Staff Accountant- Accounting

Accounting Shared Services Team Member

This role is a member of the Accounting Shared Services team primarily responsible for cooperative equity accounting and vendor management within Accounts Payable. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records related to patronage-based equity, including stock issuance, patronage refunds, revolvements and redemptions for Southern States as well as approximately twenty-five member cooperatives. This role is also responsible for vendor administration, ensuring vendor data integrity and strong internal controls.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintains and reconciles member equity accounts, including stock and patronage allocations.
• Supports the calculation and recording of patronage refunds (cash and equity allocations).
• Prepare and process annual dividend payments, patronage refunds, and equity revolvements in accordance with cooperative bylaws and Company policies and procedures.
• Processes membership redemptions and maintains appropriate documentation ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with cooperative policies.
• Serves as a point of contact for patrons and member cooperatives regarding inquiries regarding equity accounts and balances.
• Manages vendor setup and maintenance, including creating and updating vendor records in the accounting system
• Obtains and maintains required tax documentation and banking information for vendors.
• Prepares journal entries related to member equity activity and accounts payable as needed.
• Prepares account reconciliations as assigned.
• Assists with forfeiture and escheatment processes for stock records and accounts payable.
• Supports the federal tax reporting requirements for stock records and accounts payable, including 1099-DIV, 1099-PATR, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Assists with month-end and year-end close processes.
• Supports financial, bank, and other external audits as needed.

Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in accounting or related field
• 1-2 years of accounting experience preferred
• Working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP)

Requirements:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective analytical, problem solving and communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and various accounting systems
• Ability to manage confidential financial and member information