Job Details

Western Energy Institute – Senior Accountant Needed

So, who are we?

Briefly stated, Western Energy Institute (WEI) is a regional association that serves the electric and gas industries, both public and private, in the Western U.S. and Canada. We’re based in the lively town of Portland, which is a superb place to live and work. In fact, we were recently named by Oregon Business magazine as one of the 100 best nonprofits to work for in Oregon.

Our company’s membership includes 80 energy companies of all sorts, and more than 230 industry service providers. We offer a member-driven, open learning environment to develop great leaders and innovators in our industry. Every year, we sponsor educational and networking programs that help member companies thrive in today’s competitive energy markets.

We need a Senior Accountant.

What does this mean? We need a sharp, savvy person to lead accounts receivable, assist with tax compliance and provide coverage for accounts payable and multi-state payroll as needed. Your primary tasks will fall on a weekly, monthly, and annual cycle, with occasional special projects assigned by our Chief Financial Officer.

This is a full-time non-exempt position of forty hours a week, with an annual pay range of $60,000 - $70,000 plus competitive benefits. A combination of on-site and remote work is available. WEI’s remote work policy is generous.

Do you have what it takes?

We need someone who shows solid experience in accounting for multi-state and international organizations—ideally someone with an expert understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting. Expert skills with Microsoft Office and Quickbooks or other accounting software will get you far.

As far as education goes, we require a Bachelor’s degree or beyond, in accounting, business management, human resources or other operations-type roles. We prefer public (CPA) or management (CMA) accounting certification.

If you read the list below and jump up and down saying, “That’s me, that’s me!” it’s probably a good sign:

• Organized and meets deadlines while keeping work quality high
• Great at math with strong communication skills
• The right kind of mind for collecting, processing, and presenting information in a clear, concise way
• Can put together a quality problem statement and articulate viable, sensible solutions for all levels of decision-makers and stakeholders
• Can follow the Chief Financial Officer’s directions and standards, as well as the rules in the WEI Accounting Manual and Employee Handbook—and of course, complying with applicable laws and regulations is a must
• Can pass a background check and credit check

What would an average day look like?

You’ll need the smarts and poise to handle an important list of monthly and weekly tasks. Here are a few for you to peruse:

 Annually

• Annually generates and distributes membership dues letters.
• Assist with annual budgeting
• Assist with compiling documents for the annual audit

Monthly:

• Assist with month end close:
  • Reconciles program and deferred revenue. Facilitates revenue recognition as programs occur. Facilitates program manager review and authorization. Maintains related audit file.
  • Reconcile membership dues between QuickBooks and SalesForce. Maintain membership dues audit schedule.
• Assist CFO with international, federal, state and local tax reporting and related research and compliance.

Weekly:

• Accounts Receivable Lead:
  • Prepares, posts, verifies, and records customer payments and transactions related to accounts receivable.
  • Manages collections and maintains a low receivable aging balance. Identifies delinquent accounts by reviewing files, and contacts delinquent accountholders to request payment.
  • Lead contact for all customer proprietary invoicing systems, learns the customer’s billing systems and facilitates invoice payment.
  • Maintains and updates customer files, including name or address changes, mergers, or mailing attentions.
  • Maintains audit ready Accounts Receivable files. Copies, files, and retrieves documents for accounts receivable as needed.
• Accounts Payable Back-up:
  • Receives and verifies expense reports; reconciles expense and other financial reports with account balances and other office records.
  • Reviews invoices and payment requests for appropriate authorization and coding.
  • Facilitates payment of vendors, which may include verification of federal ID numbers and resolving discrepancies.
  • Ensures outstanding obligations are credited upon payment, identifies discount opportunities, and issues stop‑payment orders as needed.
  • Responds to employee requests for expense reclassification and resolves discrepancies.
  • Maintains accounts payable files and documentation thoroughly and accurately, in accordance with company policy and accepted accounting practices.

And, occasionally:

• Provides payroll back-up when Payroll + HR Specialist is unavailable.
• Creates and updates instructions for Senior Accountant duties.
• Assist with staff training. Ensures accounting staff is cross-trained and proficient in accounts payable and receivable duties for seamless coverage during personnel absences.
• Assist with other projects.

If you are qualified and interested, please send your resume along with a COVER LETTER that details your interest and how this position would be just the right fit for you. Resumes with cover letters will be given priority. WEI is an equal opportunity employer. Applications should be sent to apply@westernenergy.org by March 3rd.