Associate Principal, Accounting

What You'll Do:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Accounting team. In this role, you will oversee daily operations of several accounting functions, maintain critical financial records including prepaid and fixed asset ledgers, and provide analytical support for financial reporting and compliance activities. This position requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment while demonstrating strong analytical skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to effectively multitask and prioritize competing responsibilities.

You will work closely with Accounting Management and the broader Corporate Finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and operational excellence.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

Financial Operations & Transaction Processing

• Review and approve accounts payable invoices within the accounting system, ensuring accuracy, proper general ledger coding, and compliance with internal controls
• Oversee accounts receivable operations including invoice generation, cash application, aging analysis, and collection activities
• Process, reconcile, and allocate transactions based on chart of accounts, department codes, and project classifications
• Reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger
• Prepare monthly journal entries to accrue estimated bonus and other employee benefit expenses
• Prepare and maintain prepaid expense and fixed asset subledgers, ensuring proper capitalization, amortization, and depreciation in accordance with US GAAP
• Liaise with internal departments and external vendors to expedite payment cycles and resolve billing discrepancies in a timely, professional manner

Financial Close & Reporting

• Review and analyze general ledger accounts for accuracy and completeness, performing detailed account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts
• Prepare month-end, quarter-end, and year-end journal entries and account reconciliations in accordance with established close calendars
• Analyze monthly financial variances and prepare clear, concise explanations for management review
• Collaborate with the Finance team to analyze financial performance against budget and forecast, providing insights and commentary
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, footnotes, and regulatory filings

Compliance, Tax & Retirement Plan Support

• Assist with quarterly and annual tax preparation, including gathering supporting documentation and coordinating with external tax advisors
• Support completion of Form 5500 filings and preparation of Retirement Plan and 401(k) financial statements
• Support SOC 1 audit procedures by preparing requested schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries
• Continuously evaluate and enhance accounting procedures, controls, and workflows to drive accuracy and efficiency

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Monitor accounting staff activities and provide recommendations for process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Lead and spearhead ad-hoc projects and special analyses as assigned by management
• Serve as backup support for other Accounting department roles during peak periods or staff absences

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior accounting staff and monitor staff activities.

Qualifications

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Required:

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to accuracy and quality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound business judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate complex financial concepts
• Outstanding customer service orientation with both internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively across the organization
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while knowing when to escalate issues

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, data analysis)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting
• 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in financial services or a regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Preferred:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or active pursuit of certification
• Experience with Oracle or other enterprise-level ERP accounting systems
• Prior SEC…