Accounting Specialist

COMPANY:Missoula Electric Cooperative LOCATION: Missoula, MT

DEPARTMENT:Accounting & Member Services SUPERVISOR: Plant Accountant

SUMMARY: This position performs a variety of Accounting functions to include accounts payable, miscellaneous receivables, cash posting, and journal entries, provides support for Capital Credit processes, supports Member Services on an as-needed basis, and performs other duties as assigned. Performs all work in a dependable, confidential, and professional manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Performs other duties as assigned by management, applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities. All duties are to be performed as instructed in training and following written procedures or policies if applicable, unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise.

General Accounting:

· Performs duties associated with the completion of accurate and timely accounting records and reports in accordance with established Cooperative Accounting Policies and Procedures. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and RUS Uniform System of Accounts.

· Prepare monthly journal entries and reconcile various assigned general ledger accounts. Provide subsidiary ledgers to the Manager of Accounting and Member Services to confirm accuracy, along with all monthly reconciliations.

· Process monthly Fleet Management entries and reports. Verify the accuracy of reports with the General Ledger. Prepare annual vehicle reports for government agencies.

· Assist with financial reports, budget worksheets, sales reports, or financial studies as needed.

· Responsible for filing of annual Unclaimed Property report to the State of Montana.

· Prepare annual audit schedules, as assigned, and assist the external auditor in locating and interpreting records as necessary.

· Responsible for keeping records current and organized for general accounting.

· Maintain the petty cash fund.

· Prepare daily cash reports and prepare journal entries to reconcile cash clearing accounts.

Accounts Payable:

· Maintain complete and accurate records of accounts payable invoices to provide accurate figures for the General Ledger accounts.

· Responsible for preparing purchase orders and material receiving entries. Review and verify for accuracy all invoices, receiving reports, and purchase orders.

· Upon invoice approval by management, prepare and verify accounts payable data for processing and enter it into the computer.

· Prepare vendors' checks as scheduled, verify checks with invoices, and mail checks after review and signing by management.

· Responsible for file maintenance of accounts payable vouchers, checks, and related documents.

· Prepare year-end reports and issue 1099s.

· Maintain up-to-date contractor insurance certificates.

Capital Credits:

· Performs all duties associated with the Members' Capital Credits.

· Responds to Members' inquiries regarding their capital credit account activity and history.

· Maintains the capital credit records, including address updates and status of unclaimed or abandoned checks.

· Assist in processing the annual allocation and general retirement of capital credits.

· Responsible for allocation notices.

· Works with representatives of estates on finalization of a Member’s account.

· Submits reports to management related to capital credits and provides the Board of Directors with monthly Estate payouts.

General Duties—May be called upon to assist the Member Services Department in the following areas:

· Greet persons visiting the Cooperative building and receive incoming phone calls. Determines the information or service being requested and directs the person to the appropriate employee/department or takes a message as needed to promote the cooperative’s goal of service excellence. Manages a large volume of incoming calls using a multi-line system.

· Signs up new Members of the Cooperative, and explains the Cooperative philosophy and programs, capital credits, and billing procedures. Initiates service orders for new electric services, connects, and final reads, as well as other miscellaneous orders.

· Responsible for processing Members' payments by inputting payments into the computer system or by processing computerized scanned check batches for remote check deposit and payment remittance.

· Maintains address changes, field service, and maintenance requests, and files documents per Cooperative policies and procedures.

· Preserves the confidentiality of Members' personal and account information

· Courteous and respectful to Members, the public, and co-workers.

· Reads, understands, and follows all applicable safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

SUPERVISION: None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Most assignments are covered by well-established methods, procedures, and precedents, but the employee is responsible for choosing the appropriate procedure or precedent from a number of alternatives, for planning and executing their own work sequences, and for solving most problems of a recurring nature. The supervisor may review the work for soundness of approach, but the details of the work are normally assumed to be technically accurate. The supervisor provides direction on policy issues and normally resolves problems that involve other departments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- High School diploma or equivalent with post-secondary courses in accounting, 10-key entry, computers, and business with a minimum of two years related job experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. A bachelor's degree in accounting is preferred but not required.

- May need to be a notary.

- Ability to read and comprehend instructions, safety rules,

correspondence, and memos. Ability to write clear, concise correspondence.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one or small group situations

to consumers, and other employees of the organization.

- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as

discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area,

circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and

geometry.

- Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out

detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving

several concrete variables in standardized situations.

- Proficient with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Uses a multi-application Accounting & Business Solutions software to manage

financial data, including general ledger, accounts payable, and inventory,

and work order accounting. Knowledge of office procedures, proficiency

on a 10-key calculator, and the ability to use printers, copiers, and scanners is a

must.

- Excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability todeal with people in a

professional and courteous manner, even in conflict situations.

- Ability to organize work tomeet deadlines;

- Ability to work independently under pressure;

- Ability to maintain a cooperative and helpful attitude toward fellow employees;

- Ability to promote a safe, positive, and caring work environment;

- Ability toaccept suggestions from your supervisor and co-workers toimprove

performance;

- Ability toaccept and adapt tochange, and toperform as a productive team

member.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered toenable individuals with disabilities toperform the essential functions.

- Lifting and carrying of 10 to25 pounds frequently is required.

- Reaching and lifting overhead is occasionally required.

- The job requires occasional pushing, pulling, and reaching frequently.

- May spend long periods of time sitting and working at a desk and in front of a

computer monitor.

- Some exposure to odors, gases, dust, and dirt may occur.

- The noise level in the work environment is consistent with that of an office

setting.

- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,

color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability toadjust focus.

o Rate of Pay: See IBEW Local Union 44 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

o Wage and Hour: This position is an hourly non-exempt position under the Wage

and Hour Law, and overtime compensation must be paid.

o Missoula Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.72 - $33.37 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Disability insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person