Item Processing Specialist

Columbia Bank; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement savings with company

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Identity theft protection

Legal support

Auto and home insurance

Pet insurance

Discount marketplace access

Paid vacation

Sick days

Volunteer days

Holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank is hiring for a role focused on processing deposits, loans, and general ledger activities using image-based systems. The position emphasizes accurate transactional data, timely processing, and escalation of issues to leadership when needed.

The candidate should have 3–5 years of banking experience, strong communication skills, and be able to work independently and within a team. Local onsite work in Spokane is required, with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years — banking experience or equivalent (Required)
• Strong written and verbal communication is required.
• Ability to work independently and within a team with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Process deposit, loan, and general ledger account activities utilizing image-based system.
• Balance work streams and generate associated reporting.
• Reconcile nonpost and stop payment reports, returned and NSF items.
• Investigate and resolve out-of-balance customer transactions such as duplicate postings or encoding errors.
• Process large return item notifications and research information as needed.
• Support internal customers via phone and email.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Teamwork

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Windows

Job description

About the Role

• Process deposit, loan, and general ledger account activities utilizing image-based system.
• Perfect transactional data.
• Monitor multiple input and output channels.
• Create and track output files to post transactions and clear transit work.
• Balance work streams and generate associated reporting.
• Process various aspects of item processing deposit transactions.
• Process all presented transactions timely and accurately.
• The essential functions may be performed on the same day or next business day depending on the situation.
• Determines necessary action to correct errors utilizing image-based processing solutions.
• Operates Check 21 scanning equipment.
• Acts as a resource with Check 21 capture troubleshooting via phone and email, and escalates issues as appropriate.
• Verifies transmittals to work bundles and prepares cash letters and endpoint summaries for outgoing paper and image cash letter transmissions within established deadlines.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely escalation of all Item Processing production issues to the Item Processing lead or manager.
• Ensures completion of department production spreadsheets, metrics, and trending.
• May be responsible for directing junior associates in day-to-day work activities.
• Support internal customers via phone and email.
• Balance and reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Reconcile nonpost and stop payment reports, returned and NSF items.
• Research and reconcile all out of balance customer transactions as necessary ie, duplicate postings, encoding errors, etc.
• Process incoming and outgoing large return item notifications.
• Decision fraud product exceptions.
• Prepare outgoing foreign item cash and adjustment letters.
• Perform data entry and uploads.
• Process requests for research information, adjustments, and affidavits.
• Depository corrections.
• Check adjustments.
• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training.
• Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
• Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

About You

• H.S. Diploma/GED (preferred)
• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
• 3-5 years — of banking experience or equivalent (Required)
• Strong written and verbal communication is required.
• Possesses the ability to work both independently and within a team with minimal direction.
• Ability to use basic office equipment and 10-key by touch.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• PC literate in Excel, Word, Outlook and Windows.
• Requires related experience and/or product knowledge
• Travel Requirements Occasional
• The pay range for this role is $18.00 - $24.50.
• The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location.
• The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location

• Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
• 7106 W Will D Alton Lane Spokane WA 99224

Our Benefits

• We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
• an employee assistance program
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• tuition assistance
• mental health resources
• identity theft protection
• legal support
• auto and home insurance
• pet insurance
• access to an online discount marketplace
• paid vacation
• sick days
• volunteer days
• and holidays

Our Commitment to Diversity

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship-based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive. Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means: Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities. Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies. Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other. Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

Why work for Columbia Bank? A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives.

Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.