Accounting Associate

The Link Group, an employee‑owned top 25 Research and Analytics firm, is searching for an Accounting Associate based in our Durham, NC office. We conduct qualitative and quantitative custom marketing research studies (i.e., focus groups, online surveys, ethnography, etc.) for Fortune 500 companies to help them identify marketing opportunities and solutions.

We are a thriving 122‑person employee‑owned marketing research firm looking for an ambitious, detail‑oriented Accounting Associate to join our close‑knit finance team. This role extends beyond analytics and reporting and is positioned as a strategic growth‑track opportunity. This position will initially support our Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions. As your proficiency in our systems and processes develops, you will have the opportunity to expand into higher‑level general ledger responsibilities and broader accounting functions.

This position is a hybrid role based in our Durham office (three days per week in office, with the remaining two days either working from home or in office as desired). This role will receive direct mentorship from our CFO and Accounting Director who are also located in the Durham office.

This role comes with a competitive salary (annual performance and company bonus), generous paid time off (including winter break), robust medical plan, 401(k) and ESOP retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and access to our house in St. John, USVI.

• Revenue Support: Assist the AR Director with client onboarding, invoicing, and collections.
• Full-Cycle AP Support: Work alongside our AP Associate and Accounting Director to learn the nuances of vendor management and expense tracking. Communicate with our project teams and vendors on invoice and expense discrepancies.
• General Ledger Assistance: Assist in month‑end and year‑end closing processes, including bank and general ledger reconciliations and related journal entries.
• Financial Reporting: Help prepare internal reports that provide insights into project profitability and internal initiative budget tracking.
• Process Improvement: Identify ways to streamline current accounting workflows.
• Employee Support: Guide employees with invoice and expense submission questions.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree in accounting; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in accounting, specifically with a professional services firm (e.g., consulting, engineering, legal, or marketing).
• Highly proficient in Excel; experience Quick Books Desktop Enterprise preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong writing, communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized, responsible, reliable, and detail‑oriented.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Attention to detail, internal motivation, and proactivity are important attributes for success.
• A willingness to learn.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each office at the company's facilities.

• Growth Mindset: You are motivated to understand the broader business impact behind the numbers. You demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a desire for continued professional growth with an interest to potentially lead a department one day. You are eager to collaborate cross‑functionally and gain a well‑rounded understanding of the business.
• Professional Services
  
  Experience:
  
  You understand how project‑based accounting operates and the connection to company timelines.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  You are highly proficient with Excel and comfortable learning new accounting software and technologies. Experience with Quickbooks Desktop Enterprise preferred.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  You can explain financial concepts and discrepancies cross‑functionally with clarity and professionalism. Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication with vendors and team members, in a concise…