Accounting Specialist I - Payment Systems

Community West Credit Union; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) eligibility at 90 days

Generous PTO starting in first year

Casual dress code

Healthy work/life balance

Growth opportunities

Hybrid work schedule after training

Job summary

Community West Credit Union is seeking a dedicated professional to support payment operations and financial processes. The role focuses on balancing and reconciling multiple payment systems, resolving discrepancies with internal and external partners, and maintaining accurate ledger entries.

The ideal candidate brings 1–3 years of financial institution experience and an Associate’s degree in accounting, with strong Excel skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting functions and general ledger reconciliation.
• Understanding of payment systems and transaction processing principles.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Balance, reconcile, and process payments across share drafts, checks, credit cards, online payments, RTP, and CO-OP Shared Branch transactions.
• Research, resolve, and process payment discrepancies, adjustments, chargebacks, rejected items, and check corrections with internal and external partners.
• Prepare, post, and reconcile accounting entries related to payment operations, card activity, disputes, and settlement accounts.
• Monitor ACH and electronic payment activity, including NOC verification and account maintenance.
• Assist with monthly accounting functions including GL reconciliations and month-end close.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Research & problem solving

Education

Associate's degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Grow your Career with Community West!

At Community West Credit Union, we believe in people helping people. For over 50 years, we’ve proudly served our West Michigan communities with integrity, personalized care, and a commitment to making financial lives better.

Description

Grow your Career with Community West!

For over 50 years, we’ve proudly served our West Michigan communities with integrity, personalized care, and a commitment to making financial lives better.

If you’re looking for a place where your work truly matters—and where you’re supported, valued, and encouraged to grow—your next career step is right here!

We don’t just offer a job; we offer a workplace you can be proud of:

Exceptional Benefits

• 401(k) eligibility at 90 days
• Generous PTO starting in your first year
• Casual, comfortable dress code
• Healthy work/life balance
• Investment in growth opportunities
• Opportunities for a hybrid work schedule after training

Role Responsibilities

• Daily balancing, reconciliation, and exception processing for payment systems, including share drafts, branch checks, credit cards, online payments, Real-Time Payments (RTP), and CO-OP Shared Branch transactions.
• Research, resolve, and process payment-related discrepancies, adjustments, chargebacks, rejected transactions, returned items, and check corrections from internal and external partners, including the Federal Reserve and Alloya.
• Prepare, post, and reconcile accounting entries related to payment operations, card services, ATM and debit card activity, disputes, settlement accounts, and assigned general ledger accounts.
• Monitor and maintain ACH and electronic payment activity, including Notification of Change (NOC) verification, account maintenance, and backup support for ACH stop payments and account-to-account (A2A) transaction verification.
• Assist with monthly accounting functions, including general ledger reconciliations, reclassifications, variance analysis, and month-end close activities.

Knowledge & Education

• 1-3 years of financial institution experience or related work experience.
• Associate’s degree in accounting, or a related degree; or equivalent relevant work experience.

Other Skills

• Knowledge of accounting functions, general ledger reconciliation, payment systems, and transaction processing principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail, including research and reporting skills.
• Ability to research and solve problems efficiently.

Work Environment:

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5pm EST. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a hybrid work setting.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your growth, and makes a real impact in your community.