Chief Accountant

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Chief Accountant to join our finance team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the integrity and accuracy of our financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. The Chief Accountant plays a critical part in maintaining the financial health of the organization by managing general ledger (G/L) and sub-ledger (S/L) accounts, preparing financial reports, and providing strategic guidance to senior management. This position demands a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Accountant will be responsible for a wide range of accounting functions, including but not limited to:

• General Ledger and Sub-Ledger Management: Maintain and oversee the General Ledger (G/L) and Sub-Ledgers (S/L), including accounts receivable, accounts payable, journal entries, and journal vouchers to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Monthly Journal Voucher Preparation: Prepare recurring monthly journal vouchers for standard, prepaid, and accrued expenses, ensuring timely and accurate postings in the accounting system.
• Payroll Oversight: Review payroll calculations performed by the Paymaster, post labor expenses (payroll journal) in the accounting system, and calculate taxes, benefits, and other payroll-related expense distributions. Prepare the necessary journal vouchers for these transactions.
• Reconciliation and Balancing: Perform monthly balancing of the G/L and S/L by matching all G/L balances with S/L balances and verifying the details of each balance to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Bank Reconciliations: Conduct daily bank reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies, ensuring all financial records are up-to-date and accurate.
• Financial Reporting: Complete all journal entries and prepare trial balances. Submit these reports to the Director of Finance Business Partner and Assistant Director of Finance for review. Upon approval, prepare and present monthly financial reports to stakeholders.
• Tax Compliance and Payments: Assist the Assistant Director of Finance in the calculation and payment of business and payroll taxes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to avoid penalties.
• Fixed Assets and Inventory Management: Assist in physical counts of fixed assets and inventories, maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all supporting documentation is filed and in order. Address any discrepancies promptly and accurately.
• Audit Support: Prepare and organize necessary documents for internal and external auditors, facilitating smooth and efficient audit processes. Provide clear and concise explanations for any audit inquiries.
• Process Improvement: Provide guidance to related sections on accounting processes and advise management on opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within the accounting function.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent certification is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong proficiency in accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and tax regulations.

Work Environment

The Chief Accountant will operate in a dynamic and professional corporate environment, working closely with the finance team, senior leadership, and external stakeholders. This role requires a high level of professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial accuracy and compliance.