What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Westwin Elements?
Company Description
Westwin Elements is dedicated to advancing critical minerals manufacturing in the United States. Our mission is to strengthen domestic supply chains and enhance national security by developing essential refining and processing infrastructure.
Role Description
The Staff Accountant is a key member of the Finance team and serves as a shared resource supporting both the Controller and Assistant Controller. This position is responsible for assisting with monthly financial close activities, account reconciliations, budgeting support, and general accounting functions to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. The role will also provide support for accounts payable and other finance department initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Controller with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
- Prepare and post journal entries accurately and timely.
- Perform balance sheet and general ledger account reconciliations and investigate variances.
- Maintain supporting schedules for assigned balance sheet accounts.
- Assist in preparing monthly financial reports and supporting documentation.
- Support the Assistant Controller with the annual operating budget process, budget monitoring, and financial forecasting.
- Assist with budget-to-actual variance analysis and prepare reports for department managers.
- Provide support for the accounts payable function, including invoice review, coding, payment processing, vendor statement reconciliations, and payment support as needed.
- Utilize NetSuite ERP to process transactions, maintain accounting records, and generate financial reports.
- Ensure accounting records comply with company policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Assist with annual audits by preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests.
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
- Cross-train with other accounting team members to provide coverage during absences and peak workloads.
- Perform other accounting and finance duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- 1–3 years of accounting experience in corporate or public accounting.
- Experience with monthly close processes, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
- Experience using NetSuite ERP or a comparable enterprise accounting system.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Knowledge of accounts payable processes.
- CPA eligibility or progress toward CPA certification is a plus.