Position Summary: 

The accountant supports the agency's fiscal operations by executing a variety of functions emphasizing accounts payable. The position executes processing of accounts payable and credit card/expense reports, and maintains vendor data, using accounting software. Additionally, this role responds to accounting-related inquiries, prepares, and assists in the development, implementation, and monitoring of accounting controls, and ensures accounting policies are followed.  

Portland, OR | Hybrid  

Reports to: Director of Finance and Accounting  

Department: Administration  

Posting Opens: November 26th, 2024 

Posting Closes: Apply Immediately! This position will close once sufficiently qualified applicants have been received. 

Projected Interview Timeline: First Week in January   

Anticipated Start Date: End of January 

Salary range: $67,100 to $93,950

ABOUT TRAVEL OREGON  

Travel Oregon is dedicated to inspiring travel that uplifts communities and preserves the unique culture and natural beauty of Oregon. Founded in 1995 and now a semi-independent state agency, Travel Oregon promotes tourism that balances economic opportunity with respect for Oregon’s ecosystems and diverse cultures. Through partnerships, marketing, research, and community engagements, the organization supports sustainable tourism. Guided by a commitment to equity, stewardship, and prosperity, the team fosters a welcoming, collaborative environment to drive tourism initiatives that benefit all Oregonians. Our industry website contains a wealth of information, and you can read Travel Oregon’s 10-Year Strategic Vision here.   

JOB SCOPE   

Work performed in this position receives moderate supervision; it involves recurring situations with occasional variations from the norm and is moderately complex. Complexity is derived from the necessity of the ability to apply GASB and GAAP principles as well as state and agency accounting policies, monitoring a large variety of vendors, numerous complex contracts and other agreements, detailed internal tracking of program expenditures, and stringent documentation requirements. The incumbent determines the practices and procedures that govern typical work and contributes to the development of new concepts.  

 Decisions are made within prescribed operating guidelines. The incumbent is not accountable for budget preparation or compliance and informally makes recommendations concerning long-range strategic (departmental) and operational planning (departmental). Mistakes and errors in work may result in incorrect payments, impairment of vendor relationships, as well as compliance and clerical errors that may raise the agency’s audit risk.  Financial records are maintained by this role with other team staff.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY   

The role has no supervisory responsibilities.   

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS   

Contact normally occurs with others inside and outside the organization, although a slight majority is internal. Internal contacts most frequently include other departments or locations; external contacts are primarily vendors.  

Communication mostly occurs face-to-face or in virtual settings, via email by phone.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR DUTIES   

• Review, process, and reconcile vendor invoices, grant disbursements and check requests, routing for coding, and approvals using software.  
• Review invoice coding for adherence to agency budget coding by program, contracts and agreements, and governmental accounting standards board (GASB) and accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Review invoice approvals for adherence to agency signature authority by budget program. Reconcile payables with contracts, agreements, and purchase orders, comparing services, rates, and terms of payment. Resolve any issues prior to payment in coordination with contract and program managers.  
• Ensure timely payment of vendor invoices, preparing semi-monthly check runs; post and maintain accurate records of payments.  
• Serve as point of contact to staff and vendors.  
• Process expense and credit card reports and verify to ensure appropriate documentation and adherence to expense policy. Resolve any issues before posting and payment. 
• Process and distribute departmental financial reports and other reports as requested; review monthly financial reports with program managers and update records as needed with appropriate documentation.  
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring accounting controls and process and platform improvements.  
• Assist in the preparation and execution of biennial financial review. 
• Assist with fiscal year-end closing procedures and reporting.  
• Establish and maintain vendor files. Prepare annual vendor 1099 tax forms, coordinating with contracted CPA firm.  
• Maintain accounting files and documentation thoroughly, accurately, and following agency policy, contract requirements, and accepted accounting practices.  
• Support other accounting functions and related needs, as necessary.  
• Participate in meetings/planning/initiatives (individual, team, department, and agency-wide) to support a strong workplace culture and successful performance/execution of agency strategy. Elevate/solve issues, support change, and ensure the maintenance of productive process.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

Minimum Qualifications  

• A bachelor's degree in accounting -OR- any combination of education/coursework/training and work experience necessary to meet position requirements.  
• At least two (2) years of experience in accounting with experience in double-entry bookkeeping and accounts payable and purchase orders with a strong understanding of accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  
• Experience with high proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel. Familiarity with the use of video and audioconferencing platforms such as Zoom and with project management and collaboration tools such as ClickUp.  

Desired Qualifications  

•  Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional accounting experience, preferably within a public sector or government agency, with demonstrated involvement in compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.  
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage Intaact) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including experience with pivot and lookup tables.  
• Education/Certification:  Successful completion of the State of Oregon Accounting Career Mobility Program or equivalent accounting certificate program from an accredited college or university. Master's or professional degree in accounting, finance or similar degree.    

JOB EFFORT AND CONDITIONS      

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time (sitting or standing); communicate with employees, partners, and stakeholders; and use electronic devices to communicate, develop work products, and fulfill responsibilities. When working at the physical office, the employee is required to move inside the office to attend meetings, access items, and use equipment, and occasionally move or transport items up to 20 pounds.       

Work outside of normal business hours, including long hours during peak periods, is expected.    

Occasional travel, including overnight travel, one to two times per year, is required for this position. Travel working conditions vary based on business reasons but typically include extended periods of maintaining stationary positions (sitting or standing) and attending meetings and social situations. While traveling, the employee must move inside buildings, offices, and establishments to conduct business travel and meetings and move or transport items up to 20 pounds. Rarely is the employee required to move or transport items up to 20 pounds.    

Benefits  

Accrual of 12 days (about 1 week 10 days) paid vacation and 12 days (about 1 week 10 days) paid sick leave  

11 paid holidays, and annual award of 3 days personal business leave, 3 days paid volunteer leave and available paid bereavement leave  

100% of core benefits (medical/dental/vision) premiums are covered by Travel Oregon.  

Optional health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).  

After six full months of employment, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including generous Travel Oregon contributions with no employee match required; optional participation in a 403(b) account (Oregon Savings Growth Plan) is also available.  

Equal Employment Opportunity  

Travel Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage and respect different viewpoints and experiences as essential to innovation. We strive to acquire, grow, and maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace that applies principles and standards equitably while supporting the needs and accommodations of the individual employee.  

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal and state laws, it is the policy of Travel Oregon to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the employment application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact jobs@traveloregon.com. Travel Oregon provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. Please review the following webpage on veterans' preference in state employment and indicate your status and submit documentation accordingly: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/pages/veterans.aspx.