- 6-12 months accounting, bookkeeping, grant and/or government program financial practices, business office or government eligibility clerical or accounting support.
- Valid driver’s license and good motor vehicle driving record (acceptable to insurance company).
- Successful background check which may including a credit check.
- Ability to learn limited scope of financial quality standards, program guidance and directives, USDOE, CEO, EOC, or other funder accounting and financial reporting requirements.
- High School Degree, GED or equivalent.
- Computer operation, digital literacy, and the ability to learn quickly and become proficient in several programs (QuickBooks, Windows, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, FileMaker, etc.)
- Proficiency with excel spreadsheets required.
Preferred Experience or Training
- Training, education, credentials, experience or military service in accounting, finance, grant management, nonprofit, or government eligibility programs or trades/building business operations.
- Accounts payable, receivable, expense report or payroll processing experience preferred.
- Bilingual in Spanish is preferred and may be eligible for bilingual pay increase if fluent and utilized at work.
- Experience with standard accounting digital apps and software such as Emburse or QuickBooks a plus.
Responsibilities
- Under the leadership of the Finance Manager, the Finance Assistant will process or coordinate day-to-day financial transactions, receivable, payables, expense tracking and similar functions. Reviews and closes monthly job files and completes data entry into grant reporting systems.
- Learns programs and funding sources including account coding structure and basic grant fiscal requirements to ensure daily work and transactions follow financial policies and procedures.
- Leads the tracking, managing, and organization of rebates for all programs and communicates with partners and utilities companies regularly.
- Develops and manages funding portfolios for individual clients.
- Recommends system improvements to enhance efficiency and cost management.
- Updates Excel spreadsheets, performs data entry and data accuracy checks in multiple applications such as Salesforce, QuickBooks, Optomizer, and FileMaker.
- Provides administrative support to Finance and Program Managers for audits and executes transactions in line with GAAP and regulatory policies.
- Communicates regularly and coordinates with warehouse, finance, outreach, and field staff.
- Attends meetings and as needed. Handles special projects and drives program vehicles safely.
- Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with care.
- Operates program vehicles safely.
- Responsibly uses or monitors use of credit cards and store accounts. Reports expenses on time and correctly in Emburse.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work systemically and implement daily transactions and reporting based on government procurement and reporting guidelines and GAAP.
- Demonstrates administrative level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Be able to understand complex information and communicate it to others clearly.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a wide range of people from diverse experiences and different backgrounds.
- Proficient in standard office tasks and familiarity in operating and complete basic troubleshooting on all office machines including computers, copiers, smartphones, etc.
- Demonstrate ongoing ability to effectively accomplish work in a dynamic, rapidly growing organization where troubleshooting and continuous learning happens daily.
- Ability to work effectively in a publicly funded income-eligibility (low income) program in the climate action space.
Training & Credentials
On-the-job and instructor-led training is provided and required (in person and online). Within the first 12 months, Finance Assistant will complete:
- Excel 1 (beginner) Employers Council or equivalent (if not proficient).
- At least 2 hours of relevant DOE Weatherization Training Program Administrative Professional Training, or WAP Program Grantee Managers Training Toolkit.
Within 24 months Finance Assistant will complete:
- Excel 2 (intermediate), and 3 (advanced) or similar, or
- Salesforce or Emburse
- Administrator Training (4+ hours), or
- Additional 4 hours of DOE Weatherization Training Program Administrative Professional Training, or WAP Program Grantee Managers Training Toolkit or other related DOE/CEO Weatherization-specific training, or
- Other equivalent and related training.
Program Description
The Energy Program provides quality energy efficiency services in a safe and cost-effective manner to income qualified households across a 13-county area of Northwest Colorado by administering several programs designed to lower energy costs for qualifying Coloradans. The three largest programs include: the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). These programs help qualified Coloradans save money, increase comfort, and better their homes and environment through proven energy conservation solutions. Solutions include high efficiency furnaces and appliances, building shell insulation, lighting upgrades, air source heat pumps, and rooftop solar arrays, among others.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
NWCCOG Energy Program provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual preference, age, or disability. This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties associated with this position. Incumbents currently holding this position may perform additional duties, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. It is essential to possess the physical stamina necessary to work extended hours. Qualifications mentioned above represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.