Accountant I

Ben Franklin Transit; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Ben Franklin Transit seeks an Accountant I to support the Agency's financial operations. Responsibilities include A/R, A/P, reconciliations, GL activity, month-end and year-end closing, financial reporting, and general accounting tasks.

The role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to manage multiple priorities. The position offers an exempt status with responsibilities across accounting processes and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration and 3–5 years of accounting experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting preferred with five years of public sector accounting/finance experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting functions, including preparing and recording financial transactions and journal entries.
• Prepare invoices, process and apply customer payments, maintain accounts receivable records, and monitor outstanding balances.
• Review, code, and process supplier invoices and vendor payments and provide backup accounts payable support.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, financial reporting, and audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting (preferred)

Job description

Salary

Position Range: $74,414.00 - $103,007.00 Hiring Range: $74,414.000 - $93,476.000 Most applicants’ offers will fall within this hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role’s needs.

Salary

Position Range: $74,414.00 - $103,007.00 Hiring Range: $74,414.000 - $93,476.000 Most applicants’ offers will fall within this hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role’s needs.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!

OUR MISSION

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES

We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability, and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

Nature of Position

The Accountant I performs a variety of accounting functions in support of the Agency's financial operations. Responsibilities include Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, account reconciliations, general ledger activities, month-end and year-end closing, financial reporting, and other general accounting functions. The position processes and maintains accurate financial records, researches and resolves discrepancies, assists with reporting and reconciliations, and provides support to other accounting functions as needed. The position requires attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting functions, including preparing and recording financial transactions and journal entries.
• Perform account and general ledger reconciliations and research discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, financial reporting, and audit requests.
• Prepare invoices, process and apply customer payments, maintain accounts receivable records, and monitor outstanding balances.
• Review, code, and process supplier invoices and vendor payments and provide backup Accounts Payable support.
• Assist with cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and other accounting activities.
• Review transactions for accuracy, appropriate coding, approvals, and compliance with Agency policies.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Provide backup support for other accounting functions as needed.
• Identify and recommend process improvements and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and other sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Principle, practice, and terminology of general and governmental accounting, Uniform System of Accounts (USOA), including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply Agency policies, state and federal laws and regulations related to assigned area.
• Understand and apply business data processing, particularly related to processing of accounting and financial information.
• Identify and apply general ledger setup and processing routines (journal processing, monthly/annual closing activities, allocations)
• Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Make arithmetical computations and tabulations.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with those encountered during work.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

Other Characteristics

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration from an accredited institution and minimum of 3 to 5 years of accounting experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements

None.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and five-years of public sector accounting and/or finance experience.

Physical Requirements

Generally sedentary in nature; occasionally stand and walk; intermittently kneel, stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, and reach overhead; sit for long periods of time. Rarely kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lift, push/pull, or carry up to 40 pounds. Good vision to read print and computer screen. Hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping, and reaching to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and/or standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment where noise, distractions, and lack of privacy may be present.

If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that’s going places!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT’s policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a drug‑free workplace. The purpose of this policy is to ensure worker fitness for duty and to protect our employees, passengers, and the public from the risks posed by the use of alcohol and prohibited drugs. Participation in BFT’s zero tolerance drug-free workplace policy is a condition of employment.