Senior Accounting Associate

Senior Client Accountant I

Reports To: Controller or CAS Manager

Pay Type: Hourly

Range: $38–$44 per hour

Role Summary

The Senior Client Accountant I manages the full monthly accounting cycle and serves as a primary accounting contact for assigned clients. This position combines technical proficiency with client service, ensuring that financial data is accurate, complete, and ready for review by the Controller.

Senior Accountants at this level perform the month-end close, prepare draft financial statements, and communicate directly with clients regarding routine accounting matters. They are problem-solvers who balance attention to detail with an understanding of the bigger financial picture, helping clients stay organized and informed while supporting the firm’s growing CAS practice.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day accounting contact for assigned clients.
• Manage client expectations, timelines, and deliverables with professionalism and responsiveness.
• Communicate regularly regarding accounting questions, document requests, and status updates. This role is starting to move beyond administrative communication and starting to answer technical questions for clients or drafting technical responses for the controller.
• Escalate complex or sensitive issues to the Controller for review or client follow-up.

Month-End Close & Financial Preparation

• For all of the following: Taking more ownership, understands they bigger picture of GAAP and the “why.”
• Own the full month-end close process for assigned clients, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Perform account reconciliations across cash, credit card, payroll, and balance sheet accounts.
• Post recurring and adjusting journal entries as needed for accurate financial representation.
• Prepare draft financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cash Flow) for Controller review.
• Review financial results for completeness and accuracy, flagging material variances for further analysis.
• Maintain, create and update month-end workpapers and schedules, ensuring proper documentation for each client.

Variance Review & Analysis

• Compare current-period results to prior periods or budgets to identify anomalies or inconsistencies.
• Summarize key findings and flag accounts requiring further review or narrative support.
• Collaborate with the Senior II and Controller to refine explanations and provide accurate context for financial variances.

Quality & Process Management

• Review and approve work prepared by Associate staff, providing feedback and guidance.
• Follow standardized firm procedures, checklists, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, accuracy, or efficiency within assigned client processes.
• Support the implementation of new systems, templates, or automation tools as the firm evolves.

Communication & Collaboration

• Coordinate with Controllers to ensure all deliverables meet client and firm standards.
• Collaborate with peers to problem-solve issues and share best practices. Providing technical guidance and support to staff.
• Participate in team meetings, team building events, and training sessions, contributing insights from client experiences.

Team & Firm Contribution

• Provide mentorship and support to Associates by explaining processes and reviewing their work.
• Maintain a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset in a fast-changing environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all client and team interactions. Showing a curious and solutions oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA track or credential preferred but not required).
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, including month-end close ownership.
• Strong understanding of GAAP accrual accounting and reconciliations.
• Proficiency with cloud-based accounting systems (QuickBooks Online, Xero, bill pay tools, payroll integrations).
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and comfort managing client relationships.
• Ability to adapt and stay organized in a growing firm environment with evolving processes.