Senior Accountant

Senior AccountantAt Pacific Service Credit Union, we are committed to strategic growth through trust, innovation, and operational excellence. By empowering our internal teams with the tools and support they need to succeed, we strengthen organizational efficiency, ensure compliance, and advance our mission of enhancing member financial well-being.The Senior Accountant is responsible for independently performing and reviewing complex accounting activities to support accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial reporting. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, this position owns assigned general ledger areas, contributes to the monthly and year-end close, prepares regulatory and management reporting, researches accounting issues, and supports audits, examinations, system initiatives, and process improvements. The role works closely with other members of the accounting team and business partners to resolve issues and maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and credit union policies.This role requires an organized and dependable individual with strong communication skills and the ability to complete tasks accurately and on time. The position supports the team and organization by assisting with day-to-day activities, completing assigned projects, and contributing to efforts that advance organizational goals and uphold core values, while enhancing member/service outcomes.Essential Job FunctionsPrepare, review, and post journal entries, including recurring, accrual, amortization, reclassification, and other complex entries.Research accounting issues, evaluate transactions, and assist management in determining appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with applicable accounting standards.Prepare and maintain detailed account reconciliations for assigned general ledger accounts.Investigate and resolve reconciling items and accounting discrepancies in a timely manner.Maintain the fixed assets system and post related general ledger entries.Assist with preparation and review of monthly financial statements and management reports.Own assigned components of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including preparation of supporting schedules, variance analysis, review of unusual activity, resolution of open items, and completion of responsibilities within established close deadlines.Assist in developing and maintaining accounting procedures and internal controls.Support accounting and reporting related to the allowance for credit losses and CECL methodology.Maintain accurate accounting for investments and related income, premiums/discounts, fair-value adjustments, and other investment activities as applicable.Prepare, review, and reconcile assigned regulatory reports and supporting schedules, including applicable NCUA Call Report schedules; validate source data, investigate variances, maintain supporting documentation, and escalate material issues before filing deadlines.Assist with accounting for loan-related activities, including loan fees, deferred costs, charge-offs, recoveries, and other applicable items.Prepare audit and examination schedules, respond to information requests, explain assigned accounting processes and balances, coordinate timely resolution of follow-up items, and assist with implementing agreed corrective actions arising from annual financial statement audits and NCUA examinations.Assist with the preparation and filing of applicable tax returns and related tax schedules.Identify control weaknesses or process improvement opportunities and communicate recommendations to management.Participate and/or lead in system implementations, upgrades, conversions, and other finance-related projects.Manage the end-to-end unclaimed property (escheatment) process, ensuring timely compliance with applicable state laws and reporting requirements.Verify outgoing member wires and process corporate wires in accordance with established authorization limits, dual-control requirements, security procedures, and applicable policies; promptly escalate exceptions or suspected irregularities.Assist with creating, maintaining, and updating the Chart of Accounts, including evaluating requests, confirming appropriate account classification, maintaining supporting documentation, obtaining required approvals, and communicating changes to affected stakeholders.Administer assigned accounting-system user access in accordance with approved requests, documented role-based access standards, segregation-of-duties requirements, and periodic access-review procedures. The position may process access changes but may not approve its own access or requests for which it is the system owner.Research and compile supporting information for weekly and monthly rate changes; validate source data, document calculations and approvals, and communicate completed updates to designated stakeholders in accordance with established procedures.Collaborate cross-departmentally to resolve financial inquiries.Review selected reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, or other work prepared by accounting team members, as assigned, and provide constructive feedback to promote accuracy, consistency, and staff development. Maintain clear process documentation and cross-train team members to support operational continuity and effective backup coverage.Contribute to company innovation and continuous improvement. Foster a culture of evolution by adapting to changes, optimizing processes, and contributing to the growth and success of the organization.Demonstrate accountability in your work by taking ownership of responsibilities, setting clear goals, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality results. Act with integrity, follow through on commitments, and uphold professional standards.Support and uphold company culture by aligning your work with the credit union's mission and values, contributing to a positive, high-performing environment.Demonstrate dependable performance including attendance and punctuality, recognizing that it is essential to organizational excellence and operational success.Comply with all anti-money laundering laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC regulations, and the USA PATRIOT Act, as well as all related policies and procedures.Supporting FunctionsProvide back-up and support to management, as directed.Performs special projects and other responsibilities as directed.CompetenciesJob knowledge: Demonstrates solid job expertise; learns and applies new skills effectively; works with minimal supervision; understands how work impacts others; uses resources efficiently.Effective communication: Communicates clearly and concisely; tailors messages to audience needs; engages listeners; keeps stakeholders informed.Problem solving: Identifies issues early; gathers and analyzes information effectively; develops alternatives; resolves problems promptly; contributes productively to group solutions.Quality of work: Delivers accurate, thorough work; proactively reviews processes; prevents recurring issues; ensures deliverables meet all standards, expectations, and deadlines.Member focus: Shows courtesy and professionalism; manages difficult situations constructively; meets commitments; responds promptly; seeks feedback to improve service.Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships; demonstrates tact and professionalism; supports others; works cooperatively; helps resolve conflicts productively.Execution: Translates strategy into action; pursues goals with focus and urgency; commits the necessary effort; implements plans efficiently and delivers results within required timeframes.Required Minimum QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related discipline with sufficient accounting coursework, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and progressively responsible accounting experience, required.CPA, CMA, or active progress toward a relevant professional certification, preferred.Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including substantial responsibility for general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, financial statement preparation, and financial analysis. Experience in a credit union, bank, or other regulated financial institution is preferred; directly relevant public accounting or financial-services audit experience may be considered.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP or comparable lookup functions, SUMIFS, data validation, error checking, and analysis of large data sets. Experience with Power Query or similar data-transformation tools is preferred.Excellent oral and written communication skills, required.Must be proficient in computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).Preferred QualificationsStrong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and accounting practices applicable to financial institutions, including experience with NCUA financial and regulatory reporting requirements.Experience with accounting software, core financial systems, and financial reporting applications.In-depth knowledge of month-end closing processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analysis.Experience with loan, investment, deposit, and other financial institution accounting.Experience assisting with external audits, regulatory examinations, and tax filings.Knowledge of Symitar software, strongly preferred.Proven ability to formulate and articulate solutions to resolve issues independently or within a team.Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex accounting issues.Strong self-starter, exhibiting a high level of dependability, initiative, and self-motivation.