Finance Assistant I

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

EAP

Job summary

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) in Bakersfield, CA is seeking a Finance Assistant I to support the organization’s financial operations. The role includes maintaining financial records, assisting the Bookkeeper with daily accounting tasks, and ensuring compliance with laws and policies.

You will help with payroll, invoicing, code reviews, journal entries, and grant-related activities while providing general Finance Department support to promote timely accounting processes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; higher degrees preferred.
• 1-3 years of finance/accounting experience required.
• Valid CA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Review, verify, and process invoices with PO and receipts.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies with internal departments and vendors.
• Process credit card transactions with proper documentation and coding.
• Support payroll by handling timesheets and related docs.
• Maintain organized financial records and document retention.
• Provide purchasing and payment processing support, cross-trained in finance functions.
• Prepare journal entries and maintain accounting records.
• Perform account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with grant-related budgeting and tracking.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Written communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor in Finance or Accounting (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

EHR systems

CIMS

Job description

Hours Per Week: 40

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Summary/Objectives of Position

The Finance Assistant I is responsible for supporting the organization's financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records and assisting the Bookkeeper with daily accounting functions. This position helps establish and maintain financial accounts, accurately records and posts financial transactions, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies. The Finance Assistant I also assists with payroll processing and data entry, maintains payroll and financial records, and ensures that all required documentation is complete, accurate, and properly retained. Additionally, this position provides administrative support to the Finance Department to promote the timely and efficient completion of accounting and payroll functions

Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Review, verify, and process invoices by matching purchase orders, receiving documentation, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with agency procedures.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies by communicating with internal departments, vendors, and appropriate stakeholders.
• Review, code, and process organizational credit card transactions, ensuring proper documentation and appropriate expense coding.
• Support payroll processing by distributing, collecting, reviewing, and submitting employee timesheets and related payroll documentation.
• Maintain organized financial records, including invoices, payment documentation, and accounting files in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Provide purchasing and payment processing support and serve as a cross-trained resource for finance functions.
• Prepare journal entries and assist with maintaining accurate accounting records.
• Perform account reconciliations and assist with identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Assist with grant-related financial activities, including budget coding, expense tracking, and ensuring expenditures align with funding requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for office equipment and conduct annual inventory reviews.
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoices, payments, and billing questions; assist healthcare providers and internal stakeholders with billing-related questions as needed.
• Prepare financial reports, documentation, and supporting information required for internal reporting, audits, grant submissions, and proposals.
• Maintain regular communication with the Bookkeeper regarding financial activities, outstanding issues, potential concerns, and operational needs.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and compliance requirements while supporting the mission, philosophy, and goals of BAIHP.

Minimum Mandatory Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of prior experience working in finance or accounting required.

License/Certification:

• Valid CA driver's license.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are needed to identify and resolve financial issues.

Communication Skills:

• Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents.
• Ability to write routine and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work productively and make independent decisions.

Technology:

• Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems.
• Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems.

Benefits Offered at BAIHP:

At BAIHP, we value our employees and strive to provide comprehensive benefits to support their well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Here's what we offer:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental, Health, & Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Vacation Reward)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Indian Preference

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) is an Indian Health Service-funded Urban Indian Organization and complies with the Indian Preference Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 472 and 473). In accordance with federal law, preference in hiring and employment is given to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native applicants.

Subject to, and consistent with the Indian Preference Act, BAIHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, except where Indian preference applies as authorized by federal law.

BAIHP is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive workplace dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the American Indian and Alaska Native communities we serve.