BLD Connection is the premier trade association representing and supporting building material retailers and suppliers in the Midwest! We provide valuable resources, information, services and education to our members in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Upper Michigan & Wisconsin.

BLD Connection is actively seeking a highly motivated, self starter to join our team as our Staff Accountant/Administrative Assistant.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Accountant/Administrative Assistant position – together with the President – is responsible for the financial management of the organization. This position will process all financial transactions and will ensure that the organization’s financial records are accurate and complete. This position is supported by BLD Connection’s accounting firm who will review monthly activities and complete monthly/annual financial statements.

The Staff Accountant/Administrative Assistant shall also serve as the primary assistant for the Director of Professional Development and BLD Connection’s Membership Team and will be responsible for completing tasks as assigned by each department leader such as setting up and entering registrations, sending confirmation emails, printing, packing and preparing for upcoming classes and/or events, assisting with current and/or new member communications and more. 

This position will also serve as Office Coordinator working with BLD Connection’s building manager and vendors to ensure the BLD Connection office remains functional. This includes management and repair (if needed) of select equipment as noted below. 

*It is anticipated that the duties of this position will breakdown as follows:

· Bookkeeping/Accounting - 50%

· Education & Membership Support - 45%

· Office Management - 5%

This is a full-time, salaried position working 100% from the BLD Connection Home Office currently located in Golden Valley, MN.

Note: BLD Connection will be moving office locations in the fall of 2024. It is anticipated that the office will move no more than 5 miles from its current location.

JOB DESCRIPTION

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Reports to President

• Process & manage Accounts Receivable including processing & tracking of past due accounts;
• Process & manage Accounts Payable ensuring bills are paid in a timely manner;
• Process & manage Sales Tax Reports & Payments;
• Prepare invoices for all Sales & Services;
• Conduct Daily Bank Deposits;
• Manage inventory including but not limited to office supplies, checks, envelopes, in-house publications for sale to members, Year-end inventory Report
• Prepare Month End Reports including fax reports, printing reports & postage reports;
• Maintain all financial records including current year as well as prior year(s) in accordance with BLD Connection document retention policy;
• Assist President with management of banking relationships.

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Reports to President

• Work with building manager to ensure needs of the Association are met. Responsible for requesting service, reporting issues and making other requests as needed;
• Responsible for overseeing specific areas of equipment in the office including phones, internet service and mailing machine while addressing issues with each as presented. This includes training all staff on proper use of each machine and ensuring that each staff member is comfortable utilizing machines to the best of their ability;
• Ensure staff office manuals are kept current with proper lists of general ledger accounts, staff contact information, office support contact information, etc.;
• Primary person responsible for ordering/shopping for all office supplies. Responsible for office supply budget.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

• Serve as primary receptionist for in-bound calls;
• Sort/distribute incoming mail and prepare outgoing mail;
• Assist all departments with drafting and proofing of email and print marketing pieces as assigned;
• Assist all departments with printing, copying, stuffing and mailing of materials.

EDUCATION ASSISTANT

Reports to Director of Professional Development

Administrative Support

• Develops, creates and maintains department templates for each program including but not limited to evaluation forms, certificates of completion, name tents, etc.;
• Assists Director of Professional Development with planning in-person and online educational programs including but not limited to researching meeting locations, ordering meals, ensuring meal delivery, etc.;
• Assists Director of Professional Development and collaborates with Communications & Marketing department to set-up and/or create outgoing emails and social media posts as requested – from time to time, may be required to create email marketing pieces;
• Annually updates and ensures accuracy of College Directory for mailing & emailing event invitations and other correspondence;
• Assist with and/or coordinates department mailings including working with outside vendors to secure quotes for printing & mailing of materials;
• Assists with proofreading department documents;
• Maintains department email lists;
• Assists members and staff with online Learning Management System (LMS); answering questions, assisting with setting up and maintaining accounts;
• Assists with technical support for online classes/webinars when requested;

Registration Support (Education)

• Sets up professional development programs in database as assigned by Director of Professional Development;
• Processes, enters and approves registrations into database, webinar/online meeting platform and other systems/platforms utilized by the department;
• Creates PDF registration forms for classes as needed/requested;
• Sends or establishes process(es) via association CRM/database system to provide confirmation and/or reminder emails to attendees for each class.

Pre/Post Event Support (Education)

• Manages printing, assembling, packing, and shipping all materials for all professional development conferences and events (i.e.: badges, attendee packets, handouts, evaluations, signage, speaker folders, name tents, etc.)
• Manages in-house inventory for professional development supplies and orders supplies as needed
• Prepares post-event evaluation summaries and certificates
• Printing & mailing marketing pieces 
• Conducts post-event tasks including unpacking of supplies/materials, updating attendance records in database, creating summary of returned evaluations forms, etc.
• Assisting with various other projects as assigned by Director of Professional Development

MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT

Supports Regional Field Manager(s)

Administrative Support

• Assists Regional Field Manager(s) with various duties including preparation of marketing/sales materials (create, print, pack) for presentation to members, developing prospect lists, entering travel notes into database/CRM system and more;
• Assists with membership renewal process including but not limited to mailing or emailing acknowledgement letters, past due/non-renewal notices and ensuring membership dues are processed in a timely manner;
• Assists with tracking membership metrics for use in monthly and/or annual membership reports;
• Manages assembly and delivery of new member kits ensuring new members receive welcome packet/kit in a timely manner;
• Answers general questions about membership and/or association programs and services.

EDUCATION & MEMBERSHIP SALES SUPPORT

Reports to Director of Professional Development & Supports Regional Field Manager(s)

Sales Support

• Provides support to all membership drives working closely with Regional Field Manager(s) to help execute drives that are effective and successful;
• Assists with making calls to prospective members to encourage membership within the organization and/or setting up time for Regional Field Manager(s) to make an official visit;
• Conducts outbound calls to members regarding events, conferences and/or seminars as requested/assigned;
• Assists with other various department projects as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES/SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Co-manage BLD Connection Life Insurance Program including processing payments and preparing monthly statements. Duties include but are not limited to processing all deposits, entering payments into Life Insurance database and ensuring the participating employer’s accounts stay current; 
• Assist BLD Connection President with making appointments between members of Congress and BLD Connection member delegates attending the annual NLBMDA Legislative Conference, providing schedule to delegates in a timely manner and helping with any necessary follow-up actions after the conference.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT AND/OR DEPARTMENT LEADERS

Desired Technical Skills:

• Computer skills with a minimum requirement of an intermediate level with the following software programs: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel (or similar spreadsheet program), and Outlook
• Intermediate to Advanced skills with QuickBooks Desktop required
• Intermediate skills with QuickBooks Online (ideal)
• Understanding and prior use of database software - CRM/Association software a plus
• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and other graphic design platforms strongly preferred but not required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Previous office management experience ideal

Other Desired Skills:

• Proven self-starter/independent
• Team player able to multitask and work with several people simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail, well organized, accurate, demonstrates logic-based reasoning
• Ability to prioritize tasks according to due dates and workload
• Able to be extremely flexible
• Thrive on working well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Present yourself in a professional manner
• Ability to creatively yet professionally write copy for marketing pieces and assist others with proofreading
• Comfortability with making outbound calls to encourage member engagement with products, programs and event registrations effectively

Although rare, candidate may be asked to travel to association events & provide support as requested. Typically 1-2 times per year for up to three (3) days.