Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview:
Search Solution Group is seeking a Senior Accountant on behalf of our client, a company specializing in natural pest control solutions that use plant-based ingredients to deter pests without harmful chemicals. The Senior Accountant – Payroll & Financial Operations plays a critical role in ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency, managing core accounting functions, full-cycle payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance, while providing insights to support strategic decision-making. This position also mentors junior staff and partners cross-functionally to maintain accurate financial operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Month-End & Year-End Close:

• Prepare and process journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial workpapers.
• Generate internal financial reports and summaries to support leadership decisions.
• Ensure accounting accuracy in accordance with GAAP and internal policies.

Payroll Management:

• Oversee bi-weekly payroll, including benefits, 401(k), bonuses, and withholdings.
• Ensure federal and state payroll tax compliance.
• Record payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll accounts monthly.
• Collaborate with HR to maintain accurate employee compensation data.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Assist with annual budget preparation and quarterly forecasts.
• Analyze payroll and headcount data to track variances and support labor planning.
• Support scenario modeling and cost analysis projects for financial strategy improvements.

Accounts Receivable & Payable:

• Oversee customer invoicing, cash application, and account reconciliations.
• Review vendor invoices and ensure accurate ERP entry.
• Monitor collections and communicate with customers and vendors regarding account status.
• Maintain and test documentation for A/R and A/P processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Audit, Tax & Compliance:

• Support external reviews and audits, preparing schedules and responding to inquiries.
• Maintain and improve SOPs for internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, ERISA, tax regulations, and sales tax reporting.
• Assist with annual tax filings and coordinate with external tax advisors.
• Monitor changes to tax laws and ensure proper organizational compliance.

Leadership & Additional Responsibilities:

• Mentor and cross-train junior accounting staff.
• Partner with HR, Operations, and Manufacturing teams to align financial processes.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements include:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 4–6 years of accounting and payroll experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, sales tax, and payroll compliance.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong initiative, analytical thinking, and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Proficiency in accounting and payroll systems (e.g., NetSuite, ADP, Avalara).
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and professional demeanor.

Certifications:

• CPA, CPP, or other accounting/payroll certifications preferred.

Knowledge:

• GAAP principles, payroll tax laws, and financial compliance requirements.
• Financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Professionalism with tact and diplomacy.
• Detail-oriented with high integrity.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing setting.