Accounting Associate

Purpose of the Position 

Supports the Plant Controller and plant production management by providing inventory or production reconciliation and reporting. 

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Non-Exempt position. 

Reconciles production or inventory reports. Generates daily production (batch) reports or inventory reports from the database, compares to shop floor documents and analyzes for discrepancies and variances. Collaborates with production or accounting counterparts to resolve discrepancies. Elevates unresolved issues to manager for further direction or support.  

Processes accounts payable. Processes invoices from vendors then matches to receiving reports and purchase orders to initiate proper payment, verifying proper account coding. Codes invoices that do not have a related purchase  order, accurately tying each to proper expense accounts. Generates weekly summary reports and communicates reports to the management team. Accurately files invoices and maintains the filing system. Keeps track of financial accruals;  identifies, estimates cost, and communicates to supervisor. Determines taxability of items and codes accordingly. 

Reviews, prepares, and/or distributes numerous reports. Prepares reports and estimates with accuracy and timeliness. Distributes reports weekly and responds to questions. 

Cross-trains with other accounting employees. Cross-trains with other accounting employees to ensure day-to-day functions are accomplished regardless of absences. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all  major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a  supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy  possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. 

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this  position. 

Physical Activities: Walking to different departments within the facility. Enters and locates information on a computer. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Employees will be in a sitting position for the majority of shifts. Employees will need  finger dexterity for typing and 10-key operation throughout the shift.  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility. 

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites very occasionally. Overnight travel may be required for training very occasionally. 

Technical Experience: 1-2 years accounting, clerical, or administrative experience. Basic understanding of math and accounting principles required. Experience with ERP systems is a plus. Use of personal computer, calculator, and 10-key and a working knowledge of Word and Excel required. Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail and strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical and verbal/written communication skills required. Must be able to work  independently, be detail oriented and organized while working with a high degree of accuracy. 

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing or manufacturing organization. 

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. 

Preferred Education: Some college, especially accounting classes.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

Simmons Foods, Inc. and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and team members to apply 70 years of experience to serving customers.

Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 15 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products.

With 8,000 team members, Simmons Foods, Inc. and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world.