Inventory Accounting Clerk

Position Summary:

The Inventory Accounting Clerk is responsible for performing a variety of accounting and administrative tasks to support the Finance Department. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, inventory, and other financial transactions. The Accounting Clerk helps maintain organized financial records and supports reporting functions to keep the company’s financial operations running efficiently and in compliance with established policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process and verify accounts payable invoices, ensuring accuracy, proper approvals, and timely payment.
• Reconcile vendor statements monthly.
• Maintain and file accounting documents, purchase orders, receivers, and payment records.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities by providing reconciliations and documentation.
• Communicate with vendors regarding billing questions, payment discrepancies, or account balances.
• Coordinate and perform inventory cycle counts to ensure accuracy.
• Investigate and troubleshoot quantity adjustments.
• Enter and update financial information in the company’s ERP/accounting system.
• Assist with preparation for annual audits and other financial reviews.
• Provide back-up support to other accounting or administrative staff as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and bookkeeping practices.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., M1, Sage, Epicor, or similar ERP systems).
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and recordkeeping.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for vendor and internal interactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to handle confidential financial information with integrity.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, preferably in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing cost structures a plus.

Key Competencies:

Functional Competencies

• Accounts Payable & Receivable Management – Accurately processes vendor invoices, payments, and customer billing.
• Bookkeeping Accuracy – Maintains precise financial records and reconciliations.
• ERP / Accounting Software Proficiency – Skilled in using financial and manufacturing systems.
• Microsoft Excel Competence – Creates and maintains spreadsheets, performs calculations, and organizes data efficiently.
• Understanding of Manufacturing Costing – Basic awareness of job costing, inventory control, and cost allocation principles.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Competencies

• Attention to Detail – Identifies and corrects errors in financial data or documentation.
• Numerical Accuracy – Ensures all transactions, balances, and reconciliations are mathematically correct.
• Data Verification & Validation – Cross-checks entries to ensure consistency across systems.
• Process Improvement – Suggests ways to streamline accounting procedures or improve accuracy.

Interpersonal & Communication Competencies

• Team Collaboration – Works effectively with purchasing, sales, and production departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Vendor & Customer Communication – Handles billing and payment inquiries professionally and courteously.
• Internal Service Orientation – Supports colleagues by providing accurate and timely financial information.

Organizational & Administrative Competencies

• Time Management – Prioritizes tasks to meet payment schedules and reporting deadlines.
• Multitasking – Handles multiple accounts, reconciliations, and projects efficiently.
• Confidentiality – Maintains strict discretion when handling sensitive financial and payroll data.
• Dependability – Demonstrates reliability and consistency in completing recurring tasks accurately.

Behavioral & Core Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics – Acts honestly and transparently in all financial matters.
• Accountability – Takes ownership for the accuracy and completeness of work.
• Adaptability – Adjusts to changes in systems, procedures, or reporting requirements.
• Continuous Learning – Seeks to improve knowledge of accounting practices and manufacturing finance processes.

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 in accordance with the ADA.

• Lifting of materials and products, typically up to 50 pounds, occasionally heavier with assistance to access and count inventory.
• Standing and walking for periods (2 hours per shift) on concrete floors.
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to access materials.
• Manual handling of awkward or heavy metal parts with sharp edges (PPE required).

Visual acuity required to inspect parts, read labels, and verify shipping documents.