Staff Accountant

Job Description

The Staff Accountant assists with the preparation and the maintenance of the financial records of the cooperative in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Uniform System of Accounts.  This position will work closely with the Director of Finance and Accounting to maintain accurate financial records for both the electric and broadband segments; analyze financial data, and provide actionable insights to support decision-making across the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration:

• Prepares informative, useful management and statistical reports.
• Assists with maintaining contracts applicable to the department that support internal practices.

Accounting & Finance:

• Prepares monthly bank statement reconciliations and ensures appropriate corrections are made. Reviews daily cash receipts for accuracy; prepares adjusting entries as necessary.
• Maintains accurate financial records by preparing general ledger reconciliations, identifying reconciling items or errors and recording adjusting entries of various general ledger accounts as necessary. Balances general ledger to subsidiary ledgers.
• Prepares and records monthly journal entries.
• Assists with gathering information and maintaining records for property tax filings.
• Assists with the recording and monthly payment of the power bill.
• Assists with the preparation and timely filing of all tax reports.
• Assists with the preparation and timely filing of monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports with the proper agencies.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and industry-specific regulations.
• Analyzes complex financial data to identify trends and provide explanations for variances to budget.
• Assists with the administration of the Corporate Credit Card program and processing the monthly credit card reconciliations.
• Prepares credit applications as requested by prospective vendors.
• Prepares reports and assists as needed for external audit requests.
• Assists with the preparation and data entry of the annual budget.
• Makes requests for certificates of insurance and ensures that all vendor forms are up to date.
• Prepares miscellaneous receivables invoices as needed.
• Maintains a sufficient amount of petty cash and reconciles the account.
• Assists with the preparation and filing of payroll related tax filings and forms and annual enrollment documents as needed. Serves as a backup for payroll, maintaining total confidentiality of all employee payroll records and data.
• Cross trains with the plant accountant/work order clerk to gain insight into the plant accounting processes.
• Serves as a backup for critical billing operations during absences or peak periods.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cash management and accounting, with a strong preference for experience in the electric, broadband or energy sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office products required.
• Valid Indiana Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates analytical skills: Able to gather relevant data using appropriate methodologies and analyze that data in such a manner that valid conclusions and insinuations can be drawn that assist in making important business decisions.
• Strong communication skills. Able to clearly present information through spoken or written work; interprets and simplifies complex information; good customer relations; active listener; ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Works to create positive communication and relations by being a good listener, conveying ideas, and understanding how various pieces of work fit together.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including the ability to apply critical thinking skills and logical discernment to complex situations where different opinions may be in conflict.
• Strong mathematical abilities (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and ratios), including the ability to process data.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
• Comfortable with navigating and adapting to change in a fast-paced and evolving industry. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Focus on continuous improvement; driven to improve processes and drive efficiencies within the department.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, displays a courteous and positive attitude.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with both internal and external representatives.
• Collaborative, with a strong desire to work within a team environment and drive positive change.
• Knowledge and experience of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) uniform system of accounting preferred.
• Contributes as needed to support the cooperative principles.
• Strong desire to learn and develop.
• Maintains a respectable personal appearance.

Additional Information

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday within or between departments or facilities.
• Ability to interact frequently with others, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
• Normal, non-smoking office environment.
• Required to talk, sit at a desk or in a vehicle, and drive a vehicle.
• Use hands and fingers to work with computer equipment, peripherals.
• Required to lift objects up to 30 pounds. Noise level is usually moderate.
• Vision--abilities to read.
• Travel required approximately 10 percent of the time; overnight travel required approximately 5 to 10 days per year for training, conferences, meetings, etc.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.