By Cathy Racicot
The accounting team ensures that the REMC’s accounting records and financial reporting adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and Rural Utilities Service guidelines. The key roles of this group are accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, paying invoices, payroll and monitoring financial activity.
This group, along with all other co-op employees, plays a vital role in the mission to provide reliable, safe and affordable energy to all members. The team has a variety of roles that for the most part are behind the scenes but help to keep the co-op running smoothly.
Harrison REMC’s accounting department consists of Accounting Manager Keith Lieber, Staff Accountant Heather Balentine, Accounting Specialist Rebecca Hughes, and Accounting Specialist Alexis Knear.
As the accounting manager, Lieber is part of the REMC management team and is responsible for the accounting team, financial compliance and reporting, and contributes to the financial management of the organization. Balentine assists the accounting manager, as well as performing general ledger work and internal auditing functions. Hughes supports the accounting and operations departments through work order accounting and material reconciliation. Knear is responsible for processing payroll and accounts payable and ensuring the accuracy of both.
Other responsibilities of the department include staying up to date on accounting, tax and other related issues, planning for patronage allocations and retirements, promoting operational efficiency and monitoring short and long-term cash flow.
“The accounting department plays a key role in providing information and management tools for our leadership team while managing certain financial functions of the co-op and keeping an eye on what will provide the most benefit for our membership,” said Lieber. “This group follows a set of best practices and standards which make this department a most effective team.”
Their focus and hard work play a crucial role in providing a strong financial backbone for Harrison REMC.
CATHY RACICOT is communications manager at Harrison REMC.
