Finance Lead

Step into a role where your accounting expertise fuels smarter decisions and sustainable growth. Are you an experienced accountant looking to work for a privately held small business? The Finance Lead provides advanced accounting support to the Finance Director and helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial operations. This role is responsible for handling advanced accounting responsibilities including the preparation of financial statements, managing inventory adjustments, supporting sales tax compliance, and monitoring cash activity. Success in this role requires advanced accounting proficiency, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

As part of a collaborative finance team, the Finance Lead contributes technical expertise and provides continuity across critical accounting functions, including AR, AP, payroll, and general ledger. The role also serves as key backup to the Finance Director for critical responsibilities.

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

·        Lead the monthly closing process with final review provided by the Finance Director

·        Perform reconciliations and proactively resolve discrepancies

·        Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, and other adjusting entries

·        Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas requiring adjustment

·        Ensure completeness and accuracy of closing documentation and reporting

Inventory & Cost Accounting

·        Review and post inventory adjustments

·        Reconcile inventory to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies

·        Collaborate with operations to improve costing accuracy

Cash and Financial Operations

·        Manage setup and maintenance of general ledger accounts

·        Ensure cash accounts are adequately funded and balances kept at appropriate levels

·        Support reconciliation of Amazon receivables, ensuring proper accounting of deposits, fees, and sales activity

·        Review and reset customer credit terms for inactive accounts

Sales Tax and Compliance

·        Optimize sales tax compliance, including nexus tracking and document management

·        Reconcile sales tax activity and review Avalara-prepared filings for accuracy

·        Support external audit preparation and documentation requests

·        Collaborate with IT to support PCI DSS reporting

Process Improvement & Cross-Training

·        Serve as the primary backup to the Finance Director for key accounting functions

·        Crosstrain in AR, AP, and payroll to provide coverage during absences

·        Identify and implement process improvements

Strategic Support

·        Maintain the fixed asset register by recording newly acquired assets, removing disposed items, and updating asset locations

·        Assist with the physical inventory process including the entry of counts and investigation of variances

·        Investigate and communicate potential problems and trends to Finance Director

·        Support the Finance Director and President by performing special accounting projects, as needed

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required

5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing

Expertise in Word, Excel, and ERP software required

Experience in Epicor Kinetic ERP and Avalara sales tax software a plus; training will be provided.

·        Safeguard operations by maintaining confidentiality of financial information

·        Demonstrate exceptional organizational, analytical, and decision-making capabilities

·        Exhibit meticulous attention to detail

·        Manage workload effectively by organizing, prioritizing, and adapting to shifting priorities

·        Communicate clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and interpersonal channels

·        Act as a proponent of Unist’s culture by continuously demonstrating core values in action

At Unist, our core values of Customer Focus, Integrity, Innovation, Personal Responsibility, and Strong Relationships are more than posters on a wall. They define our culture, guide our decisions, and drive our success as a company. We live these values every day, so a willingness to embrace our core values is the most important job qualification.

This position includes a competitive wage with great benefits including a 401(k) plan with company match, medical and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, summer flex schedule, Wally Day, Give-Back Day, parental leave, education and training programs, company picnics and social activities, and a matching gift program. We are proud to be a West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award winner.

Unist does not sponsor employment visas.

Unist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time