Accounting Associate

This role requires a meticulous, organized, and experienced individual to handle end-to-end bookkeeping and payroll for a portfolio of 15–16 small business clients. The position involves maintaining accurate general ledgers, processing bi-weekly or monthly payroll, and ensuring timely financial reporting.

Job Summary

As an Accounting Associate/Bookkeeper at a small accounting firm, you will act as the primary financial contact for a portfolio of clients. You will ensure that daily financial transactions are accurately recorded, payroll is processed on time, and accounts are reconciled to facilitate tax filing and financial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Bookkeeping & Transactions: Record day-to-day financial transactions (sales, purchases, expenses) in accounting software, ensuring correct categorization.
• Payroll Processing: Process accurate bi-weekly or monthly payroll for multiple clients, including calculation of wages, taxes, benefits, and payroll tax deductions.
• Bank Reconciliations: Perform monthly reconciliation of bank and credit card accounts for all assigned clients, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• AP/AR Management: Manage accounts payable (vendor bills/payments) and accounts receivable (client invoicing/collections) to maintain cash flow.
• Financial Reporting: Generate, review, and deliver monthly financial reports (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss) to the firm's senior accountants or clients.
• Compliance & Tax Support: Assist with sales tax return preparation, and gather necessary documentation for year-end tax closings.

Qualifications & Skills

• Associates or Bachelor degree in Business or Accounting desired.
• Experience: 2–5 years of professional bookkeeping experience, preferably within an accounting firm setting.
• Software Proficiency: Strong knowledge of QuickBooks Online (QBO), QuickBooks Desktop, and MS Office (especially Excel).
• Payroll Knowledge: Experience with payroll platforms (e.g., Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks Payroll) and compliance regulations.
• Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple client deadlines simultaneously with high accuracy.
• Communication: Excellent client-facing communication skills for acting as a liaison between the client and the accounting firm.