Accounting Generalist

SUMMARY

The Accounting Generalist owns Buck Knives' day-to-day Accounts Payable function while leading the modernization of how procure-to-pay steam operates. This role goes beyond transactional data entry: the successful candidate will evaluate and assist in implementing OCR, workflow automation, and AI-enabled tools, and in the rollout of a new purchase requisition system. As these initiatives mature and reduce the manual workload of AP, the role is expected to expand into broader general accounting responsibilities — including general ledger support — as the business grows in size and complexity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounts Payable Operations

• Manage the full-cycle accounts payable process: invoice receipt, GL coding, 3-way matching, approval routing, and payment processing.
• Process weekly payment runs (checks, ACH, wires) and ensure vendors are paid accurately and on time.
• Maintain vendor relationships; research and resolve invoice discrepancies, payment inquiries, and statement reconciliations.
• Process employee expense reports and reimbursements in accordance with company policy.
• Maintain the AP aging schedule and reconcile the AP subledger to the general ledger each month.
• Ensure proper W-9 collection and 1099 reporting compliance.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Be a SME in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of OCR / invoice-capture technology to eliminate manual data entry.
• Identify and deploy AI-enabled tools to support invoice coding, matching, and exception handling.
• Partner with Finance and IT to select and implement a purchase requisition system, and drive company-wide adoption.
• Document current-state AP workflows, identify inefficiencies, and redesign processes to reduce manual touchpoints and cycle time.
• Build simple KPIs/dashboards to track AP cycle time, exception rates, and the return on automation investments.
• Train internal stakeholders (requesters, approvers, vendors) on new tools and processes as they roll out.

General Accounting Support

• Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Support fixed asset tracking and prepaid expense schedules.
• Assist with schedules and documentation requested during internal or external audits.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as assigned by the Controller or CFO.
• As AP automation matures, take on an increasing share of general ledger accountant duties in line with business growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 3 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience — or strong interest and aptitude — in process improvement, automation, or systems implementation.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems required; exposure to OCR, AI-driven finance tools, or purchase requisition software strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working directly with vendors, department leaders, and senior finance leadership.
• High attention to detail and a continuous-improvement mindset.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, AP invoice processing is measurably faster and less manual, a purchase requisition system is in place and adopted across the organization, and this individual is positioned to take on expanding general ledger responsibilities as Buck Knives' accounting needs grow.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment will include office areas, manufacturing areas and warehouse/shipping areas.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.