Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing a wide range of functions which may include payroll processing, processing of accounts payable, monitoring of miscellaneous receivables, plant accounting, and other general ledger support. This position is part of a cross-functional accounting team where all members are trained across key functions to ensure continuity and redundancy. The Staff Accountant will focus on developing proficiency in all areas of cooperative accounting with increasing responsibility over time.

• Payroll Processing
  • Assists with processing biweekly payroll for all employees ensuring accurate pay, tax with holdings, and all required deductions (e.g., court-ordered, 401(k), insurance, and other miscellaneous items).
  • Collaborates with HR to verify the accuracy of all employee deductions and benefits.
  • Prepares and remits payroll tax payments and filings to federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Completes monthly labor closings and all required payroll tax reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annually).
  • Reconciles all payroll-related general ledger balances.
• Accounts Payable
  • Assists with the accounts payable process from invoice receipt through payment.
  • Initiates electronic payments using ACH or wire transfer and posts transactions to the general ledger in a timely manner.
  • Is cognizant of current rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to sales and use tax and applies them appropriately.
  • Maintains accurate vendor records, ensuring completeness of information for annual Form 1099 reporting.
  • Files and maintains electronic and paper copies of paid vendor invoices.
• Assists with the miscellaneous receivables process, ensuring timely billing and payment collection.
• Maintains accurate property records, including additions, retirements, and adjustments, using inventory data, staking sheets, and labor distribution reports.
• Reviews and processes work orders, ensuring proper material and labor charges and account coding.
• Performs monthly closing of the work order and transportation systems.
• Prepares and presents the Open Work Order Report and participates in monthly review meetings.
• General Accounting
  • Assists with processing monthly fixed journal entries.
  • Reconciles all bank accounts.
  • Assists with updating the daily cash sheet and monthly cash projection worksheet.
  • Assists with the preparation of financial reports and documentation for the annual independent audit.
• Other
  • Exercises professional courteous conduct in dealing with the members and other employees.
  • Maintains a safe and clean working environment by adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Provides support during major outages by assisting in whatever manner necessary as prescribed in the Emergency Outage Plan.
  • Assists in achieving a greater degree of teamwork by performing all other duties as assigned.

A degree in accounting or a related field is preferred.

Some accounting experience preferred. Previous electric utility accounting experience helpful.

• Should be capable of learning to process payroll and prepare payroll tax and information returns.
• Should be capable of learning vendor invoices and perform other accounts payable procedures.
• Should be able to understand RUS accounting and the work order process.
• Should be able to understand internal controls and apply them consistently.
• Must be able to effectively interface with employees at all levels of the organization, members and general public and vendors.
• Must be able to operate personal computers and other standard office equipment.
• Must have a valid drivers license.

Normal office hours are 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Additional time outside of normal hours may be required for specific projects and…