C

Columbia Bank

Regional bank expanding through acquisitions

Item Processing Specialist

Full-Time
$18 - $24.50+ Performance-based incentive compensation
Mid
Bachelor's, Associate's
Spokane, WA, USA
In Person
AccountingBookkeeping

About the job

Requirements
  • Three to five years of banking experience or equivalent is required.
  • Strong written and verbal communication is required.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team with minimal direction.
  • Ability to use basic office equipment and operate a 10-key keypad by touch.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and Windows.
  • Related experience and/or product knowledge is required.
  • A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
  • A bachelor's degree is preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Process deposit, loan, and general ledger account activities using an image-based system, ensuring transactional data is accurate.
  • Monitor multiple input and output channels; create and track output files to post transactions and clear transit work.
  • Balance work streams and generate associated reporting.
  • Process deposit transactions and presented transactions accurately and on time; essential functions may be completed the same day or next business day depending on the situation.
  • Determine corrective actions for errors using image-based processing solutions.
  • Operate Check 21 scanning equipment; troubleshoot Check 21 capture issues via phone and email, and escalate issues as appropriate.
  • Verify transmittals to work bundles and prepare cash letters and endpoint summaries for outgoing paper and image cash letter transmissions within established deadlines.
  • Escalate Item Processing production issues to the Item Processing lead or manager accurately and promptly.
  • Complete department production spreadsheets, metrics, and trending.
  • Direct junior associates in day-to-day work activities when assigned.
  • Support internal customers by phone and email.
  • Balance and reconcile general ledger accounts.
  • Reconcile nonpost and stop payment reports, returned items, and NSF items.
  • Research and reconcile out-of-balance customer transactions, including duplicate postings and encoding errors.
  • Process incoming and outgoing large return item notifications.
  • Make decisions on fraud product exceptions.
  • Prepare outgoing foreign item cash and adjustment letters.
  • Perform data entry and uploads.
  • Process requests for research information, adjustments, and affidavits.
  • Process depository corrections and check adjustments.
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable bank regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and bank security requirements, and stay current on regulatory changes.
  • Follow bank policies, procedures, and compliance regulations, and complete required annual or job-specific training.
  • Coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject matter expert when assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

About the company

Columbia Banking System is a regional bank holding company that expanded across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho through acquisitions and now operates the combined bank under the Umpqua Bank brand after merging with Umpqua Holdings. Customers access traditional banking services—deposit accounts and loans—through branches, online, and mobile channels, with local relationship banking supported by a larger regional network. The company differentiates itself by blending a broad Pacific Northwest footprint with a community-bank focus, preserving local ties while leveraging scale from the merger and rebrand. Its goal is to serve local individuals and businesses with accessible banking and loans while growing its reach and capabilities through acquisitions and the Umpqua Bank platform.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Tacoma, Washington

Founded

1988

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 2026 second-quarter deposits grew $650 million during Columbia’s second 2026 campaign.
  • September 2026 priced $250 million subordinated notes, reinforcing capital and growth funding.
  • August 2026 opened Colorado Springs office, extending Colorado coverage beyond Denver into retail banking.

What critics are saying

  • June 2026 Washington suit alleges Columbia aided a $230 million Ponzi scheme.
  • Management called 2026 banking markets unusually competitive on September 15, 2026.
  • If deposit growth slows after acquisition synergies, Columbia loses buyback capacity and earnings momentum.

What makes Columbia Bank unique

  • August 2025 Pacific Premier made Columbia a Western regional bank with California scale.
  • April 2026 franchise banking team targets restaurants with treasury, derivatives, merchant banking.
  • January 2026 systems conversion unified Pacific Premier operations, sharpening Columbia’s cross-sell platform.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Mental Health Support
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Legal Services
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

35%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

8%
PR Newswire
Sep 14th, 2026
Columbia Bank prices $250M subordinated notes offering at 6.721%

Columbia Bank, the banking subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, has priced an offering of $250 million in subordinated notes due 2036. The notes will carry an initial fixed interest rate of 6.721% per annum through September 2031, after which the rate will reset to the Five-Year US Treasury Rate plus 195 basis points. The offering is expected to close on 18 September 2026, subject to customary conditions. The notes are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. Columbia Bank plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including supporting growth and capital adequacy, and to return up to $250 million to its parent company. Columbia Banking System will use the returned capital to redeem certain outstanding trust preferred securities.

PR Newswire
Aug 6th, 2026
Columbia Bank opens first Colorado Springs office, expanding footprint with commercial and retail branch

Columbia Bank has opened its first commercial office and retail branch in Colorado Springs, expanding its presence in the state. The bank has been operating in Colorado Springs since 2023 under Southern Colorado Market Director Alex Sullivan, building a deposit base without a physical location. The 5,500-square-foot facility is located in the downtown Trolley District at 517 S. Cascade Ave. Columbia Bank entered Colorado in 2022 and now operates four offices between Denver and Colorado Springs. The bank offers commercial and retail banking services, treasury management, commercial real estate lending, and other financial services. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB) and operates across nine western US states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

PR Newswire
Jul 30th, 2026
Columbia Banking System appoints Simone Lagomarsino to board of directors

Columbia Banking System has appointed Simone Lagomarsino to its Board of Directors, effective 1 September 2026. She will serve on the Board's Enterprise Risk Management Committee and Audit Committee. Lagomarsino brings over 40 years of financial services experience. Most recently, she served as President and Chief Risk Officer of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank until the company's sale. She previously held chief executive roles at Luther Burbank Corporation, the California Bankers Association, and Heritage Oaks Bancorp. Her board experience includes the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Columbia Banking System, headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is the parent company of Columbia Bank, which operates across nine western US states.

PR Newswire
Jul 23rd, 2026
Columbia Banking System reports $208M net income, repurchases $199M shares in Q2 2026

Columbia Banking System reported second quarter 2026 net income of $208 million, with earnings per share of $0.73. The company repurchased $199 million of common stock and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share. Net interest income decreased $5 million from the prior quarter to $589 million, partly due to $4 million in interest income reversals. Net interest margin fell 3 basis points to 3.93%. Total assets decreased to $65.4 billion from $66.0 billion as the company pursued balance sheet optimisation. Loans and leases declined to $47.2 billion from $47.7 billion, reflecting runoff in lower-return transactional loans. The company completed integration of its Pacific Premier Bancorp acquisition, achieving targeted cost savings. Two deposit campaigns in early 2026 generated approximately $1.25 billion in new deposits combined.

Living In the News
Jul 23rd, 2026
Columbia Bank shares practical cash flow strategies at Weiser Chamber Luncheon.

Columbia Bank shares practical cash flow strategies at Weiser Chamber Luncheon. July 23, 2026 The Weiser Chamber of Commerce welcomed local business owners and community members to its July Chamber Luncheon at the beautiful Sweet Roots Community Gathering Space, 603 E. Main Street in Weiser. Guests enjoyed a delicious carnitas lunch catered by Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant while networking and learning practical strategies to strengthen their businesses. Crystal Torres, Branch Manager of Columbia Bank in Weiser, and Ryan McPheeters, Branch Manager of the Ontario branch, led an informative presentation focused on one of the most important aspects of running a successful business: cash flow. While many people think profitability is the key to success, the presenters emphasized that cash flow is what keeps the doors open. A business may show a profit on paper, but without enough cash available to pay employees, suppliers, rent, taxes, and unexpected expenses, it can still struggle. Using a simple cash flow cycle diagram, Crystal and Ryan walked attendees through the movement of money in a business: * Materials and Services * Accounts Payable * Accounts Receivable * Back to Cash They explained that understanding where money gets tied up allows business owners to make better financial decisions and avoid unnecessary stress. Several practical tips were shared throughout the presentation, including: * Invoice customers as quickly as possible. * Follow up consistently on outstanding invoices before they become overdue. * Take advantage of supplier payment terms while maintaining strong business relationships. * Don't wait until a cash flow problem becomes a crisis, visit your banker early to discuss options. The Columbia Bank team also reminded attendees that local bankers can assist with much more than traditional loans. They offer guidance on merchant services, payroll solutions, invoicing systems, accounts receivable tools, and other financial products designed to help businesses operate more efficiently. One of the featured products was Columbia Bank's SBA Express Line of Credit, available through select SBA Preferred Lenders. The program provides qualified small businesses with access to up to $50,000 in revolving working capital with a simplified application process. The presenters encouraged business owners to establish a line of credit before they need it, providing flexibility when unexpected opportunities, or challenges arise. Throughout the luncheon, Crystal and Ryan encouraged attendees to view their banker as a business partner, not simply someone who processes transactions. Their message was simple: "Profit is important, but cash flow keeps the doors open." The Weiser Chamber luncheons continue to provide valuable opportunities for local businesses to connect, learn from industry experts, and strengthen relationships that help the community thrive. Contact Information Weiser Chamber of Commerce 536 State St., Suite 4 Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 414-0452 Sweet Roots Community Gathering Space 603 E. Main St. Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 740-4967 Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant 1800 E. 6th St. Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 414-6432 Columbia Bank - Weiser Branch 440 E. Main St. Weiser, ID 83672 Crystal Torres, Branch Manager III Office: (208) 549-8608 Mobile: (208) 741-4397 Email: [email protected] Columbia Bank - Ontario Branch Ryan McPheeters, Branch Manager