Loan Accountant

Loan Accountant

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of a Loan Accountant II to join our Loan Accounting department in Spokane, Washington (Headquarters). This full-time position reports to the Director, Loan and Tax Accounting and works as part of a team to provide all accounting functions for loans and leases through all phases of origination, servicing, monetary, tax reporting and collection.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Spokane, Washington is:

Level II: Typical starting range: $60,000 - $80,300 Full base salary range: $60,000 - $90,400 Annual performance-based incentive target is 8% of base.

*Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position.

Essential Duties

• Communicate internally with stakeholders responsible for direct customer interactions, legal documents, and compliance. Also communicate with external stakeholders including commercial banks and Farm Credit entities nationwide.
• Provide operational expertise and consultation on how to structure loans within the accounting system to all business units and branch personnel on complex loans and related financial products.
• Review loan documents and credit agreements for accuracy and consistency to the loan accounting and general ledger systems.
• Reconcile daily loan to general ledger outages and clearing accounts; conduct full spectrum reconciliation including reviewing, researching, analyzing accounts, documenting findings and processing the appropriate accounting entries utilizing multiple computer software programs.
• Works within Loan Accounting Leasing and Funds Management workflows to assist with daily processing, setups, researching and correcting outages as needed.
• Perform daily and monthly report monitoring and make independent decisions to ensure loan terms and key data elements are accurate in accordance with guidelines under accounting standards, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Prepare detailed and organized work papers to support daily work and reconcilements.
• Train others and ensure teammates are aware of and performing updated processes and procedures; effectively update procedures, policies, and internal control documentation.
• Demonstrate high attention to detail and analytical ability as well as a working understanding of loan accounting, financial accounting, and related systems.
• Participate in various projects as assigned, both within the department and in collaboration with other functional areas, including the Annual Tax Reporting project.
• All work is in alignment with Internal Controls, accounting standards, regulations and organizational policies.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Generally, requires one or more years' experience in general business, accounting, finance or similar role in an office setting
• Knowledge of finance and accounting principles
• General understanding of credit related laws and regulations
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, loan accounting, and general ledge systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven time management skills with a proactive approach to deadlines
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend.

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.