Senior Accountant

Position Overview:

The Greater Northwest Area (GNW) Senior Accountant supports the functions of the finance and administrative services for the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Senior Accountant is responsible for managing the day-to-day finance and accounting operations, including maintaining the general ledger, managing accounts receivable and payable, using financial technology systems, and other select finance-related administration.

The Senior Accountant ensures timely reconciliation and reporting of financial statements, prepares financial analyses for the Director and other key stakeholders as requested, and maintains fiscal records. The Senior Accountant serves as the primary contact for internal staff on budget activity, current procedures, financial reports, and other data requests to support day-to-day operations. The Senior Accountant also works with the Director to implement and maintain procedures and software that streamline processes and improve distribution and accessibility of financial information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May assist with hiring and training accounting staff
• May oversee the scheduling, assignments, and daily workflow of accounting staff

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Perform general fund accounting and other related duties for the organization and ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards
• Prepare and analyze monthly balance sheets, income statements, and profit and loss statements
• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger and ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, potential risks and areas for improvement
• Collaborate with other departments on financial matters
• Monitor accounts payable and ensure payments are verified, complete and charged to the appropriate accounts
• Reconcile cash disbursement accounts, payroll, customer accounts, and other financial accounts; monitor accounts receivable collections
• Oversee invoicing system related to apportionments and benefit payments
• Reconcile bank accounts at least monthly, verify deposits, and address bank inquiries
• Perform month-end and year-end close processes
• Assist with both internal and external audits; gather necessary account information and documents to perform annual audit, and address audit findings
• File tax forms with federal, state, and local government agencies
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and procedures; streamline workflows
• Maintain knowledge of acceptable accounting regulations, practices and procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Working Conditions and Environment

This position is based out of the Pacific Northwest Conference Center located in Des Moines, Washington, and is a general business and office environment.

The position may be hybrid (in-office and remote) with supervisor approval.

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting or moving objects up to fifteen (15) pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Operating office equipment and/or tools
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

Travel

• This position requires occasional travel and flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong understanding of accounting principles
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in accounting software and Excel
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google docs, Zoom and other office tools

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Finance or Accounting required or equivalent work experience
• Four (4) or more years of experience in similar work
• Demonstrated experience in accounting, including general ledger, AP, AR and budget support
• Knowledge of GAAP
• Proven experience in monitoring and reporting financial and budget data
• Non-profit accounting experience is preferred

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Understanding and support of the values and mission of the Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church is highly desirable
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, The United Methodist Church and how it functions at the local church, district, conference, and general church levels is highly desirable

Compensation and Benefits

The position is full-time exempt (35 hours per week). The hourly rate range is $32.97 - $38.47 ($60,000 - $70,000 annual) and is commensurate with relevant experience. Benefits include health insurance (medical, behavioral health, wellness incentives, dental and vision), life and employee disability insurance. Benefits also include a generous employer contribution to a retirement plan and paid time off, including vacation, sick, holidays and floating holidays.

About the Greater Northwest Area

The Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church supports the work of more than 400 churches and ministry settings across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington as they seek to be Jesus’ disciples in our communities by following the three principles of our church founder, John Wesley: Do no harm. Do Good. Stay in Love with God. Headquartered in both Portland, OR and Des Moines, WA, our staff stretches across the great expanse of our three Conferences – Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and Pacific Northwest Conferences (geographic territory) - to provide spiritual, financial, programmatic, structural and technical support to our churches and ministry settings.

Who we are: The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for social justice, including civil and human rights. One of our major missional priorities is to dismantle racism in the church and society. We welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ persons at all levels of leadership in the church.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Accommodation

The Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church and its Conferences are equal opportunity employers. We encourage and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace. Applicants with skills and experience that do not meet all the stated requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any time during the application or hiring process.

Apply online for the position at GNW Senior Accountant job application