Bookkeeper

Mid-Columbia Fisheries is seeking a full charge Bookkeeper. The position is open until filled. We will begin reviewing resumes around February 27, 2025. Ideally, the new bookkeeper will begin in April.

Wages and benefits: The position is hourly and expected to be full-time (35 – 40 hours/week). The starting pay is $24 to $28 per hour depending on experience. Mid-Columbia Fisheries offers the following benefits: sick leave, vacation leave, 12 paid holidays per year, health insurance for the employee (85% of the premium covered by the employer) including medical, vision, and dental, and an individual retirement account (IRA) with a employer match (up to 3% of wages) after the first year.

Location: Ideally the bookkeeper should be located in (or very near) Kittitas or Yakima Counties. The bookkeeper should be available for occasional in-person meetings in the Yakima and Ellensburg areas. If the bookkeeper desires office space in Ellensburg or Yakima, Mid-Columbia Fisheries (MCF) has an office in each location. However, work from home, or a hybrid schedule are also options for the right candidate. During the training period of the first several months, the bookkeeper will be expected to occasionally travel to the retiring bookkeeper’s office in Mosier, Oregon.

Hours: The retiring bookkeeper is full-time, and we expect to need a full-time bookkeeper. However, for the right candidate, the position could be slightly less than full-time with the future addition of a part-time clerical assistant.

Schedule: Mid-Columbia Fisheries’ (MCF) staff work typical business hours. The Bookkeeper will have some flexibility in setting their hours within the normal business week. The organization has a virtual staff meeting at 7 am most Thursdays, and the bookkeeper is expected to attend these meetings.

Position Summary: The Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing financial transactions, communicating with MCF’s project and program managers, and assisting in the overall financial management of the organization. Mid-Columbia Fisheries normally has 50 to 60 grants and contracts, mainly from government agencies. The Bookkeeper works closely with the Executive Director and the Grants and Operations Coordinator to ensure smooth operations, transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations.

Required Skills:

• An interest in conservation of natural resources and supportive of Mid-Columbia Fisheries’ mission, vision, and organizational work culture
• High ethical standards and a commitment to accuracy, honesty, and maintaining confidentiality
• A minimum of four years of bookkeeping experience, understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, and a minimum of a year experience running payroll
• A minimum of two years of experience with QuickBooks. MCF currently uses the Enterprise (non-profit) version
• Skilled with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve basic issues with QuickBooks and Excel
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial record keeping
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines, and adaptability to changing priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate effectively and politely with all.

Other Desired Qualifications (not required)

• Experience and understanding of non-profit accounting and/or fund accounting
• Familiarity with payroll tax regulations, Washington taxing authorities, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities:

1. Financial Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using QuickBooks and Excel, and following MCF’s established procedures. Record and classify financial transactions, including income, expenses, and other financial activities in accordance with accounting principles and nonprofit regulations.

2. Payroll:

• Create monthly payroll for a staff of 15 -30 (depending on the season)
• Ensure paperwork is completed for new employees, and new employees are added to QuickBooks.
• Maintain confidential personnel files
• Ensure accurate tracking of sick and vacation leave
• Pay federal and state payroll taxes and file quarterly returns. Manage any correspondence with taxing authorities.
• Create annual W-2 and W-3 forms and file with government agencies.

3. Accounts Payable:

• Accurately record and track transactions
• Process bills and reconcile statements
• Verify payment amounts following MCF’s established procedures, prepare checks and payments, and maintain relationships with vendors
• Manage credit card account used by multiple employees
• Prepare 1099s as required by IRS.

4. Accounts Receivable and Grant Billing and Tracking. Ensure compliance with contract requirements, including:

• Accurately record and track transactions
• Track expenditures and budgets for each grant.
• Track required billing schedule for each grant and ensure accurate and timely billing to grant funders.
• Prepare grant reports, ensure review of these reports by Project Managers following MCF’s established procedures, and prepare invoices to grantors.
• Compile back up documentation for invoices and grant match if required.
• Submit invoices to grantors via government portals and/or in Excel.
• Maintain relationships with financial managers for granting agencies.

5. Financial Reporting: Generate financial reports on a regular basis for internal analysis and external reporting requirements. This includes: preparing monthly financial reports, cash flow reports, and grant budget reports.

6. Prepare year end journal entries and reports.

7. Audits: MCF has one or more audits each year. The Bookkeeper compiles requested information and documentation for auditors to ensure compliance with government regulations. The Bookkeeper meets with the auditor to answer questions during the audit process.

8. Financial Policies and Procedures: As needed, help develop and maintain financial policies and procedures that promote sound financial management practices, efficiency, and internal controls.

9. Miscellaneous other administrative tasks or other tasks as assigned.

To apply: Email a resume, cover letter, and list of references to Margaret Neuman, Executive Director, fish@midcolumbiafisheries.org. Please note: MCF will check references of top candidates after interviews. We may talk to other staff at the listed organizations if we cannot reach the individual reference included in the application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mid-Columbia Fisheries embraces a philosophy that recognizes, values, and actively seeks diversity among its team. We seek to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented and diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, etc.

About Mid-Columbia Fisheries

Mid-Columbia Fisheries is part of a statewide network of Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups working to restore and protect fish populations and habitat. Mid-Columbia Fisheries is a non-profit (501c3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.

We sponsor and implement priority restoration, fish passage, and habitat protection projects throughout our region. We provide educational and community outreach programs that promote the long-term commitment our society needs to protect fisheries resources.

Mid-Columbia Fisheries works throughout south-central Washington in communities along tributaries to the Columbia River, including the Yakima River, the Klickitat River, the White Salmon River, and the Wind River.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Bookkeeping: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ellensburg, WA 98926

Salary : $24 - $28