Northern Wasco County PUD is seeking its next Senior Accountant to join our vibrant and growing utility. This position is a full-time 40 hours per week position and offers a flexible 4/10 work week. This position is hybrid with 1-2 days in the office and the remaining days remote.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for performing general accounting activities according to FERC standards and under the direction of the Accounting Manager. This includes assisting in the preparation and maintenance of financial statements, journal entries, miscellaneous accounts receivable billings, accounts payable, and various subsidiary records and ledgers. In addition, the Senior Accountant will provide support for work orders, inventory, and fixed asset functions as well as assist with financial audit preparations, annual budgeting, external reporting, rate calculations, cash management, and payroll processing review.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Generous PTO Accruals
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 85% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary
• 401(k) 5% base + 7% match = 12% total possible employer contribution
• 457(b) 
• 100% Employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• HRA VEBA
• Business Travel Insurance
• Voluntary benefits

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare and reconcile monthly bank statements, billing reports and adjustments, and related documentation.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of various subsidiary records, ledgers, and monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports including reports for various state and financial agencies.
• Maintain extensive financial records for support of financial statements and prepare and post routine and complex journal entries to the general ledger system to record activity and adjustments.
• Assist in the preparation of financial schedules and reporting for the annual budgeting process by compiling department budget projections and narratives. Analyze utility retail and wholesale revenue and expenditure data in support of budget, rate, and financing decisions.
• Prepare for and coordinate the annual external financial audit which includes gathering and reviewing relevant data and information, prepare reports, findings, and justifications, and communicate with external auditors as needed during the audit process.
• Provide insight and recommendations for the organization’s cash flow by monitoring and reconciling banking and investment accounts, ensuring that the organization can meet its financial liabilities.
• Provide support for average cost perpetual inventory records of material and work order accounting transactions to ensure timely and accurate work order closing.
• Assist and support recognition and retirement of fixed assets and closing of the subsidiary ledger monthly.
• Ensure proper labor and material account code distribution for payroll, work order, and inventory processing.
• Explore, develop, and implement process improvements designed to streamline accounting processes while enhancing document and data integrity, reliability, and usability for internal customers.
• Create reports for ad hoc requests.
• Collaborate on projects and reporting with internal and external stakeholders to provide accurate financial data and guidance when needed.
• Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations and protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions:

• Assist in the preparation and processing of accounts payable invoices and maintenance of vendor and related payables documentation.
• Assist in software and/or system implementations and updates.
• All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.
  

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: PLEASE NOTE: This position requires the use of various tools/equipment that are related to performing the essential functions of this job.

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and computerized accounting systems.
• Strong knowledge of financial statements and analysis of financial statements, as well as forecasts of revenues, expenses, and cash balances.
• Intermediate knowledge of budget principles and procedures, and variance analysis.
• Strong skills in financial and operating data, making complex calculations, and conducting moderate to technical level analyses with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in the use of 10-key calculator or keypad and in a variety of computer software applications, with demonstrated expertise using the Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem solving, research, organizational, and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. The ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other diverse audiences while providing outstanding customer service.
• Strong skills in decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, workflow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail.

Supervisory and/or Functional or Technical Responsibility or Oversight:

• No supervisory responsibilities
• Provides system and process training to lower-level staff

Job Scope:

• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment, analysis, and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations.
• Problems are difficult to define and symptoms vague. Identifies problem source, contributing factors, and alternatives before determining best course of action.
• Job duties are moderately varied. Order, priority, and work methods may be selected and adapted. Interprets policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Tasks and information relative to this position are of a confidential and/or sensitive nature requiring strict confidentiality and professional conduct.

Mental or Visual Demand:  Continuous mental and/or visual attention; the work is either repetitive or diversified requiring constant alertness to monitor the production process and/or identify defects.

Working Conditions: The job is typically performed under very comfortable working conditions; any disagreeable elements are generally absent during normal performance of job.

Physical Requirements:  Requirements are those consistant with normal office administrative or clericlal positions such as sitting, standing, walking, keyboarding. May push up to 50lbs, and/or lift, pull, or carry up to 25lbs. 

*Northern Wasco County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

QUALIFICATIONS: Recommended Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications): Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered.

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in accounting, Finance, or other relevant Business degree required.
• Six (6) years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.
• Four (4) years progressively responsible accounting experience preferred.

About Northern Wasco County PUD

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District is a customer-owned utility that provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with electricity in Wasco County, Oregon. As our name implies, “people” are what we are all about. We take great pride in providing quality electric service at some of the lowest rates in Oregon, the Northwest and the nation. The 70-plus employees who work at the utility greet each customer with a friendly smile and provide prompt, efficient and courteous service. Our customers experience few power outages because our electrical system is well maintained. Nearly all of the electricity needed to serve our customers is purchased from the federal Bonneville Power Administration, which serves several dozen public utilities in the Northwest with low-cost electricity. Northern Wasco PUD also has two hydroelectric power generation projects that supplement our BPA power.

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