Staff Accountant

Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council•Solon, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Accountant is an integral part of the Accounting & Financial Department and works under the direction of the CFO. This individual is primarily responsible for documenting and recording financial transactions for NOPEC. Responsibilities include disbursement request processing, recording receipts, and initiating transfers. Communicates with department personnel, payees and other involved parties to ensure processing is completed timely, accurately and with required authorization. Enter and analyze data and coordinate necessary steps for follow-through and reconciliation of accounts. Maintains accounting and other financial records in accordance with retention policy. Assists in the financial audit and other regulatory processes. Provides approved reports to the leadership team and Board. Compiles and analyzes account information; research questions and discrepancies; and audit information and documents received by the Accounting Department. This individual may also be involved in implementing updated accounting and related software, documenting departmental process/procedural changes and updates, while working in conjunction with the leadership team and other company personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor of Business/Arts in Accounting or related field
Three years or more in Accounting or Finance, with government accounting experience preferred
Improves accounting job knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional and technical publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
Communicating effectively in writing and verbally as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Proficient in basic office software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Familiar with and experience in the use of basic accounting software platforms.

Responsibilities

Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
Perform bank, credit card and investment account reconciliations monthly.
Record revenue, loan and other cash receipt transactions. Make bank deposits if required.
Follow documented procedures and internal controls. Comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Monitor pending PACE loans and follow up on outstanding set-up paperwork. Maintain communication with borrower, city, county and other NOPEC staff as needed through loan closing.
Reconcile bank, credit card and investment accounts monthly.
Reconcile A/P aging report (for all vendor types) with A/P general ledger balance monthly. Identify and research any discrepancies for resolution.
Record all vendor invoices and credit card transactions in financial software, verifying amount billed, proper period, G/L account, departmental approvals and proper NOPEC entity allocation.
Prepare all disbursements (including loan repayments) through authorized bank accounts, including both check and ACH after verifying documentation and required authorization.
Communicate with banking and credit card personnel on any exception items and other banking situations which require resolution.
Assist Controller and CFO with special assignments
Create invoices for the PACE loan program to be distributed twice annually. Follow up on any outstanding loan (PACE or STEP) balances.
Prepare and perform preliminary review of monthly financial statements. Identify obvious missing information and financial reporting errors.