Accountant 1

Job Description Summary: An incumbent in the role of Accountant 1 is responsible for ensuring assigned accounting tasking is completed accurately, in a timely manner, and appropriately tracked/documented for reconciliation, auditing and/or issue correction as may be needed. An Accountant 1 is also responsible for assigned research, customer service, and finance team support on an ongoing basis. Assigned accounting tasks may include payroll responsibilities. Job Description: JOB SUMMARY An incumbent in the role of Accountant 1 is responsible for ensuring assigned accounting tasking is completed accurately, in a timely manner, and appropriately tracked/documented for reconciliation, auditing and/or issue correction as may be needed. An Accountant 1 is also responsible for assigned research, customer service, and finance team support on an ongoing basis. Assigned accounting tasks may include payroll responsibilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES *As an Accountant 1, the essential duties listed below are representative of general accounting responsibilities; tasks may be payroll focused, if so assigned. Responsible for accurate and timely compilation and classification of financial information, and appropriately preparing journal entries. Generates accrual entries, as required. May be assigned to process semi-monthly payroll and ensure that information is accurate and validated, including any needed data entry/update/correction for accurate payment. Accurately prepares reconciliations, documents business transactions, as well as identifies, researches, and resolves outstanding issues. Assures general ledger accounts are reconciled and responsible for creating/maintaining on-going month-end, quarterly, and year-end reports. Reconciliations, transactions, and research may be specific to wages, benefits, and tax payments for current employees, separated employees, and retirees. Accountable for analyzing accounts for reasonableness to ensure all are working as expected. Analysis may include work schedules, hours reported as worked, paid-time off, overtime pay, deductions from pay, as well as applicable accruals. If payroll-focused, responsible for troubleshooting, reconciling, and correcting information in previously collected payroll data. Partners with internal parties to professionally communicate issues that arise with financial transactions; may be responsible for responding to questions and concerns about payroll from employees, managers, and upper management, and collaborating to resolve issues or concerns. Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of financial transactions as appropriate. Accountable for handling tax payments as may be applicable for assigned tasking; ensures tax reporting is accurate and finished on time. Tasking may include processing of W-2 forms for employees at the end of each calendar year as well as preparing responses to notices from government agencies regarding employee tax filings that comply with federal/state payroll tax requirements for multiple states as may be necessary. Collaboratively partners with internal departments, areas, and leaders to verify policies and procedures regarding financial transactions when needed; if assigned payroll tasking, partner directly with human resources for alignment around workers compensation, FLSA interpretation, protected leave recording/paid out, etc. as needed. Responsible for working with outside agencies as may be applicable to assigned accounting tasking; if payroll focused, responsible for accurate and timely retirement plan (e.g., pension, 401k, etc.) processing, and helping with reimbursement for eligible retired employees plus timely preparation and administration of costs with the Retiree Drug Subsidy. Responsible for engaging in internal audit activities in support of accurate accounting functioning; if payroll-focused, audits payroll information for accuracy with every payroll cycle. This essential duties listing is not all inclusive, but representative. Other duties may be assigned. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES May be requested to support other Finance team members as backup and serve as a training resource. Assists Finance leadership with projects, tasking, research, and the like, as may be assigned. Responsible for assisting in any external audit processes as assigned – may include external audits as contracted by BCBSWY and/or audits that may be required by regulatory agencies. APPLICABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (KSA) Knowledge of general accounting concepts. Ability to analyze results of reconciliations and understand when follow up is required. Ability to design and analyze data using spreadsheets and databases. Proven capabilities of working with minimal supervision Ability to communicate clearly in written form. Interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with others. Proven skills with Microsoft Office Suite programs/applications (e.g., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, etc.) If performing duties as an Accountant 1 specifically within the Payroll department, will also require the following KSAs: Knowledge of, ability to interpret, and consistently apply, Federal, State, and local wage and hour policies and employment tax laws. Knowledgeable in pension accounting, auditing, and reconciliation to maintain accuracy and account for changes. Maintains contemporary knowledge of rules and laws which govern the payroll administration practices. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of earned Associate degree in Accounting required, earned Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred. PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee will typically experience: Standing, walking, and sitting. Lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds; occasionally lifting and/or move up to 25 pounds short distances. Usage of close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Manipulation of keyboards, keypads, and calculators. Placing and answering telephone calls. Focused task tracking and follow-through. Some interpersonal tension in problem-solving/resolution interactions. Speaking/presenting to internal and external audiences of diverse sizes. Work environment noise level that is usually moderate. Open office environment with few, if any, loud sounds, or ongoing auditory distractions. Some deadline related stress. As needed evening and weekend hours on a periodic basis. Minimal travel, typically in-state. To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSA) as listed in representative fashion; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with limitations/disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The essential duties and KSA listed are not all inclusive, but representative. Other duties may be assigned. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is an EOE, M/F/Vet/Disabled employer. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Equal Opportunity is the Law EEO is the Law Supplement IER Right to Work FMLA E-Verify Pay Transparency Rooted in Wyoming, Blue Cross Blue Shield Wyoming is a not-for-profit health insurer with offices throughout the state. Ever since a small group of caring, persistent Wyoming women helped us put down roots in 1945, everything we do is aimed at better healthcare for the people of Wyoming. Our mission is to help Wyoming citizens receive and pay for the healthcare they need to live healthy and productive lives. Are you interested in joining the largest, most experienced insurer in Wyoming? If you're are committed to customer service above all else, you would be a great fit for a career with us.