Accounting Specialist

Description

Role

The Accounting Specialist supports the financial management and operations of the Credit Union by maintaining all aspects of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This role ensures the accurate and timely recording of the Credit Union’s financial information through general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, month-end and year-end close support, wire transfer processing, and preparation of monthly reconciliation reports. The Accounting Specialist also maintains a strong working knowledge of the Credit Union’s services and operations to effectively support overall financial integrity and compliance.

Responsibilities:

· Prepare daily and/or monthly. Provide information and prepare monthly reconciliation reports, research and resolves exceptions in a timely manner by working with intra-and-inter – departmental staff.

· Proficient spreadsheet skills to identify, research, and resolve variety of adjustments and balancing issues; verify assigned accounts are current and reconcile within the defined timeline; assist management in ensuring overall accuracy and integrity of financial data. 

· Assist in monthly financial statement preparation, maintain fixed assets registers, handles prepaids and accruals. 

· Provide prompt, efficient and accurate service in processing transactions.

· Input and reconcile month end date for preparation of monthly financial statements and reports.

· Perform outgoing wire transfers and approvals as needed. Download daily wire report from Catalyst Corporate FCU showing wires received and sent each business day. 

· Responsible for paying IRA and backup withholding taxes on a monthly basis to the IRS and State of LA. Prepare general ledger reconciliation of these transactions.

· Oversee balancing and reconciling Federal Reserve ACH settlement postings on a daily basis to ensure accurate posting of member and business member transactions between core systems and Catalyst Corp. Assist ACH Specialist as needed. 

· Reconciles general ledger accounts related to third party processes including but not limited to the SWBC, Payveris and VISA cash advance accounts.

· Responsible for posting and balancing participation loans sold and bought. Also wiring funds as needed for participating in settlements.

· Assist the Controller with preparation of quarterly/annual financial reports and quarterly/annual budgets and forecasts. 

· Responsible for filing annual 940 report to IRS.

· Create and maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.

· Provide documentation for audits and exams. Assist examiners and auditors as needed. 

· Assist other departments with research as needed. 

· Assist other accounting team staff needed, including but not limited to daily functions of Accounts Payable Specialist when they are not in the office or need assistance with research. Be knowledgeable of the essential functions of accounting department positions. 

· Be innovative to create efficiencies with tasks and processes in order to automate anything done manually including but not limited to general ledger postings as well as general ledger balancing and reconciliations.

· Attend training sessions as required.

· Maintain a working knowledge of all aspects of XP2 and Prologue systems.

· Maintain knowledge of and comply with federal regulations such as the Bank Secrecy Act as well as security protocols as it relates to this position.

· Represent the credit union to members in a courteous, professional manner.

· Cross train within the department and back up others as needed. 

· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

· Maintain all assigned accounts such that they are always current and in balance.

· Produce all management reports within prescribed time frames and with zero unresolved errors.

· Perform all month-end activities, including journal entries, balancing accounts, and producing assigned financial statements within a timely manner.

· Troubleshoot and resolve members and internal inquiries in a timely manner.

· Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.

Knowledge and Skills:

· Knowledge of XP2 and Prologue systems.

· Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and general ledger usage.

· Exhibits meticulous attention to detail for accuracy and thoroughness.

· Excel/Office Suite experience 

· Professional, well-developed interpersonal skills necessary for communicating with and working closely with credit union employees.

· Detail-oriented and able to consistently follow standardized procedures designed to ensure that all steps are completed accurately. 

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required or five years of experience.