General Accountant - The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: General Accountant
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Location: Longview, WA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Opening Date: February 15, 2024
Salary Range: $36.93-$51.69 per hour DOE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled. First Review February 29, 2024

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

Position Summary:
Performs all finance and accounting activities as required by standardized accounting procedures and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Responsible for the accurate preparation and monitoring of financial books, records and financial reports to the CIT and any grantor agencies as requested. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and Accounting department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures the accuracy of source documentation that may include: purchase requisitions, timesheets, invoices, capital acquisitions/transfers for proper account coding and level of authorization.
• Maintains accuracy of financial data and reports by verifying financial transactions according to standard policies and procedures.
• Prepares timely and accurate financial reports for departments, external agencies, and department management as requested.
• Prepares and assists with annual audits; prepares reconciliations and audit schedules as requested.
• Prepares, submits and implements corrective action plans for any audit findings.
• Reviews reports for variances, trends, and current financial position.
• Manages payable and receivable accounts and check registers; prepares bank transfers and wire transfers; performs monthly reconciliations of accounts.
• Calculates, codes and enters transactions into financial system including journal entries, and sub system corrections; manages sub-ledgers; completes month end closings and postings to general ledgers.
• Assists other departments or agencies with discrepancy resolution, interpretation of financial results, budget preparation and system, and the interpretation and clarification of accounting policies and procedures.
• Reconciles general ledger accounts with supporting documentation to ensure balance sheet accounts are properly classified, recorded at realizable value and supported by adequate documentation.
• Prepares and reviews financial statements on a timely basis; submits to management or agency as required.
• Maintains internal financial controls including: cash receipts/disbursement ledgers, reconciliation of monthly bank statements, allocation of salary and fringe benefits, recording of journal entries, and executes the General Depository Agreement; communicates and reviews results with supervisor.
• Conducts annual inventories of capital as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and submittal of annual operating budgets.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of financial control systems and methodology.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations that apply to fiscal operations.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, database and accounting software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in statistical compilations and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying cultural and social backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures.
• Ability to analyze financial information and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to prepare complex, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to read, comprehend, explain and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Two years of accounting experience.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.

Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.