Accounting Associate

Overview
Responsible for processing on-going accounts payable activities, bi-weekly payroll and/or creating miscellaneous receivables invoices, reconciling general ledger accounts, preparing, and posting journal entries to the general ledger and providing accounting support activities.

Responsibilities

• Processes bi-weekly payroll, payroll and monitors employee timesheets for completeness and work with supervisors, and HR as applicable, to ensure teams submit their timesheets.
• Receives direction from management to process information/data, contractual and policy language. Refers to management for appropriate policy interpretation.
• Responds to paycheck-related inquiries as directed by PUD Human Resources Department and to resolve issues when applicable.Under the direction of management, maintains settings in National Information Solution Cooperative (NISC) for accurate payroll processing and tax reporting.
• Completes payroll related reports and processes payments to benefits providers and federal and state agencies timely and accurately. Balances insurance payments against payroll deductions and other data provided by Jefferson PUD Human Resources Director or Coordinator.Completes month-end closing processes for assigned accounting software modules on a timely basis and verifies accuracy of results. Makes appropriate journal entries.
• Performs accounts payable functions as follows:

Efficiently and effectively processes accounts payable functions including invoice coding, routing invoices for approval, and check processing.
Monitors compliance with RUS and NARUC prescribed chart of accounts and related accounting standards and coding, alerting supervisor when discrepancies are identified.
Matches invoices to purchase orders and notifies purchasing agent of variances.
Communicates with and instructs other employees on correct accounts payable procedures.
Communicates with vendors as required.
Ensures that payments are processed in a timely manner.
Maintains vendor master file, requests and collects Form W-9 from vendors as required.
Prepares and mails annual 1099 forms.
Ensures that subcontractors/vendors have complied with prevailing wage requirements.
Prepares Check Register for PUD’s treasurer and Positive Pay.
Approves and signs Prevailing Wage documentation.
Completes month-end closing processes for assigned accounting software modules on a timely basis and verify accuracy of results. Makes appropriate journal entries.

Will perform general accounting functions as follows:
Creates and maintains vendor profiles in the PUD’s finance management system.
Prepares and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and taxes
Initiates Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment transfers and prepares check requests for management approval according to Jefferson County PUD policies.
Initiates requests through Jefferson County PUD’s financial institute for payment of BPA invoices, loan, tax or other payments.
Prepares check requests for management approval according to Jefferson County PUD policies for check payment and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment transfers.
Verifies daily cash and check deposits per Customer Service Rep reports to daily transactions in bank accounts. Works with Customer Service Coordinator, Supervisor and/or bank to resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Reconciles assigned general ledger accounts and supporting documentation accurately and timely. Prepares adjusting journal entries as required.
Prepares invoices for miscellaneous receivables timely and accurately.
Responds timely and accurately to customer inquiries, requests, or concerns for miscellaneous receivables.
Monitors and maintains petty cash fund and postage meter funds.
Prepares monthly Business and Operations (B&O) Excise Tax Return workpapers for management review. File return after approval.
Processes invoices and receives payments.
Assists with audit preparation and participation.
Maintains files and records as required.
Resolves discrepancies by researching and analyzing information.
Accurately prioritizes job duties and handles a variety of tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
•Required: Associate’s degree in a related field and three to five (3-5) years of accounting experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
•Preferred: A bachelor’s degree and payroll processing and accounting, accounts payable or utility accounting experience.
•Proficiency in use of personal computers, word processing, Excel and database programs is required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
•Possess knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices with regard to utility industry, NISC software and RUS accounting standards
•Working knowledge of sound customer service practices and PUD policies. Working knowledge of computer application in financial and accounting systems, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. Proficient written and oral use of the English language
•Working knowledge of NISC software, RUS accounting standards and utility industry accounting is desirable
•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform both simple and complex mathematical calculations
•Ability to maintain sustained attention to detail and to work under the pressure of rigid deadlines. Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills, successfully manage multiple priorities, handle competing deadlines, and accurately set priorities
•Ability to learn PUD software system
•Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy in working detail
•Ability to maintain confidentiality

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must pass a standard criminal background check. A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required. A standard Monday through Friday work schedule is expected to be maintained, but evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required.

Pay: From $37.32 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person