Junior Staff Accountant

Junior Staff AccountantThe Junior Staff Accountant plays a key role in managing complex expense accounts payable for the company's vehicle fleet, leased buildings, medical and liability insurance, and owner-related expenses. This position oversees detailed invoice review and coding, supports general ledger reconciliations and journal entries, and serves as a resource for multi-state tax compliance. The role also manages primary trade accounts payable, credit card administration, and a variety of expense payments, while maintaining accurate records and positive vendor relationships in a collaborative, family-oriented office environment.Responsibilities:Manage more significant and complex expense accounts payable vendors related to the company's vehicle fleet, leased buildings, medical and liability insurance, and owner's expenses.Review monthly invoices for accuracy and completeness, perform detailed and sometimes complex coding, and ensure proper allocation to general ledger accounts.Understand lease commitments and vehicle registrations, and incorporate this understanding into accurate expense coding and tracking.Communicate effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve questions, discrepancies, and issues related to invoices and payments.Perform monthly general ledger account reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, miscellaneous expense accounts, accounts payable and accounts receivable clearing accounts, and prepaid accounts.Conduct general ledger reconciliations as needed for any account involved in research or changes in use, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.Prepare and enter general ledger journal entries, including routine monthly journals and correcting entries identified during account reconciliation.Serve as a resource for state and local tax rules and for the software setup required to maintain compliance across multiple states.Support and help maintain compliance for state and local taxes in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, California, Texas, Arizona, and Utah, with the potential to add additional states.File all required sales tax, business and occupation (B&O) tax, and property tax returns in a timely and accurate manner.Initiate and renew business licenses as required in relevant jurisdictions.Manage the primary trade accounts payable function, including reviewing all invoices from the company's primary manufacturing business partner.Track and communicate invoice-related issues with the purchasing department and register disputed invoices with the manufacturer.Process payments from a monthly Excel statement for the primary trade account, ensuring alignment with internal records and vendor statements.Review, prepare, and input expense invoices from utility bills, professional services, and credit card statements for multiple locations, including Portland, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Seattle, and Anchorage.Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the company's general ledger accounts and overall account structure.Review, prepare, and perform purchase order matching for a high volume of invoices from the company's largest vendor.Act as the primary administrator and bank contact for approximately 80 company credit cards, ensuring proper setup, usage, and oversight.Process monthly employee expense reports, review them for accuracy and completeness, ask clarifying questions when needed, and process payments and reimbursements.Process various recurring and ad hoc payments such as 401(k) fees, legal invoices, accounting firm invoices, owner membership fees, building and fleet maintenance and repair costs, insurance bills, and company phone bills.Research invoice and payment issues thoroughly and maintain positive, professional working relationships with expense vendors.Update and maintain numerous spreadsheets throughout the month to track expenses, reconciliations, and other accounting data.Perform general office duties including inventorying and ordering office and housekeeping supplies to support smooth office operations.Provide excellent customer service and professional phone support to internal and external contacts.Follow established processes and procedures, while identifying opportunities for improvement within the existing framework when appropriate.Collaborate with colleagues, share information, and contribute to a supportive, team-focused office culture.Essential Skills:Minimum 2 years of experience in accounting with a strong emphasis in accounts payable.Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, including account reconciliations and journal entry preparation and posting.Proficiency in accounts payable processes, including invoice processing, coding invoices, and purchase order matching.Solid bookkeeping skills and understanding of month-end processes.ERP software experience, with the ability to navigate and use an enterprise resource planning system effectively.Strong knowledge of general ledger structure and reconciliations.Proficiency with Excel for data entry and spreadsheet maintenance.Excellent phone etiquette and strong customer service skills when interacting with vendors and internal stakeholders.High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all accounting and administrative tasks.Strong business math skills and proficiency with 10-key by touch.Professional demeanor and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort communicating over the phone and via email.Ability to trace transactions through business software and understand how they flow through the accounting system.Ability to multitask effectively, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.Problem-solving ability and independent thinking within established processes and procedures.Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain orderly records and documentation.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Ambitious mindset with a desire to take ownership of work and contribute to the broader success of the business.Great attitude, adaptability, and accountability in a dynamic office environment.Desire to see the big picture and understand how different parts of the business come together financially and operationally.Drive to be productive, authentic, and engaged, with a sense of humor and positive outlook.Comfort working within established processes and willingness to follow documented procedures rather than redesigning them.Experience with various software tools, including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, and an ERP system.Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and partners.Interest in working in a blue-collar, service-oriented business environment.Commitment to continuous learning and improving knowledge of state and local tax rules and compliance requirements.Work Environment:This role is 100% in-office in a blue-collar office environment near the Lloyd Center, working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The company operates as a petroleum dispensing equipment distributor specializing in service, sales, and specialty construction work, creating a practical, hands-on business atmosphere. The team is very family-oriented, supportive, and loyal, with a culture that appreciates employees as individuals and values their contributions. Employees regularly enjoy potlucks, cookouts, and encouraged company outings, fostering strong camaraderie and a sense of belonging. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance (with a high employer-paid portion for medical and full coverage for dental), two weeks of vacation, 66 hours of sick time per year, an additional day off for your birthday, six paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. The environment emphasizes reliability, teamwork, and respect, while providing opportunities for bonuses, raises, and regular recognition of employee efforts.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $29.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Portland, OR.