Accounting Associate

Job Title:

Accounting Associate

Job Description

The Accounting Associate plays a key role in supporting daily finance and accounting operations, maintaining accurate financial records, and contributing to month-end close and financial reporting activities. This position requires strong analytical skills, hands-on experience with general ledger and transactional accounting, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The Accounting Associate collaborates with internal stakeholders, supports process improvements, and helps ensure the integrity and reliability of financial information.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare and maintain financial documents, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, budgets, and payroll records.

+ Perform month-end close activities such as preparing journal entries, completing account reconciliations, and reviewing financial statements for accuracy and completeness.

+ Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure financial data is accurate, complete, and properly supported.

+ Analyze financial variances against budget and assist with forecasting and financial planning activities.

+ Review variance reports and supporting documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and alignment with established accounting policies.

+ Monitor accounts receivable, track outstanding balances, and ensure timely recording of payments.

+ Research and resolve billing discrepancies, payment issues, and accounts receivable exceptions in a timely and professional manner.

+ Process cash applications and support invoicing and billing operations to maintain accurate customer account records.

+ Verify account balances and perform routine account reconciliations to identify and correct errors or inconsistencies.

+ Assist with accounting system upgrades and enhancements, contributing to testing, documentation, and implementation of process improvements.

+ Support financial reporting activities and ensure compliance with established accounting policies, procedures, and standards.

+ Conduct data analysis, identify financial trends, and provide recommendations based on findings to support business decision-making.

+ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to communicate financial information clearly and help resolve accounting-related issues while maintaining accurate records and meeting organizational deadlines.

Essential Skills

+ 2-5 years of relevant experience in transactional accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, and reconciliation.

+ Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting and month-end close processes.

+ In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

+ Advanced math skills, with the ability to calculate complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.

+ Ability to understand existing procedures and standards and apply them to solve slightly complex accounting problems.

+ Ability to analyze possible solutions using technical experience, sound judgment, and established precedents.

+ Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

+ Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information in straightforward, easy-to-understand terms.

+ Ability to work within standardized procedures and practices to achieve objectives and maintain accuracy in financial records.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree preferred with 2-5 years of relevant accounting experience; a combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

+ Experience preparing and reviewing complex financial statements and reports.

+ Experience supporting process improvement initiatives and system upgrades in an accounting or finance environment.

+ Inquisitive mindset with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position based in Cleveland, OH, offering a mix of onsite and remote work. The role is currently structured as a…