Title: Accounting Specialist

Position Classification:  Accounting Specialist

Department: General Administration

Reports to:  Finance Director       

ABOUT OREGON CASCADES WEST COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCWCOG)

OCWCOG manages a variety of local, State, and Federal programs to serve residents, local governments, and businesses in our tri-County Region. OCWCOG is recognized by the State of Oregon as an Area Commission on Transportation (ACT) and a Type B Medicaid Transfer Agency. Additionally, the association is recognized by the Federal Government as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), an Economic Development District (EDD), an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Coordinator, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Revolving Loan Agency, and staffs the two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in the Region. These designations increase OCWCOG’s ability to serve our communities’ needs.

As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, in addition to the programs and services that OCWCOG is required by State or Federal contract to provide, OCWCOG helps businesses find appropriate capital; facilitates seniors and persons with disabilities plan for independent living; coordinates local road improvement priorities; and assists with administration and technical support for its member governments.

Each program works towards OCWCOG’s mission of helping the Region’s communities collaborate to solve problems and connect member governments, businesses, and individuals with a wide array of resources.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Performs highly technical accounting services in support of the Agency’s Finance Department. Responsible for accounts payable functions, vendor communication and relationships, accounts receivable and cash receipting, loan payment, processing loan disbursements, bank activity, and periodic financial reports.  Assignments may include processing and preparing payroll as a backup function. Compiling annual budget trending, line item analysis for budget purposes and management information. Account analysis and budget preparation support.

Engages in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related-associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates positive acceptance of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• ­Post, balance, and maintain computerized accounting records related to accounts payable (A/P), including but not limited to:
• ­Maintain vendor payment files
• ­Confer with vendors and/or departments regarding all types of transactions
• ­Process all incoming bills, invoices and other payables for payment
• ­Route, process and pay all agency One Card statements 
• ­Process and maintain all prepaid expenses
• ­Review and research all outstanding A/P check
• ­Balance and reconcile monthly A/P balance sheet account
• ­Works closely with Technology Services to process A/P using a ticketing system
• ­Maintain a vendor 1099 file and process for all A/P
• ­Post, balance, and maintain computerized accounting records related to accounts receivable (A/R), including but not limited to:
• ­Process and mail monthly, quarterly, and annual account receivable invoices
• ­Review outstanding A/R and follow up with customer
• ­Balance and reconcile monthly A/R balance sheet account
• ­Posts, balances, and maintains computerized accounting records related to cash receipts (CR), including but not limited to.
• ­Prepare weekly deposits
• ­Post CR in the computerized accounting system on a weekly basis
• ­Maintain monthly cash receipts files
• ­Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 
• ­Prepare and reconciles a variety of financial monthly.
• ­Prepare and a variety of financial reports.
• Prepares and review monthly journal entries.
• Handles confidential documents, various reports, contracts and letters as assigned.
• Produces reports as requested.
• ­Write and maintain all standard operating procedures (SOP) for all desk duties.
• ­Prepare all annual tax documents required 
• ­Maintain and update all spreadsheets used for monthly distribution of revenue and expense.
• ­Maintain audit files

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Assists in year-end audit and annual audit preparation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Receives general supervision from the Finance Director. Will periodically receive work assignments and direction from the Executive Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment utilizing a personal computer, telephone and a variety of office equipment.  Telework is available upon request and approval from your supervisor. Position requires sitting for long periods of time and performing extensive computer and ten-key work. Travel may be required to attend meetings and other events, or contract work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training

Two years of responsible accounting/bookkeeping experience.  High school diploma or equivalent, preferably supplemented by college or business school training in bookkeeping or accounting; OR, any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of standard accounting/bookkeeping principles and practices
• Considerable knowledge of office methods and procedures;
• Considerable knowledge of office record keeping and reporting procedures and practices;
• Ability to operate office equipment including a personal computer, a ten-key adding machine, and photocopy machine;
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize Microsoft software including, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access database;
• Ability to understand verbal and written operating instructions and procedures and to initiate suggestions for appropriate involvement;
• Ability to read, prepare and understand statistical reports and recognize mathematical and/or data entry errors;
• Ability to pay attention to detail;
• Ability to exercise good time management skills in order to accomplish both daily tasks and on-going projects;
• Ability to work with other staff and the public in a courteous and efficient manner;
• Ability to identify and refer significant policy inquiries to supervisor;
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects and a high volume of work;
• Ability to initiate own work with a minimum of supervision;
• Ability to make independent judgments in implementing established procedures;
• Ability to perform detailed work involving written or numerical data and to make arithmetical calculations rapidly and accurately;
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to interact effectively with other employees and the public;
• Ability to cope with stressful deadlines;
• Ability to read, write, prepare statistical reports and recognize mathematical and data entry errors.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

• Possession of a Valid Oregon driver’s license or ability to obtain reliable transportation in 

• Position requires successful completion of a criminal history check.

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities.  To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Starting salary is $19.72 - $26.45 /hourly DOQE. A step increase will be awarded upon successful completion of a probationary period (typically six months), and then annually thereafter to the top of the range. OCWCOG offers an attractive benefits package including:

Retirement – OCWCOG pays both the employer’s percentage, and employee’s six percent (6%) contribution into the Oregon Public Employees System (PERS). In addition to PERS, OCWCOG pays into Social Security. 

Insurance – For select plans, OCWCOG currently pays one hundred percent (100%) of the insurance premiums for the employee and their eligible dependents. The insurance package includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, alternative care, life, accidental death and dismemberment, as well as long-term disability.

Holiday Leave – OCWCOG provides ten and one half (10 ½) fixed holidays, plus two (2) personal days during each fiscal year.

Additional Benefits – Deferred compensation options, Long-term care Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Credit Union memberships, and options to participate in pre-tax Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.

Sick Leave – Full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave each month.

Vacation Leave – Full-time employees accrue vacation leave each month according to the following schedule:

           0-36 months                -   8 hours/month

         37-72 months                - 10 hours/month

         73-144 months              - 14 hours/month

       145 months and above   - 16 hours/month

GENERAL INFORMATION

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), pursuant of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License, or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area is required.

If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of a criminal records check, and the information will be shared with Human Resources. Any criminal history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.

TO APPLY

You must submit the following application materials to be considered as a viable candidate:

A current resume that clearly describes your experience, skills, and/or knowledge related to the requirements of the position and demonstrates that you meet qualifications of the position listed above.

A cover letter explaining how your background, experience and training qualify you for this position. Please describe your experience and training specifically as they relate to the Desired Attributes.

If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans’ preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans’ preference points, you MUST attach to your application materials the following required documentation:

• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point                      preference.

• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veteran’s disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.

If you have any questions please contact HR at hrrecruit@ocwcog.org.   In the subject line please include the position title and the posting number 202118.

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