Staff Accountant

Are you an accountant that takes pride in your work that goes beyond just the numbers? Join an organization where you will impact an entire Native American community while shaping a newly developed role with your expertise and creativity.

Experience tremendous care and support with an organization rooted in diverse historic culture whose focus is serving people. Don’t miss this opportunity offering excellent pay and a robust benefits package including a very generous PTO.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi is searching for a Staff Accountant and Senior Staff Accountant for their community in Dowagiac, MI .

As a Member of the Pokagon Accounting team you will enjoy:

• Develop a Brand New Role : You will have the unique opportunity to build and expand your role from the ground up. This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something impactful, where your skills and ideas will directly influence the organization’s financial success and the community it serves.
• Excellent Pay:
  • Staff Accountant - Starting pay from $49,421 or more, depending on experience.
  • Senior Staff Accountant - Starting pay from $59,804 or more, depending on experience
• Well Above Average Benefits package: Outstanding medical, dental, and vision plans (employer pays 90% of monthly premium), PTO (4 weeks accrued in the first year), 15 paid holidays, defined pension plan, 401k with employer match, life insurance, disability, various discount programs, gym/wellness center, access to onsite medical, optical and pharmacy services. Bottom line the benefits package is valued at an additional $30,000 annually.
• Professional Development - Allowance provided each year towards training and continuing education conferences. Position is eligible for loan forgiveness on educational loans through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Culture of Appreciation - Enjoy team building events, team days, group development functions that all focus on investment in employee appreciation.
• Work/Life Balance - Monday - Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm.

Staff Accountant Requirements:

• Associates Degree in accounting from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. An additional three (3) years of relevant experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience in cash receipts management, accounts payable, and/or payroll.

Senior Staff Accountant Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• Minimum four (4) years of progressive, relevant experience.

Senior Staff Account Essential Functions:

• Prepare, process, submit and post bi-weekly payroll promptly and accurately.
• Support the month-end close process, ensuring all entries and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation, relating to monthly recurring transactions, accruals, deferrals, reconciliations, and one-off adjustments, as required for accurate financial reporting.
• Perform monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts including prepaids, fixed assets, and liability accounts.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, collaborating with relevant departments, as needed.
• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in accordance with GAAP and/or GASB.
• Provide support to departments on financial transactions, fiscal allocations, and grant management.
• Assist the Controller and Financial Analyst in reviewing month-end results and making necessary adjustments for accurate reporting.
• Perform periodic banking functions such as but not limited to: electronic transfers, inter-account transfers, and Per Cap transfers. Ensuring all accounts are managed per policy.
• Support the annual audit process by working with the controller to prepare necessary schedules and facilitate the audit process with all departments.
• Compile required and ad-hoc reports on operating functions within the department and other assigned departments.
• Assist in maintaining and strengthening internal controls related to accounting processes.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and enhance data accuracy and efficiency.
• Contribute to staff meetings to highlight the financial impact of operations to Tribal personnel for departments, as assigned. Further, may discuss operational problems or explain procedural changes or practices.
• Responsible for maintaining the records (both digitally and physically) for the year end audit pertaining to balance sheet accounts.

Staff Accountant Essential Functions:

• Responsible for backup support in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Per Capita Functions
• Support the month-end close process, ensuring all entries and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation, relating to monthly recurring transactions, accruals, deferrals, reconciliations, and one-off adjustments, as required for accurate financial reporting.
• Perform monthly reconciliations for various balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules and record depreciation.
• Conduct variance analyses to identify and address irregularities.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, collaborating with relevant departments, as needed.
• Responsible for the corporate credit card program by providing cardholder support, biweekly journal entry management, record retention of all receipts, as well as reviewing transactions for adherence to the policy as written.
• Perform periodic banking functions such as but not limited to: electronic transfers, inter-account transfers, and Per Cap transfers. Ensuring all accounts are managed per policy.
• Support the annual audit process by working with the controller to prepare necessary schedules and facilitate the audit process with all departments.
• Compile required and ad-hoc reports on operating functions within the department and other assigned departments

Commitment to Citizen Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, staff members and community members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

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