Accounting Specialist

The New York Public Library; Fort Madison (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Connection Bank in Fort Madison, IA seeks an Accounting Specialist to support daily operations of the Accounting and Finance Department. The role emphasizes accuracy, security, and customer service in a banking environment.

The candidate will manage AP/AR functions, reconcile accounts, handle teller cash balances, and process account updates with meticulous attention to detail while complying with CIP, AML, OFAC, and BSA requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with banking operations and financial controls.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Process and maintain AP/AR, prepare checks, and record cash receipts.
• Reconcile internal accounts and verify teller cash balances.
• Handle account updates, holds, and deposits with care and security.
• Process documents, scan records, and manage vendor files.
• Comply with CIP, AML, OFAC, and BSA policies; report anomalies.

Job description

Description: Summary

The Accounting Specialist supports the daily operations of the Accounting and Finance Department. At Connection Bank, this role is about more than just numbers; the incumbent must embody our core values by maintaining a “can-do attitude,” delivering customer service “on steroids,” and vigilantly protecting the security and privacy of our customers.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Processes and maintains all Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) functions, including processing bills and producing checks for distribution.
• Manages financial institution checkbooks, generates weekly check runs, and records cash receipts.
• Ensures accuracy of all internal DDA accounts and performs regular reconciliations.
• Balances all teller cash bank-wide and verifies all wire transfers prior to transmission.
• Receives and posts monthly payments and reconciles accounts.

Account Maintenance & Technical Processing

• Manages high-volume incoming calls and the bank’s general voicemail, ensuring a friendly and efficient experience for every caller.
• Processes Kasasa MoveIt files and handles all account address updates with strict attention to detail.
• Applies and manages account holds to safeguard bank and customer assets.
• Processes overdrafts, non-posts within the deposit system, insufficient funds, and stop-payment orders.
• Scans and imports account forms and digital records into the core system and maintains organized vendor W-9 files.

Compliance & Security

• Accurately collect and verify Customer Identification Program (CIP) documentation for new and existing accounts to ensure strict adherence to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, OFAC compliance, and internal policies.
• Maintain sharp situational awareness for suspicious activity, fraud, and red flags; ensure timely and accurate reporting of unusual behaviors and potential red flags to the BSA/AML Officer through internal channels.
• Complete all assigned compliance, security, and operational training in a timely manner.

Administrative & Clerical Support

• Operates mail service equipment and handles correspondence, including customer acknowledgments of deposits by mail.
• Performs interoffice and post office courier runs as required.
• Assists in general clerical functions, including data entry, filing, and research projects.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned by management.

Requirements: Skills and Abilities

• Culture Fit: Actively Promotes Connection Bank’s core values and consistently projects a positive, professional image to all internal and external customers.
• Ethics: Demonstrates the ability to handle highly confidential information with honesty and high ethical standards.
• Service & Collaboration: Strives for high customer satisfaction; is consistently helpful, pleasant, approachable, and team oriented.
• Industry Knowledge: Possesses advanced knowledge of banking operations, policies, procedures, products, and regulatory standards.
• Regulatory Judgment: Adept at utilizing relevant data, common sense, and independent judgment to ensure financial processes comply with state and federal laws.
• Communication: Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to apply practical common sense to complex problem-solving.
• Organization & Tech Literacy: Excellent organizational and time management skills. Proficient in computer operations, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office/Excel and the ability to quickly master bank-specific software systems.
• Autonomy: Work efficiently and accurately with minimal direct supervision.
• Mobility: Holds a valid driver’s license and maintains a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if travel is required in the course of duty.

Physical Demands

• Stationary Work: Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 80% of the workday.
• Office Mobility: Ability to move throughout the office to access files and equipment.
• Equipment Use: Frequent operation of computers, adding machines, printers, and other office productivity machinery.Lifting: Occasional lifting or moving of office materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Travel: Must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance for occasional travel as required by the role.
• DISCLAIMER: This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned and is subject to change at any time. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Bank and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the need of the Bank and requirements of the position change. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The Person In This Position Must Be Able To

• Stationary Work: Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 80% of the workday.
• Office Mobility: Ability to move throughout the office to access files and equipment.
• Equipment Use: Frequent operation of computers, adding machines, printers, and other office productivity machinery.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting or moving of office materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Travel: Must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance for occasional travel as required by the role.
• DISCLAIMER: This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned and is subject to change at any time. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Bank and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the need of the Bank and requirements of the position change. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.