Accountant I at Ben Franklin Transit in Richland, WA

Job description

• The Accountant I performs a variety of accounting functions in support of the Agency's financial operations. Responsibilities include Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, account reconciliations, general ledger activities, month-end and year-end closing, financial reporting, and other general accounting functions. The position processes and maintains accurate financial records, researches and resolves discrepancies, assists with reporting and reconciliations, and provides support to other accounting functions as needed. The position requires attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting functions, including preparing and recording financial transactions and journal entries.
• Perform account and general ledger reconciliations and research discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, financial reporting, and audit requests.
• Prepare invoices, process and apply customer payments, maintain accounts receivable records, and monitor outstanding balances.
• Review, code, and process supplier invoices and vendor payments and provide backup Accounts Payable support.
• Assist with cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and other accounting activities.
• Review transactions for accuracy, appropriate coding, approvals, and compliance with Agency policies.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Provide backup support for other accounting functions as needed.
• Identify and recommend process improvements and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and other sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Principle, practice, and terminology of general and governmental accounting, Uniform System of Accounts (USOA), including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply Agency policies, state and federal laws and regulations related to assigned area.
• Understand and apply business data processing, particularly related to processing of accounting and financial information.
• Identify and apply general ledger setup and processing routines (journal processing, monthly/annual closing activities, allocations)
• Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Make arithmetical computations and tabulations.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with those encountered during work.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.
• Associate Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration from an accredited institution and minimum of 3 to 5 years of accounting experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and five-years of public sector accounting and/or finance experience.

Skills

Required

• Attention to detail
• Sound judgment
• Confidentiality
• Collaboration
• Diversity awareness
• Fiscal accountability
• Customer service
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Safety
• General and governmental accounting
• Uniform System of Accounts (USOA)