Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About BrightStar

As a member of BrightStar Credit Union, you'll join a dynamic, purpose-driven organization with a culture that focuses on its employees and members. We offer excellent benefits, advanced opportunities, and exceptional training. Founded in 1946 as a community-based credit union focusing on educators, we expanded to serve 23 counties across Florida. As a Trusted Advisor, BrightStar offers a diverse range of financial services and opportunities. BrightStar Credit Union is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone has a chance to succeed and a sense of belonging. Our work environment is fun, fast-paced, and service-oriented.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401 (k) Plan with Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Supplemental Benefits
• Engagement Area
• Wellness Studio & Gym
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Contributions

Role Responsibilities:

• Reconcile assigned general ledger accounts, research discrepancies, and clear outstanding items within defined timeframes.
• Complete month-end reconciliations by the 20th of each month.
• Perform general ledger account analyses to ensure accuracy and proper classification.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with year-end closing activities and audits.
• Assist with quarterly Call Report preparation, including gathering data and preparing schedules
• Serve as backup to the AP Specialist.
• Process A/P and A/R transactions as needed.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset subledger (additions, disposals, depreciation, roll-forwards).
• Maintain the Prepaid Expenses subledger (new items, amortization periods, schedules).
• Compile recurring and ad-hoc reports and financial analyses.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas) to conduct research and prepare reports.
• Prepare documentation for external audits and regulatory exams.
• Work with internal departments to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve internal controls.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with financial, operational, and member information.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of accounting experience in a financial institution (Journal entries, GL reconciliations, A/P, A/R, fixed assets, prepaid expenses).
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic formulas) and familiarity with accounting systems.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail and deadline management.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Preferred

• Experience in a credit union or banking environment.
• Familiarity with Call Report requirements.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with (Jack Henry Symitar, Velera, Sage Intacct).

Compliance:

• Every employee must uphold the credit union's compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering policies and procedures. Specific functions within B.S.C.U. will consider awareness of unusual or suspicious activity relevant to the department.
• In addition to any other assigned training courses, online B.S.A. and O.F.A.C. courses must be completed at least annually, as made available by the Training and Compliance Department.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, Customer Identification Program, U.S.A. Patriot Act, O.F.A.C., Fair Lending, and Credit Card Act.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environmental characteristics described here represent those that employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

BrightStar Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BrightStar Credit Union is a Drug-Free Workplace