the Credit Union project management system.
• Assists members in placing stop payments on corporate checks and money orders. Reconciles corporate draft accounts.
• Audit, issue and clear cashier's checks, as well as reconcile to ensure proper balancing.
• Balance and submit state and federal tax reports and payments.
• Balance the electronic deposit (Image Center) data received from tellers in all branches to the core processor.
• Complete cross-training of additional duties within the Accounting Department to allow effective backup support for accounting activities.
• Completes and reviews general ledger reconciliations monthly.
• Complies with all aspects of BSA/AML and OFAC regulations as it relates to this position.
• Daily reconciliation of cash and management of cash balances in various credit union accounts. This also includes proper processing of stale dated items and outstanding reserve items.
• Daily review of various Symitar morning reports, general ledger accounts, clearing accounts and exception reports for prior day posting errors.
• Determines which entries should be posted for various miscellaneous situations.
• Follow-up with staff to inform and/or educate them on proper completion of expense reports and application of corporate policies as they relate to travel & other business expenditures.
• Identify and research all adjustments, errors, and other discrepancies, and follow-up on all outstanding items, in timely manner.
• Initiates and remits wires for credit union business.
• IRS research and tax corrections for members as needed.
• Match invoices and other payment requests to supporting documentation. Review for adherence to organizational policies and procedures, accuracy, and completeness.
• Negotiate and research contracts with vendors. Handle vendor calls.
• Perform miscellaneous accounting, finance, or strategic ad hoc report requests.
• Perform preparatory work prior to audits and regulatory examinations and remain an active resource during the audit/examination.
• Perform statement, check, and receipt research as required, as well as complete copy requests for members as needed.
• Point of contact for vendors and internal members to resolve invoicing and payment issues, as well as invoice discrepancies.
• Posts general ledger entries daily and verifies the balances.
• Prepare appropriate general ledger entries, balance general ledger accounts, and follow up on outstanding items when necessary.
• Prepares and remits taxes for the credit union. Including but not limited to: Personal property tax, quarterly sales tax, and issues year-end financial documents such as 1099 NEC and 1099 MISC for applicable vendors.
• Processes employee expense reports and company issued corporate credit card; through paying, reclassifying transactions, and monitoring of expenses.
• Processing of new credit union employee checklists to include setup/removal of cash user general ledgers as needed.
• Reconcile branch cash positions and assist in resolving daily discrepancies.
• Remits participation loan payments.
• Responsible for various internal and external reporting including accurate preparation in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and/or regulatory standards.
• Review all internal Credit Union demand deposit accounts.
• Reviews corporate accounts to maintain appropriate balances.
• Reviews each invoice for proper approvals, reasonableness, and proper application of state sales tax laws.
• Support month end close activities including preparation of journal entries, ensuring expenses are posted timely, and completing assigned account reconciliations.
• System Administrator for expense management tool as well as while providing instruction and best practices to WCCU employees for tool utilization.
• Troubleshoot Accounts Payable system problems with vendor support.
• Verify, balance, research, and post journal entries necessary for daily business transactions, such as funds received and disbursed, and totals accounts.
• Work directly with WCCU’s Correspondent Bank on check discrepancies and adjustments.
• Working knowledge of accounting and reconciliation of accounts.

Work Relationships and Scope: Reports directly to the Controller. Will have regular contact with members and employees of the Finance Department. 

Performance Dimensions:

• Must maintain the integrity of confidential business information and follow all guidelines on confidentiality.
• Provide outstanding services to co-workers & members.
• Possess the ability to attend to numerous details with frequent interruptions under the stress of maintaining courteous, effective, and timely relations with a variety of individuals and personalities.
• Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed.  
• Is punctual, flexible, reliable, and demonstrates a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Possess ability to gain the trust and respect of members, management, and employees. Also maintains a positive, professional, team-oriented working relationship with staff and outside vendors.
• Enhance job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education/Experience:

• An associate degree in accounting, or related field preferred, or two years of previous work experience in accounting or financial institution.
• Knowledge of the general ledger and how various situations impact the general ledger is preferred.
• Excellent mathematical skills, accuracy and basic knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping is required.
• General knowledge of accounting theories and practices.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend detailed and often technical instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Strong ability to research and analyze account activity with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented, self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to edit and maintain Excel spreadsheets. 
• Must possess skills necessary to communicate effectively with the membership verbally.
• Ability to work with a wide range of personalities in a courteous, effective, and efficient manner.  
• Knowledge and ability to apply current financial service industry standards, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely. 
• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient operation of a variety of general office equipment such as a computer, software applications, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine and other similar devices or programs related to the position.

Working Conditions:

Job Conditions/Work Location: The majority of work will be performed in a normal office environment. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours. There will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines, education and other concerns. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Will make periodic visits to branch locations.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time, regularly access files (some standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, lifting and carrying of usually light materials.) Frequent mental and visual concentration required for computer usage.

Equipment Used: Various software programs, telephone, computer, copy machine, calculator, fax machine, and other office equipment.

Hazards: Only those present in a normal office setting; no known hazards. In the course of working with the public, the employee may, on a very limited basis, encounter abusive, aggressive or unpredictable threatening behavior. Must observe safety and security practices at all times.  

Acknowledgment: This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by leadership. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.