Accounting Specialist

Accounting SpecialistAbout TRS Since 1917, the Teachers' Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS) has been securing better futures for NYC educators. With a pension fund valued at approximately $123 billion, TRS serves over 274,000 members, providing them with retirement, disability, and death benefit services. At TRS, we seek dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on our member-centric culture, focused on delivering outstanding service and support to our members.Position Summary We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to support key accounting operations through accurate record maintenance, payment processing, reconciliations, and member account support. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines. The ideal candidate is dependable with excellent communication skills, and a commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.Key Responsibilities EFT Processing & Reconciliation - Process EFT deletions, reversals, returns, reclaims, and replacement payments for both periodic and non-periodic disbursements in accordance with pensioner and member account activity. Ensure compliance with established OLA and SLA requirements while performing detailed reconciliations of EFT payments, returns, reversals, and reclaims. Monitor and maintain hold-check listings to ensure timely resolution and accuracy.Records Management & Data Maintenance - Maintain, update, retrieve, and validate financial and member records across multiple systems, databases, and applications while ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality.Member & Beneficiary Communication - Communicate directly with members, pensioners, and beneficiaries regarding replacement payments, returned checks, and account-related inquiries. Prepare and distribute professional correspondence and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.Banking Operations & Account Support - Support banking operations and exception-processing activities by coordinating with financial institutions and internal stakeholders. Research and retrieve financial data to respond to inquiries related to pensioner and beneficiary accounts, and update demographic and account information as needed.Team Support & Quality Oversight - Assist in training team members and reviewing work for accuracy and compliance. Maintain production metrics, tracking reports, and operational documentation to support departmental goals and continuous improvement initiatives.Systems & Process Improvement - Participate in unit modernization efforts, system enhancements, production support activities, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.Benefits of Working for the City of New York - Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedules offer a balanced combination of remote and in-office work, supporting a balanced professional and personal life. Comprehensive Health Benefits: Access to excellent healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans. Retirement Plans: Robust pension plans, including the New York City Retirement Systems (NYCERS), and NYC Deferred Compensation (401k and 403b) providing financial security post-retirement. Commuter Benefits: Enjoy pre-tax deductions for eligible commuting expenses, reducing your taxable income and saving you money. Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement through various training programs and workshops. Competitive Salaries: Competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Paid Time Off: Generous paid leave policies, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. Work-Life Balance: Programs and policies supporting a balance professional and personal life. Career Growth: Long-term career prospects supported by a stable and well-established city government. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs, while working full-time for a qualifying employer like the City of New York. Diverse Work Environment: Inclusive and diverse workplace culture, reflecting the vibrant city of New York. ASSOCIATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS - 40493Minimum Qualifications 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in mathematics, statistics, accounting, economics, finance, data analytics, project management, business administration, public administration and/or actuarial science. 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and: a) Two years of satisfactory full-time experience performing analytical, administrative or customer service work within a financial institution, retirement system, or pension performing one or more of the following: financial account management, resolving complex financial inquiries, or ensuring compliance with regulatory standards; or b) One year of satisfactory full-time experience performing mathematical, statistical, actuarial, or accounting computations in one or more of the following: i) a retirement or employee benefits plan; and/or ii) for customer service in a financial institution; and/or iii) in a position requiring the application of law, rules, and regulations and the use of statistical, actuarial, or similar tables. 3. An associate degree or completion of 60 semester credits from an accredited college and either three years of experience as described in "2(a)" above, or two years of experience as indicated in "2(b)" above 4. An associate degree or completion of 60 semester credits from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 9 semester credits in mathematics, statistics, accounting, economics, finance, data analytics, project management, business administration, public administration and/or actuarial science and two years of experience as described in "2(a)" above, or one year of experience as indicated in "2(b)" above 5. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and either four years of experience as described in "2(a)" above, or three years of experience as indicated in "2(b)" 6. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2', "3", "4", or "5" to the above. College education may be substituted for the experience described above on the basis that: a) Fifteen semester credits from an accredited college including at least three semester credits in the areas described in "4" above may be substituted for six months of the required work experience. b) Thirty semester credits from an accredited college may be substituted for six months of the required work experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and either a baccalaureate degree as described in "1" above, or at least two years of experience as described in "2 (a)" above, or one year of experience as described in "2 (b)" above.Preferred Skills - Strong knowledge of banking operations, accounting, reconciliation processes, Microsoft Excel, and GAAP principles. Ability to reconcile, analyze, and interpret financial data accurately using spreadsheets and financial systems. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently and meet established timelines. Analytical, adaptable, and results-driven professional with a strong commitment to accuracy, member service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.55a Program This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.Additional Information The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.