What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Clerk (Hattiesburg) position at Jones?
WORK WHERE YOU COME FIRST.
At Jones Lumber, you are not an employee. You are a vital part of our team who, for over 70 years, have kept safety and our core values at the center of everything we do. We invite you to see how your career can grow at a company that puts your happiness above all.
Accounting Clerk
Department: Finance | Reports to: Controller | Location: Hattiesburg, MS
What Makes Our Culture Different
We run on five core values: Integrity, Passion, Unity, Sustainability, and Humility. That means we do the right thing when no one is watching, we care deeply about our craft, and we win as one team. Safety, teamwork, and genuine care for our people guide how we operate every day.
Why This Role Matters
The Jones Lumber finance team exists to be Trusted Business Partners to the rest of the company by informing, supporting, and challenging our colleagues. The Accounting Clerk is the foundation of that mission. Every invoice, vendor record, and payment you process keeps our mills running, our customers billed correctly, and our vendors paid on time.
Position Summary
The Accounting Clerk supports Jones Lumber's financial and administrative operations, owning customer invoicing, accounts payable processing, and vendor record management. The role partners closely with the Purchasing Manager and Site Managers to verify accuracy of production, shipments, and purchases. Integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of data are critical to success.
Primary Responsibilities
Customer Orders and Invoicing
- Receive, review, and process customer purchase orders.
- Verify accuracy of daily production and shipments, correct any errors, and prepare and send customer invoices daily.
- Assist with accounts receivable invoicing and payment application.
- Maintain organized records of invoices and supporting documents.
Accounts Payable
- Receive, review, and process vendor invoices with proper expense coding.
- Work with the Purchasing Manager and Site Managers to verify invoiced rates, quantities of goods and services received, and payment terms.
- Receive and reconcile vendor statements.
- Work with vendors to resolve billing questions and disputes.
Vendor Management
- Create and maintain vendor records and files in NetSuite and Lumbertrack.
- Maintain vendor contracts and insurance certificates when required.
Fleet Administration
- Maintain company fleet vehicle tags, titles, and registration information.
Additional Support
- Complete additional tasks as assigned by management.
Key Performance Indicators
- Customer invoices issued daily with minimal corrections.
- Vendor invoices processed accurately and within payment terms.
- Expense coding accuracy.
- Vendor records, contracts, and insurance certificates current and complete.
- Fleet tags and registrations renewed on time with zero lapses.
Qualifications and Skills
Required Technical Skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.
- Working knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Preferred Technical Skills
- Experience with NetSuite.
- Experience with Epicor Lumbertrack.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3 years of related bookkeeping experience.
Industry Knowledge
- Familiarity with manufacturing or lumber industry billing is a plus.
The Ideal Candidate
Soft Skills and Traits
- Detail-oriented: catches errors before they reach a customer or vendor.
- Organized planner: manages daily deadlines and recurring tasks without slipping.
- Clear communicator: explains billing questions simply, in writing and in person.
- Self-motivated: takes initiative and finds resourceful solutions.
- Customer-centric: treats colleagues, customers, and vendors as partners.
Working Style and Team Fit
The ideal Accounting Clerk thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and takes pride in getting the details right.
They live our values. Integrity in accurate, honest records, Passion for doing the job well every day, Unity in partnering with sites and the purchasing team, Sustainability in building processes that last, and Humility in asking questions and pitching in wherever needed.
Growth Opportunities
This role can grow into a Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable or Receivable Specialist, or broader finance position over time. We invest in our people, and your growth is part of our plan.