Associate I

Columbus Bank and Trust Company

Columbus (NE)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 39,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Paid time off and holidays

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability/

SEP/Bonus

Career development/Training

Job summary

Columbus Bank and Trust Company is seeking an Associate I - Finance to support daily accounting, reporting, and control processes. You will work with the Finance and Accounting team to ensure accuracy and timely financial records.

The role requires careful attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across departments. This is a full-time, on-site position with standard bank benefits and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
Two years of accounting, bookkeeping, or related financial experience.
Knowledge of general accounting principles and reconciliation.
Strong math, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Excel, Word, and standard software.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting records.
Complete general ledger reconciliations and research unreconciled items.
Prepare GL entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, and adjustments.
Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures.
Support internal, board, and regulatory reports and filings.
Review transactions for accuracy and compliance with procedures.
Assist with accounts payable activities and vendor records.
Support fixed-asset accounting and depreciation schedules.
Monitor general ledger and bank accounts; research exceptions.
Assist with bank settlements reconciliations and regulatory reviews.
Provide data for audits, tax prep, and external examinations.
Maintain organized records per retention policies and assist budgeting.
Identify process improvements and support system updates.
Collaborate with Retail, Lending, IT, Compliance, and other teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Word proficiency

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Bank accounting systems (Fiserv)

Job description

At Columbus Bank and Trust, our employees are the heart of our story—and we’re committed to their success! Please see below the details of this career opportunity and how it fits into our organization’s success.

Full Time, Hourly, Mon-Sat

Seeking a team oriented, positive and outgoing professional for the Associate I - Finance position at Columbus Bank and Trust!

What’s in it for you?:

Columbus Bank and Trust has a focus on a superior employee experience that goes hand in hand with our superior customer experience!

All Full-Time employees are eligible for benefits including:

Competitive Pay
Paid time off and paid holidays
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability/SEP/Bonus
Career development/Training/Career coaching/Job shadowing
Employee banking benefits and other discounts

About Us:

Columbus Bank and Trust Company is a locally owned hometown bank that first opened its doors on February 2, 1935. Since that day, we have remained deeply rooted in the Columbus community, proudly maintaining local ownership for more than 90 years.

The original owners—R.V. Prokop, J.H. Moeller, and W.E. Barkley established the bank with a commitment to personal service and community investment. In 1938, the Bradley Family acquired the bank and guided it for 75 years. In July 2013, a local group of investors purchased Columbus Bank and Trust Company, reaffirming its commitment to remaining locally owned and community driven. Jeff Johnson was appointed President and Chairman of the Board at that time.

Today, Columbus Bank and Trust Company continues that legacy under the leadership of Joshua Johnson, President & Chief Executive Officer, with Jeff Johnson serving as Chairman of the Board.

The bank has experienced meaningful growth over the past two decades. In 2004, our Highway location opened to better serve our expanding customer base, and our Downtown location has undergone several renovations to enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency. While we have grown in size, services, and technology, our focus has never changed.

Our strength lies in relationships. Our employees are actively involved in civic, church, and local organizations, investing their time and leadership into making Columbus stronger. We believe community banking is more than transactions, it’s partnership, trust, and long‑term commitment.

For generations, Columbus Bank and Trust Company has remained:

Customer Focused. Community Minded. LOCALLY Owned.

Our Mission Statement:

To be the locally owned, hometown bank, providing a wide range of exceptional financial services that meet the needs of our customers through our dedicated, knowledgeable and courteous employees

What You Will Be Doing:

The Associate I, Finance & Accounting is responsible for supporting the bank’s daily accounting, financial reporting, reconciliation, and operational control functions. This position performs a variety of accounting duties while helping ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely completion of the bank’s financial records.

The Associate I serves as an experienced member of the Finance and Accounting Department and is expected to work independently on assigned responsibilities, identify discrepancies, assist with problem resolution, and provide support for audits, regulatory reporting, and month‑end processes.

In this role, you will:

Prepare and maintain daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting records and supporting documentation.
Complete general ledger reconciliations and research outstanding, unusual, or unreconciled items.
Prepare, review, and process general ledger entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, and account adjustments.
Assist with month‑end and year‑end closing procedures to ensure financial information is accurate and completed within established deadlines.
Support the preparation of internal financial reports, management reports, board reports, and regulatory filings.
Review financial transactions and reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established accounting procedures.
Assist with accounts payable functions, including invoice review, coding, payment processing, vendor records, and supporting documentation.
Assist with fixed‑asset accounting, including additions, disposals, depreciation, and maintenance of supporting schedules.
Monitor assigned general ledger and bank‑controlled accounts and promptly research identified exceptions.
Assist with correspondent bank, Federal Reserve, Federal Home Loan Bank, and other settlement account reconciliations.
Provide financial information and supporting documentation for internal audits, external audits, regulatory examinations, and tax preparation.
Maintain organized financial records in accordance with the bank’s record‑retention requirements.
Assist with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and other financial planning activities as assigned.
Support the monitoring and reporting of departmental expenses and bank‑wide financial performance.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Assist with the implementation and testing of accounting systems, software updates, and process improvements.
Work collaboratively with Retail, Lending, Loan Operations, Deposit Operations, Compliance, Information Technology, and other departments to research and resolve financial discrepancies.
Protect confidential customer, employee, and bank information at all times.
Comply with all bank policies, internal controls, and applicable state and federal regulations, including BSA, AML, and OFAC requirements.
Serve as a backup for other Finance and Accounting responsibilities as needed.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

This role plays a key part in protecting the financial integrity of the bank and supporting informed decision‑making while helping Columbus Bank and Trust remain Customer Focused, Community Minded, and Locally Owned.

Required Qualifications:

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Minimum of two years of accounting, bookkeeping, banking operations, or related financial experience
Working knowledge of general accounting principles, account reconciliation, and financial recordkeeping
Experience reviewing financial information and identifying errors or discrepancies
Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Ability to organize multiple responsibilities and meet established deadlines
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and other standard business software
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
Previous banking, financial institution, or regulated‑industry experience
Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting, or month‑end closing
Experience preparing account reconciliations and supporting audit requests
Familiarity with bank accounting systems, Fiserv applications, or similar financial software
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis
Understanding of banking regulations, internal controls, and regulatory reporting requirements

Key Competencies: