Accountant or Senior Accountant

Northern Wasco County PUD is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Accountant or Senior Accountant (DOE) to join our team. This full-time, position offers a Monday–Thursday, 4/10 schedule.

The Accountant is responsible for performing general accounting activities according to FERC standards and under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor. This includes tasks such as the processing and closing of work orders, fixed asset functions, assisting with the preparation and maintenance of financial statements, journal vouchers, miscellaneous accounts receivable billings, and various subsidiary records and ledgers. Other duties in this role are to provide support for job costing and inventory, as well as to assist with financial audit preparation and other external reporting.

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for performing general accounting activities according to FERC standards and under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor. This includes assisting in the preparation and maintenance of financial statements, journal entries, miscellaneous accounts receivable billings, accounts payable, and various subsidiary records and ledgers. In addition, the Senior Accountant will provide support for work orders, inventory, and fixed asset functions as well as assist with financial audit preparations, annual budgeting, external reporting, rate calculations, cash management, and payroll processing review.

Applicants should apply for the position that best matches their qualifications. The selected candidate will be hired as either an Accountant or a Senior Accountant based on their qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills.

Compensation and FLSA Status:

The specific job title and salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Accountant -$36.32 - $54.48 per hour, non-exempt

Senior Accountant - $83,520.70 - $139,201.25 annual salary, exempt

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Generous PTO Accruals
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 100% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary
• 401(k) 7.5% base + 7.5% match = 15% total possible employer contribution
• 457(b) 
• 100% employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• HRA VEBA employee funded
• Wellness Incentive to HRA VEBA employer funded
• 100% Paid Business Travel Insurance
• Voluntary benefits

QUALIFICATIONS: Recommended Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications): Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered.

Education/Experience:

Accountant

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in accounting, finance or related field required.
• Two (2) years of experience in the accounting function required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred.
• One (1) year of FERC utility accounting experience preferred.

Senior Accountant - Must meet Accountant requirements plus:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business degree required.
• Six (6) years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Four (4) years progressively responsible accounting experience preferred.
• Utility accounting experience preferred

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Accountant:

• Complete the monthly close and reconciliation of work orders to ensure all work orders are accurate and ready to close.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of various subsidiary records and ledgers and monthly reconciliations.
• Assist in the monthly closing procedures and creation of the monthly financial statements.
• Assist in the annual audit and external reporting collaborating with internal and external customers to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Complete monthly inventory activities working directly with warehouse staff to ensure inventory is reflected accurately in the financials.
• Track fixed assets and process monthly depreciation journal entries associated with fixed assets.
• Provide support for average cost perpetual inventory records of material and work order accounting transactions and assist in the processing of check requests for all inventory material.
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure proper labor and material account code distribution for work order and inventory processing.
• Assist in analyzing financial controls and procedures including maintaining standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for all job-related activities.
• Explore, develop, and implement process improvements designed to streamline accounting processes while enhancing document and data integrity, reliability, and usability for internal customers.
• Review and evaluate internal controls and operating procedures to protect NWCPUD’s investments, including coordinating fiscal risk management activities and updating investment policies and accounting standards in accordance with state and federal laws to ensure a fiscally sound organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Senior Accountant:

• Prepare and reconcile monthly bank statements, billing reports and adjustments, and related documentation.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of various subsidiary records, ledgers, and monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports including reports for various state and financial agencies.
• Maintain extensive financial records for support of financial statements and prepare and post routine and complex journal entries to the general ledger system to record activity and adjustments.
• Assist in the preparation of financial schedules and reporting for the annual budgeting process by compiling department budget projections and narratives. Analyze utility retail and wholesale revenue and expenditure data in support of budget, rate, and financing decisions.
• Prepare for and coordinate the annual external financial audit which includes gathering and reviewing relevant data and information, prepare reports, findings, and justifications, and communicate with external auditors as needed during the audit process.
• Provide insight and recommendations for the organization’s cash flow by monitoring and reconciling banking and investment accounts, ensuring that the organization can meet its financial liabilities.
• Provide support for average cost perpetual inventory records of material and work order accounting transactions to ensure timely and accurate work order closing.
• Assist and support recognition and retirement of fixed assets and closing of the subsidiary ledger monthly.
• Ensure proper labor and material account code distribution for payroll, work order, and inventory processing.
• Explore, develop, and implement process improvements designed to streamline accounting processes while enhancing document and data integrity, reliability, and usability for internal customers.
• Create reports for ad hoc requests.
• Collaborate on projects and reporting with internal and external stakeholders to provide accurate financial data and guidance when needed.
• Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations and protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions:

• Accounts payable processing.
• Assist in the annual budgeting process.
• Assist in software and/or system implementations and updates.
• All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.

Supervisory and/or Functional or Technical Responsibility or Oversight:

• No supervisory responsibilities
• Provides system and process training as needed.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
PLEASE NOTE: This position requires the use of various tools/equipment that are related to performing the essential functions of this job.

Accountant:

• Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and computerized accounting systems.
• General understanding of financial statements and analysis of financial statements, as well as forecasts of revenues, expenses, and cash balances.
• Basic understanding of budget principles and procedures, and variance analysis.
• Basic interpreting skills with financial and operating data, making basic calculations, and conducting basic to moderate level analyses with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in the use of 10-key calculator or keypad and in a variety of computer software applications, with demonstrated expertise using the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, reading, writing, and presenting skills.
• Effective independent decision-making skills and attention to detail.
• Strong skills in organization and problem-solving.
• Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations and protocols.

Senior Accountant:

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and computerized accounting systems.
• Strong knowledge of financial statements and analysis of financial statements, as well as forecasts of revenues, expenses, and cash balances.
• Intermediate knowledge of budget principles and procedures, and variance analysis.
• Strong skills in financial and operating data, making complex calculations, and conducting moderate to technical level analyses with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in the use of 10-key calculator or keypad and in a variety of computer software applications, with demonstrated expertise using the Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem solving, research, organizational, and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. The ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other diverse audiences while providing outstanding customer service.
• Strong skills in decision making with high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, workflow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail.

Job Scope:

• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment, analysis, and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Problems are difficult to define and symptoms vague. Identifies problem source, contributing factors, and alternatives before determining best course of action. Job duties are moderately varied. Order, priority, and work methods may be selected and adapted. Interprets policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Tasks and information relative to this position are of a confidential and/or sensitive nature requiring strict confidentiality and professional conduct

Mental or Visual Demand: Continuous mental and/or visual attention, the work is either repetitive or diversified requiring constant alertness to monitor the production process and/or identify defects.

Working Conditions: The job is typically performed under very comfortable working conditions; any disagreeable elements are generally absent during normal performance of job. 

Physical Requirements: Requirements are those consistent with normal office administrative or clerical positions such as sitting, standing, walking, keyboarding. May push up to 50lbs, and/or lift, pull, or carry up to 25lbs. 

This organization believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success.  That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities.  Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not to limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified.  It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors. Northern Wasco County PUD reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

*Northern Wasco County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.