Accounting Specialist

Position Summary:

The Accounting Specialist reports to the Accounting Manager and performs high-level general ledger and bank accounting to support the timely and accurate delivery of financial statements and reporting to management and investors. The position maintains accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, bank accounting practices, tax requirements, internal controls, and applicable regulations. The Senior Accountant also serves as a backup for critical Finance and Accounting functions and supports process improvements across the department.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and post journal entries and perform month-end close activities for investment securities, loans, the allowance for credit losses, deposits, mortgages, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, accruals, and other assigned areas.
• Ensure the proper settlement of investment securities transactions, execute wire transfers between accounts as needed, and coordinate with safekeeping third parties and internal bond accounting.
• Prepare balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations in accordance with Bank standards, including bank accounts, Federal Reserve or correspondent accounts, and accounts of the Bank and its subsidiaries; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Balance accounting applications, core systems, and third-party servicing systems that support loan, deposit, mortgage, and other accounting functions.
• Monitor general ledger accounts during the month-end close, analyze monthly variances, and document the causes and resolution of outstanding items.
• Compile and validate data from multiple sources to support the current expected credit loss analysis.
• Prepare schedules and supporting information for financial statements, management reports, regulatory reports, including the Call Report, tax return preparation, regulatory examinations, and other assigned reporting.
• Research and resolve accounting issues at the direction of the Accounting Manager.
• Support internal and external audits by providing requested information, responding to questions, and maintaining clear supporting documentation.
• Perform all duties in accordance with internal controls, Bank procedures, and applicable regulatory, operational, and security requirements.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with the Director of General Accounting, Accounting Manager, Chief Accounting Officer, and other stakeholders regarding issues, challenges, deadlines, and resource needs.
• Cross-train with and serve as a backup for other accounting team members and functions, including Accounts Payable, and help improve accounting processes to increase accuracy and timely delivery.
• Contribute to special projects and reports and perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Accounting Manager.

Critical Success Factors

• Use Excel and other tools confidently to work with large data sets while preserving data integrity and producing accurate, well-supported analysis.
• Complete varied, deadline-driven work while safeguarding sensitive and confidential information.
• Solve problems with sound judgment, persistence, confidence, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate integrity, honor commitments, and build trusting relationships within the accounting team and across other departments.
• Manage time and priorities effectively and remain team-oriented and focused on department goals.
• Follow up on requests promptly and maintain consistent research and documentation for outstanding items.
• Show initiative and a desire to learn, grow, and improve accounting processes.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and in conversation.

Preferred Education Experience and Software

A four-year degree in Accounting or Finance is preferred. A minimum of five years of accounting experience in public accounting, private industry, or a combination is preferred.  Banking or financial services experience and knowledge of the banking industry and financial statements are preferred. Experience with general ledger systems, banking core processing systems, and reconciliation software is preferred. Strong Microsoft Office skills are preferred, including proficient to advanced use of complex spreadsheets for financial analysis with pivot tables, SUMIFS, XLOOKUP, data filtering, and similar functions.

Additional Requirements

Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed. Travel may be required up to 20 percent.

Training

Responsible for the timely completion of all required compliance training, including BSA, Information Security, and other job-specific training as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Professional office environment. While performing the duties of this position, the team member is regularly required to operate standard office equipment and is frequently required to communicate and perceive. The position is primarily stationary, is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions, and requires sedentary work involving exertion of up to 10 pounds of force approximately 5 percent of the time and a negligible amount of force approximately 95 percent of the time.