Loan Accounting Specialist

Description

The Loan Accounting Specialist is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, completeness, and timely reconciliation of loan accounting records and servicing activity. This position serves as a key control point between loan servicing, payment processing, customer transactions, and the general ledger.

Key responsibilities include reconciling loan transaction activity, outstanding loan balances, payments in process, ACH activity, refund processing, and other loan-related accounting records. The Loan Accounting Specialist investigates and resolves discrepancies, identifies transaction exceptions, supports month-end close activities, and assists with audit and regulatory requests. This role works closely with Loan Servicing, Operations, Treasury, and Accounting to ensure the accuracy and integrity of loan accounting information.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with the ability to identify and resolve complex transaction discrepancies while maintaining strong internal controls and attention to detail.

Essential Functions:

• Reconcile loan servicing system balances to the general ledger and supporting subsidiary records.
• Monitor and reconcile suspense, clearing, settlement, and exception accounts associated with loan operations.
• Monitor and reconcile payments in process across multiple payment channels, including ACH, lockbox, online payments, wires, debit card transactions, and other payment methods.
• Identify, research, and resolve payment posting exceptions in a timely manner.
• Research and resolve unapplied cash, rejected transactions, duplicate payments, and other payment processing discrepancies.
• Track payment activity from receipt through final posting to ensure transactions are processed completely and accurately.
• Troubleshoot ACH transmission, settlement, posting, and exception issues, coordinating with internal teams and third-party providers as needed.
• Assist with month-end reconciliation and close activities related to loan accounting and servicing.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records to support reconciliations, transaction research, and audit or regulatory requests.
• Provide operational support to Loan Servicing, Accounting, Treasury, and other departments as needed.
• Perform other related duties and operational support as assigned.

Requirements

Skills:

• Strong understanding of GAAP and general accounting principles
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with accounting systems and banking software; strong Excel skills required
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating as part of a team

Qualification/Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
• Previous accounting experience required; experience within a banking or financial services environment strongly preferred
• Experience with reconciliations, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting

About IFB:

Idaho First Bank Idaho First Bank (IFB) is a full-service state-chartered community bank established in October 2005 and headquartered in McCall, Idaho. Known for its People First and Community First motto, the Bank serves the greater Southwest Idaho and Central Oregon communities. Branch locations include McCall, New Meadows, Eagle, Ketchum, Nampa, Boise, and Bend. Idaho First Bank is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit us at www.idahofirstbank.com

Idaho First Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer