Staff Accountant

Columbia Bank; Fair Lawn (NJ); On-site; USD 74,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Bank is hiring a Staff Accountant at its Corporate Headquarters in Fair Lawn, NJ. The role focuses on maintaining accuracy in accounting processes, coordinating monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and enhancing control environments across the department.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance, at least 3 years of accounting experience in a regulated setting, and strong Excel and GAAP skills. This is a full-time, hybrid role in Fair Lawn.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related business discipline.
• 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a financial institution.
• Strong attention to detail with high accuracy; able to work independently and with others.

Responsibilities

• Manage general ledger reconciliations across departments with internal controls.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual management and regulatory reports.
• Support SOX and FDICIA compliance through evidence retention and control rigor.
• Maintain loan accounting under FASB 91 and related cost studies.
• Maintain fixed asset accounting and depreciation forecasts.
• Provide cross-functional accounting support as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent & collaborative

Excel proficiency

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Core banking systems

General ledger platforms

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Staff Accountant - Corporate Headquarters - Fair Lawn, NJ

Accounting Regular Full-Time Fair Lawn, NJ, US 1 Attachments

Salary Range: $74,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

Columbia Bank is a full-service consumer and commercial bank serving individuals, businesses, and communities across New Jersey, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Through our banking, title, insurance, and wealth management businesses, we provide a broad range of financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We are also committed to strengthening the communities we serve through employee volunteerism, community partnerships, and the Columbia Bank Foundation.

Why this role Matters:

Responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of certain areas of the accounting function. Plan, coordinate and assemble the required monthly, quarterly and annual management and regulatory reports and surveys. Develop and disseminate procedures to meet the requirement of increasingly complex accounting regulations. Moderate to strong understanding of accounting principles and bank operations.

What You'll Deliver/Areas of Impact:

General Ledger Reconciliations & Internal Controls

• Manage the general ledger reconciliation process across multiple departments, ensuring timely completion in accordance with internal control standards.
• Review account reconciliations for accuracy, completeness, and proper supporting documentation; research, resolve, and document reconciling items and vacancies.
• Support compliance with FDICIA and Sarbanes-Exley (SOX) by reinforcing control execution, evidence retention, and segregation-of-duties requirements.

Regulatory, Audit & Management Reporting

• Prepare and / or review reports as required by Bank, external auditors and regulatory agencies.
  • These reports include but are not limited to: GUDPA Certification Statement; Loan Cash Flow Schedules; Thrift Lending Test; Loan Statistics and Lending Trend Reports.

Loan Accounting

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the FASB 91 accounting function.
• Plan, coordinate, and perform periodic loan origination cost studies.
• Update standard cost figures on an annual basis.
• Monitor, review, and update all deferred fee and cost sheets.
• Administer all deferred loan fee reporting on monthly basis. Review specific deferral accounts to ensure accuracy of balances.

Fixed Asset Accounting

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the Fixed Asset accounting function.
• Prepare federal and state fixed assets / depreciation tax forms and identify related book / tax differences.
• Prepare depreciation forecasts for use with annual capital budget.
• Review all invoices and compile all components of a fixed asset on control spreadsheet.

Cross-functional Support

• Remain cross-trained in other functions of the Accounting Department and performs other duties as may be assigned

Regulatory Readiness & Professional Development

• Keep abreast of accounting, regulatory and statutory requirements

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related business discipline required.

Minimum 3 years of accounting experience, preferably within a financial institution or regulated environment.

Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Technology Qualifications:

Experience preparing audit supporting documents.

Experience with general ledger reconciliations in compliance with FDCIA and Sarbanes-Oxley.

Experience supporting or responding to internal and external audit requests.
Understanding of US GAAP, banking regulations, and accounting principles.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Experience working with core banking systems and general ledger platforms.

How We Take Care of You:

Build a stronger future for yourself, your family and the communities we serve. At Columbia Bank, meaningful work comes together with a collaborative and rewarding culture, opportunities to learn and grow, and a total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security and overall wellbeing. Benefits include healthcare choice, retirement savings with company support, employee ownership, wellness resources, education and student loan programs, paid time off and financial protection. Join a company where your contribution is valued, your growth is supported and your career can make a meaningful impact.

The hours that you will dedicate to work:

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home, based on business needs. This arrangement may change without notice.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.