Staff Financial Accountant

JOB SUMMARY: The Staff Accountant is a key member of our shared services team, supporting the accounting for a designated region(s). This role is primarily responsible for executing month-end close procedures, preparing and posting journal entries, preparing and presenting monthly trend analysis, and ensuring the accuracy of balance sheet reconciliations. The role will work on ERP process and system improvements and other non-close projects, and internal/external audits. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has strong analytical skills, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General Accounting and Month-End Close: 

• Execute and manage the month-end close process for the assigned region(s). This includes journal entries, account analyses and income statement review. 
• Prepare and distribute management reports promptly.
• Research and resolve field office inquiries on financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with group accounting methods, policies and principles.
• Prepare and present detailed analysis of region results in monthly trend meeting.

Journal Entries: 

• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries to ensure that they meet proper accounting standards.
• Ensure that all entries are supported by proper documentation and comply with internal controls.
• Collaborate with other accounting team members to identify areas for process improvement in journal entry submissions.
• Perform detailed reconciliations of balance sheet accounts monthly to verify the integrity of financial data.

Balance Sheet Reconciliations: 

• Proactively investigate and resolve any variances or discrepancies in account balances.
• Document reconciliation procedures and maintain supporting documentation for audit purposes.

Shared Services Support: 

• Function as the regional financial expert within the shared services team.
• Serve as a liaison between the regional offices and corporate finance.
• Provide guidance on accounting policies, regional procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and compliance.

Process Improvement & Compliance: 

• Identify and suggest ways to improve the efficiency of monthly close procedures and the accuracy of financial statements.
• Participate in regular team meetings to review process challenges and successes.
• Stay informed about changes in accounting regulations and advise the team on necessary adjustments.
• Work with external and internal auditors; prepare audit schedules for quarterly, year-end, controls and internal audits as needed.
• Support the finance organization as needed in new and ad-hoc projects, roles and responsibilities.

Special Projects / Additional Roles as needed:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT ENTRY

Additional qualifications may be specified and receive preference, depending upon the nature of the position.

Education/Experience: 

College degree (BS) – Accounting major 

Minimum 3 years of accounting experience in month-end close and balance sheet analysis and / or public accounting required.

Competencies (as demonstrated through experience, training, and/or testing):

Technical Proficiency in Accounting: Minimum 3 years of accounting month-end close experience, including application of accounting principles, review of balance sheet accounts, and income statement trend analysis. Solid understanding of accounting principles, GAAP/IFRS, and internal control practices. Proficiency in accounting software such as Oracle is essential.

PC Skills: Excellent PC skills to include proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, pivots), Outlook, and meeting tools (Teams, Zoom).

Attention to Detail: Diligence to ensure accuracy in journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting. The ability to detect discrepancies and rectify issues before they escalate is crucial.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Highly motivated self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills. Must be able to analyze financial data critically, identify trends, identify problems, and propose a resolution and/or related process and system improvements.

Time Management & Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks during busy periods, particularly during the month-end close cycle. Adherence to deadlines and effective scheduling practices are key.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 

Adaptability & Process-Oriented Mindset: Proven experience in continuously improving processes and procedures within a structured financial environment. Comfort with evolving accounting standards and systems is expected.

Working Conditions and Physical/Mental Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, a candidate must have the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions described. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• During year-end close in December/January, overtime and weekend work could be needed.

• During month-end close, attendance is mandatory.

• Maintain composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff and the public, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.

• Successful passing of background, reference, psychological, and controlled substance tests.

• Responsible handling of sensitive and confidential information.

• Occasional lifting and/or moving up of document boxes.