Staff Accountant - Newburgh, NY

Heritage Financial Credit Union • City of Newburgh, NY

2d • $60,000 - $73,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Staff Accountant who finds satisfaction in reconciling transactions, enjoys the month-end close process, and likes being a go-to person for financial clarity. The ideal candidate takes pride in improving manual processes, can translate financial data for non-finance professionals, and is driven to understand the meaning behind the numbers. This role involves investigating cash discrepancies and following them to resolution. Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We are committed to providing affordable financial services and fostering a culture of excellence where employees thrive, feel valued, and respected.

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of related accounting experience, preferably in a banking environment or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• Practical knowledge of accounting principles.
• Fundamental knowledge of debits/credits and a general understanding of balance sheet/income statement components.
• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements.
• General ledger accounting and journal entry preparation.
• Account reconciliations, including GL accounts.
• Fixed asset and prepaid asset accounting.
• Budget preparation, variance analysis, and departmental reporting.
• Cash management and daily cash monitoring.
• Accounts payable processing and invoice verification.
• Audit support and documentation preparation.
• Proficiency in accounting software/ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Intermediate level Excel/Word.
• Data interpretation with ability to look beyond the numbers and identify what's driving a variance, trend, or discrepancy.
• Analytical skills.
• Proactive communication skills, keeping stakeholders informed on variances, delays, or issues.
• Adaptability to handle routine close tasks and surprise projects.
• Collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Critical thinking skills with good judgment and knowing when to resolve and when to escalate.
• Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a banking environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs journal entries and account analysis to assist with period end closings.
• Monitors cash daily and assists with general ledger account reconciliations on a monthly basis.
• Assists Accounting team with budget process implementation for the Credit Union.
• Handles special accounting projects relating to budgeting, IRS filing, audit support, and ad-hoc accounting projects.
• Accounts for Fixed Asset Depreciation and Prepaid Assets.
• Monitors cash accounts and prepares daily entries as needed, investigating variances.
• Serves as a point of contact for branches and departments for annual budgeting and understanding of variances.
• Assists department with cash management, liquidity monitoring, and treasury functions.
• Reconciles high transaction volume GL accounts such as ATM and coin machines, researching and resolving differences and subledger account reconciliations.
• Proposes solutions to ATM differences aimed at getting the reconciliation to be owned at the branch level.
• Reviews Accounts Payable activity including verification, processing, and recording of invoices.
• Resolves account discrepancies by investigating documentation, issuing stop payments or adjustments.
• Interfaces with external and internal auditors and provides documentation relating to audit queries.
• Participates in internal projects and implements process improvements aimed at increasing the efficiency of workflow.
• Performs responsibilities in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies and procedures, ensuring transactions are authorized in compliance with CU policies.
• Performs additional duties and special projects as requested.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplement Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services
• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards and so much more)
• CareNet - benefits concierge service
• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer
• HFCU Logo-wear

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree