Senior Staff Accountant

The Company: Founded in 1976, we’ve spent nearly five decades earning a reputation for fast, reliable, and cost-effective service in commercial refrigeration, heating, HVAC/R, and air quality systems. Our clients know us for our prompt response times, honest work, and exceptional value. For nearly 50 years, we’ve proudly been known as “the good guys” and we work hard every day to live up to that name.

About the Role:

The Senior Staff Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health and integrity of our organization. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, maintaining precise financial records, and ensuring compliance with established accounting standards and internal controls.

Supporting our commercial refrigeration service and installation business, the Senior Staff Accountant manages general ledger activities, prepares accurate financial reports, oversees tax filings, and monitors job costs to safeguard profitability. In addition, this role provides leadership across Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, Billing, and Estimation, ensuring that all financial processes run smoothly and efficiently.

You will work closely with senior leadership, providing timely and reliable financial insights that guide strategic decision‑making and strengthen overall business performance. We’re looking for a detail‑oriented professional who thrives on accuracy, values accountability, and takes pride in translating numbers into meaningful business outcomes.

Where You’ll Work:

Grand Traverse Refrigeration is proudly based in beautiful Northern Michigan, with this position operating out of our Traverse City office. It’s a fantastic place to live, work, and play, surrounded by rich forests, endless trails, stunning sand dunes, and miles of shoreline. With four distinct seasons and year-round outdoor adventures, Northern Michigan truly offers something for everyone.

Candidates should be able to reliably commute to Traverse City or plan to relocate prior to starting.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

We offer competitive pay and a supportive, community-driven culture. We contribute to your healthcare and provide essential coverage to support your well-being.

Our Perks and Benefits Include:

• Company Contribution Toward Medical Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability & Basic Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• 401(k) with Company Match (4%)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Training and Professional Development
• Bonuses & Profit Sharing
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation Assistance
• Phone Stipend
• Company Credit Card 

What You’ll Do:

• Keep the books balanced: Oversee all general ledger operations with precision, ensuring accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Tell the financial story: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) that clearly reflect performance.
• Spot the trends: Perform reconciliations, variance analysis, and detailed reporting to uncover insights and drive improvements.
• Protect what matters: Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain data integrity.
• Keep cash moving: Manage accounts payable and receivable processes to support healthy cash flow.
• Step in when needed: Act as a reliable backup for payroll processing and related tax filings.
• Stay compliant: Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns on time, every time.
• Partner with leadership: Collaborate with the CEO and COO to deliver accurate budgets, forecasts, and financial data.
• Guide decisions: Provide financial insights and recommendations that shape operational strategy.
• Build strong ties: Assist with banking relationships and cash management activities.
• Track the details: Monitor and analyze job costs for service and installation projects, offering clear reporting and variance analysis.
• Stay ahead of the rules: Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Streamline and improve: Identify opportunities to make accounting processes more efficient and effective.
• Own the spotlight: Present financial reports and analysis directly to the CEO and COO, making sure leadership has the clarity they need. 

What We’re Looking For:

We’re searching for a financial pro who’s more than just good with numbers, someone who thrives on accuracy, collaboration, and impact. Here’s what makes you a great fit:

• Master of the rules: A strong understanding of GAAP and the ability to keep us compliant and confident.
• Tech‑savvy accountant: Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel (your spreadsheets are legendary).
• Bonus points: Experience with Work in Progress (WIP) accounting — not required, but definitely a plus.
• Sharp thinker: Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills that turn data into direction.
• Independent driver: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment without missing a beat.
• Connector of people: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to collaborate across all levels and speak directly with executive leadership.
• Team leader: Experience leading cross‑functional teams, driving strategic initiatives, and building bridges between departments.
• Trusted professional: A high level of integrity, paired with meticulous attention to detail — because the little things matter. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting roles, with increasing levels of responsibility.

What You Can Earn: 

Base Salary Range:

·        $65,000 to $85,000

Our Culture & Mission:

We’re a family-owned business rooted in integrity, craftsmanship, and community. Our mission is to build lasting relationships that enrich lives, both for our customers and our team. We proudly support local charities and believe that great service makes our community stronger.