Bookkeeper

Position Summary

The Bookkeeper assists with the day-to-day accounting functions of the facility in accordance with current acceptable accounting and cost reimbursement principles relating to nursing home operations as directed by the Administrator and/or as consulted by the Director of Accounts Receivable.  

Position Responsibilities

• The Bookkeeper is familiar with Medicare/Medicaid, insurance billing, resident funds and accounts payable functions.   Responsibilities of the Bookkeeper include (but are not limited to): 
• Promotes and maintains a focus of patient-centered care
• Adheres to laws, rules & regulations and practices ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Maintains compliance with long-term care regulations including federal, state and health regulations
• Responsible to the Administrator for the overall implementation and accuracy of the accounting function that aligns with resident rights
• Has strong abilities in enforcing laws, rules & regulations, ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and ability to implement and maintain compliance with these regulations governing the facility, resident rights, accounting and cost reimbursement
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of an adequate accounting system that reflects the operating cost of the facility
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished
• Maintain an open packing slip and purchase order file
• Match invoice to packing slips and purchase orders
• Process and verify payment of invoices on a timely basis using the process and methods established by the facility
• Ensure invoices are coded properly
• Ensure paid invoices are maintained in accordance to the facility process and procedures
• Record payments received to appropriate cash receipts journal
• Prepare reports and submit in accordance to facility policy and procedure and/or regulations
• Verify accuracy of daily deposit ticket with cash receipts journal
• Maintain a file of copies of all charge slips, debits, credits, etc. issued to each resident
• Assist in balancing accounts receivable by running tapes, verifying computer printouts,
• Assist in preparing monthly financial statements to include preparing monthly balance sheet, income and expense reports, etc. as required with resident accounts
• Prepare and mail statements
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator concerning accounting functions
• Assist in reconciling bank statements as directed
• Assist in preparing trial balances as directed
• Assist in preparing financial and statistical reports as directed
• Perform functions of computer/data processor as necessary
• Develop and utilize computer reports and output
• Ensure that resident admission contracts are signed and appropriately filed
• Follow established resident fund accounting procedures.  Provide each resident with a quarterly accounting of his/her funds managed by facility
• Assist in the planning and implementation of changes in our accounting system as necessary or directed
• Perform administrative functions as necessary or directed
• Agree not to disclose assigned user ID code and password for accessing resident/facility information and promptly report suspected or know violations of such disclosure to the Administrator
• Agree not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or know violations of such disclosures to the Administrator
• Report any know or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility’s information system
• Report suspected or known incidence of fraud relative to false billings, cost reports, kickbacks, etc.
• Ensure that departmental computer workstations left unattended are properly logged off and or the password protected automatic screen-saver activates within established facility policy guidelines
• Ensure appropriate reports are complete and submitted accurately and timely
• Perform position duties in a manner as to assure resident safety and rights are priority
• Adheres to the facility corporate compliance program and promotes the program in a positive and effective manner
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment/shift setting

Other Responsibilities

• Follows facility OSHA safety rules and procedures
• Follows facility policies and procedures and adheres to federal and state regulations for long-term care
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Maintains a punctual and dependable attendance record

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of (1) year LTC experience, preferred
• Federal, State, and MHI required credentials current and on file
• Cognitive skills as related to the position

Working Conditions

Because the nursing home provides round-the clock care, working hours may include days, nights, weekends and holidays.  A Bookkeeper works in a climate controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy.  Works in an office and walks throughout the building daily.  Has a low risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in handwashing practices and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated.  Is subject to interruptions, noise, and odors daily.  

Physical Demands

• Long periods of sitting at a desk and working on computer.  Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Lifting and carrying continuously.  The ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally.  Assistance in moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally. 
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

Physical Demand Ratings are an estimate of the overall strength requirements that are consider to be important for an average, successful work performance of a specific job. The overall physical demand rating for a Bookkeeper falls within the medium classification (10 to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally. 

Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.