Accountant I

Ben Franklin Transit; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Ben Franklin Transit in Richland, WA is seeking an Accountant I to support accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, and month-end close. This exempt role requires detail orientation, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with deadlines.

The position involves accurate financial record-keeping, research of discrepancies, and collaboration with team members to maintain internal controls and prepare timely financial reports.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of general accounting principles and governmental accounting practices.
• Familiarity with Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) and financial statement preparation.
• Ability to perform reconciliations and assist with month-end and year-end closing.

Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting tasks: recording transactions and journal entries.
• Conduct account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end/year-end closing, financial reporting, and audit requests.
• Prepare invoices, apply customer payments, and manage accounts receivable.
• Process supplier invoices and vendor payments; provide AP backup as needed.
• Support cash receipts, deposits, and other accounting activities.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies and maintain documentation.

Skills

General accounting

USOA

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Journal entries

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.

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