Accountant III/Senior Accountant

Do you have passion and experience with financial statement preparation and variance analysis? Does it bring you joy to complete and file quarterly 5300 reports to the NCUA? Does using analytical tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency make you thrive? Members First Credit Union is seeking a skilled Accountant with over five years of experience in the financial industry to join our team. This position has hybrid potential in Midland, Michigan.

Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.

We strive to create an atmosphere of belonging with no judgment, just opportunity. We are interconnected to each other, and when we embrace out true authentic selves, we are stronger. We will empower you to be the best version of yourself while helping you to flourish in work and life. Come join us to help create thriving communities

ACCOUNTANT III/SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Non-Exempt

Reports to: Controller

Position Overview

The primary purpose of this position is to assist Members First Credit Union to deliver on its mission: To encourage a better tomorrow. To achieve this mission, the position must deliver on our brand promise: We believe in you. Our promise is to be trustworthy, caring, and enthusiastic to help you succeed. You will do this by living out our core values in every service contact to both internal and external members.

Essential Duties
Deliver on the Credit Union’s promises in every service situation.
Maintain a working knowledge of all functions of the Accounting/Finance department in order to assist them in their duties and provide back up.
Maintain working knowledge of various accounting software programs.
Attend educational functions as required.
Ability to work with individually and in a team environment.
Foster a positive working environment for employee empowerment and support.
Location is hybrid or can be remote. However, must have flexibility to deal with changing locations as needed.
Perform routine assigned tasks within the accounting department according to established procedures accurately and efficiently.
Motivating, influencing and/or training others is key. Coach and mentor Accounting team members helping them to learn and reach their full potential while ensuring our Employee Value Proposition and core values are on display and incorporated into daily activities.
Ability to work as a team, collaborate and train through Virtual Collaboration Tools.
Create and post journal entries. Reconcile General Ledger accounts and review reconciliations.
Assist the Controller with regulatory reporting, monthly financials, and other key reporting requirements.
Maintain working knowledge of the AP system and provide support to team members including reviewing and assigning GL to invoices, setting up, reviewing, and preparing amortization schedules and utilize reporting functions to create valuable reporting data.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of this position. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Proficient in all areas of accounting, conducting daily accounting functions independently and providing leadership guidance to all other team members.
Assist the Controller in providing support and mentorship to the Accounting team.
Ensure that all daily accounting activities are prepared in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory agency requirements.
Draft technical accounting analysis and conclusions for review and approval by the Controller and VP of Finance as needed.
Drive continuous improvement in financial reporting and create efficiencies which can be utilized by all accounting staff using tools such as Excel and financial preparation software.
Prepare balance sheet and profit and loss statements, consolidated financial statements, and other accounting schedules and reports in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory agency requirements.
Be an active participant in all meetings.
Maintain accuracy and integrity of general ledger system, including mapping from core system to general ledger, daily balancing, chart of accounts, and balancing reports.
Assists with the completion and filing of quarterly 5300 reports to NCUA by compiling the required financial information and agreeing draft reports to source information.
Reviews and prepares annual tax filings, monthly board reports, and other committee reports.
Creates ad hoc reporting and analysis to support the business intelligence needs of the organization.
Assists with external examiner and auditor requests.
Assists on other analytical projects as requested by department leader or VP of Finance.
Aids and advises branch and department managers in handling accounting entries, reports and various comparative analyses.
Offers team members assistance when necessary to help develop a fully competent and cohesive workforce. Recommends and develops process improvements and procedures to enhance productivity and improve service.
Support the financial management and operations of the Credit Union through maintenance of accounting records and reports; perform a wide variety of advanced accounting work under minimal supervision.
Perform tasks necessary to balance and update general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
Prepare monthly account reconcilements for assigned general ledger accounts including bank accounts.
Coordinate accounting matters with other departments and locations.
Provide assistance to other department employees relating to the Accounting/Finance department and financial software systems.
Provide internal teams with information and direction regarding their account status, requests, payments, rights, and obligations.
Prepares payments by verifying documentation and processing disbursements including, but not limited to; Employee/Board of Directors expense reimbursements; Tuition reimbursements; Corporate Visa credit cards payments; Dealer funding(s)/dealer incentives, etc.
Resource to assist with AP by assigning General Ledger accounts for invoices and providing guidance for assigning GL accounts including reviewing and setting up amortization schedules and other AP related functions.
Provide assistance to members of Accounting/Finance and assist other departments in resolving issues they may have, relating to accounting systems including AP.
Provides Tier 3 level of support and error resolution which includes answering highly complex questions including but not limited to: Correct out of balance GLs and explain how to make an entry, Answer AP related questions, GL Look up, respond to emails such as NMS Mortgage wire postings, Participation loan funding wire processing, Cash dispenser error resolution, Dealer payment questions, research and correct teller set up errors. Team member task related questions, Investment settlement and corporate account balance and transaction questions, GL related questions, AP related questions including corporate visa and expense reimbursements relating to GLs or the functionality and training of the program,
Attends educational functions as required by the Credit Union or Leader.
Seeks and recommends educational opportunities. Provide training to Accounting/Finance team members by sharing new knowledge and ensuring procedures are updated.
Maintains accounting controls by drafting changes or creates new policies and procedures, drafting procedures for owned tasks and reviewing procedures for others.
Leads projects and work with those assisting to ensure updates and progress are being made.
Setup deferred fees and coordinate monthly depreciation program.
Primary backup for the Controller.
Maintain accounting controls by following policies and procedures and updating and/or drafting procedures. Review team procedures for accuracy and provide feedback.
Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Expectations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the expectations of the person performing this job.

Maintain all assigned accounts such that they are always in balance and current within set timelines
Produce accurate and efficient work results while meeting deadlines
Provide informed and professional assistance to others in credit union regarding accounting and finance
Keep management informed regarding key operating issues affecting the department
Ability to work with leaders, executives and staff
Attention to detail and data entry skills
Technologically savvy and willing to use technology to improve/streamline Accounting Processes
Proactively seeks opportunities to fulfill the Internal Service Missions of the department and the credit union
Must have flexibility to deal with changing work hours and locations as needed
Courtesy, tact, and diplomacy are essential elements of the job. Work involves personal contact with others inside and /or outside the organization generally regarding routine matters for purposes of giving or obtaining information, which may require some discussion
Demonstrates the following competencies:
Quality of Work - Quality consistently within accepted standards. Errors and mistakes may occur but are rare, not excessive and are corrected in a timely manner. Quality work is demonstrated
Teamwork – Functions as a valuable team member. Provides support, contributes suggestions, cooperates in problem solving activities, and is responsive to others. Team outcomes are positive
Dependability – Can be counted on to complete assignments correctly and in a timely manner. A few exceptions may occur
Adaptability – Not resistant to change. Adapts to many situations requiring a detour from established procedures if given reasonable time to adapt
Attention to Detail – Accuracy and attention to detail. Assignments are completed correctly with very few mistakes. Quality standards are maintained. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are accurate
Communication – Effective communication skills are required
Problem Solving – Identifies most problems. Works to find solutions and ensure that problems are solved in a timely manner
Productivity – Produces required amount of work. Values company time and resources, and usually meets schedules and deadlines
Time Management – Self-directed, requiring no supervision to complete tasks or assignments. Utilizes time effectively.
Cooperation – Cooperative and willing to support productive and positive relationships with colleagues, support staff, members and management. Communicates and shares information, materials and curriculum when requested. Willing to share in the work load
Creativity – Demonstrates an aptitude for generating new ideas, processes, actions or solutions. A good number of original, useful and appropriate ideas have been generated. Has the ability to disregard assumptions and imagine new possibilities
Project Management – Familiar with prescribed project guidelines. Usually designs and implements project plans successfully. Works to communicate well with participants and management. Final product usually meets specifications and deadlines. Minor deficiencies may exist but are not of major consequence
Training Performance – Demonstrates sufficient training skills to be effective in teaching and mentoring personnel to perform the duties of their jobs. Uses varied teaching techniques
Research Skills – Successfully gathers applicable, related information, analyzes components affecting a situation or problem, and draws appropriate conclusions. Research techniques conform to organizational standards and procedures. Communicates with sources of research material. Able to provide good written or oral summaries of research results
Analytical Skills – Superior analytical skills are required. Data is collected and used to solve problems. Suggestions and plans support organizational goals. Observation and evaluation skills are exceptional
Physical Requirements

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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to move or transport up to 25 pounds.
Able to remain stationary for 2-4 hours at a time.

Work Environment
Must maintain a neat and orderly work area.
Routinely clean and disinfect work areas (i.e. teller stations, desk surfaces, phones, electronic equipment).
Protect the confidentiality of credit union staff and members by locking door or removing items from desk/workstation when away.

Education and Experience
Five to eight years similar or related experience
(1) A two-year Accounting related college degree, or (2) completion of an Accounting related specialized certification or licensing, or (3) completion of specialized training in accounting related courses conducted by vendors, or (4) job-specific skills acquired through an apprenticeship program
Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and Outlook
Host software (Symitar) experience preferred.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Knowledge of regulatory reporting requirements for financial institutions.

Experience
Required
5 - 8 years: Similar or related experience
A two-year Accounting related college degree, or (2) completion of an Accounting relate specialized certification or licensing, or (3) completion of specialized training in Accounting related courses conducted by vendors, or (4) job-specific skills acquired through an apprenticeship program
Preferred
experience with financial statement preparation and variance analysis

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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