Accounting Specialist (7417)

Lutheran Services Florida • Sarasota, FL

13d

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist provides direct financial client services for all clients of the program. The role manages and tracks client assets and financial affairs, prepares financial reports and court filings, coordinates client accounts and benefits, processes invoices and payments, and supports program staff, attorneys, auditors, and community partners. The position handles confidential and sensitive information and works with limited supervision on a highly independent basis, while maintaining professional relationships with staff and outside contacts. Its primary objective is to protect and preserve each ward’s assets under the prudent person rule.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• At least two years of experience in banking or bookkeeping.
• Bookkeeping or accounting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Proficiency with Excel spreadsheets and general office machines.
• Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision and maintain a pleasant, friendly demeanor.
• Creativity in developing more time-saving methods for existing organizational operations.
• Must meet requirements imposed by law or local court ruling.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to work independently and get along well with staff and outside contacts.
• Ability to communicate confidential or sensitive information outside the agency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports detailing client asset holdings for the Program Manager, Client Accounting staff, and local program staff, including reports used for client activities, court proceedings, and auditor review.
• Prepare forms and applications to open guardianship, qualified income trust (QIT), burial, and other client accounts.
• Coordinate with the Client Accounting Manager on registration and management of client brokerage accounts, securities, annuities, and life insurance.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and establish and maintain community relationships with attorneys, appraisers, realtors, auto personnel, insurance providers, and other vendors.
• Maintain positive working relationships with community members and LSF staff, and represent the agency on local committees, groups, and organizations concerned with guardianship.
• Assist the CM Supervisor and Program Director in screening referrals.
• Review and process payment of client invoices.
• Back up preparation of daily bank deposits for wards’ funds, reconcile transaction statements, and prepare and maintain clients’ monthly income reports.
• Record time for the client billing system and maintain appropriate case notes.
• Coordinate with case managers on initial applications and continuing eligibility for benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicare Part D, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, waiver programs, and Medicaid.
• Prepare, monitor, and maintain client real estate, tax, listing, and insurance status records.
• Marshal, investigate, and track new clients’ liquid assets, including bank accounts and securities.
• Marshal real estate, vehicles, jewelry, artwork, and other tangible personal property; obtain appraisals and coordinate management or sale with the Director, attorney, and court.
• Coordinate lawn, pool, repair, and automobile work, and maintain ongoing insurance for client assets.
• Prepare paperwork to redirect client income, initiate direct deposits, and complete client representative-payee reports.
• Maintain recurring pay records for clients.
• Prepare initial inventories and assist with annual and final accountings filed with the court.
• Conduct periodic asset reviews and prepare statistics and audit materials; audit and compile client asset, income, and payable reports.
• Monitor and maintain listings of clients’ belongings held in storage units, safes, or other storage areas.
• Attend in-service and mandatory training sessions.
• Document all client-related activity and maintain accurate client logs and case notes for each ward.
• Assist with answering phones when needed.
• Manage each ward’s assets and financial affairs under the prudent person rule, with the primary objective of protecting and preserving those assets.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program administrator.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees may have a different paid-time-off and holiday schedule.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED