Senior Accountant

Our client, an established organization in Raleigh, is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to take ownership of key accounting functions and contribute to the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of its financial operations. This position plays an important role in the monthly close, financial reporting, account analysis, and ongoing development of accounting procedures.

The Senior Accountant will serve as a resource for complex accounting matters, work collaboratively with departments throughout the business, and help identify opportunities to improve processes and reporting. The role is suited for someone who combines strong technical accounting skills with independent problem-solving ability and an interest in using emerging technology to make accounting operations more effective.

Responsibilites:

General Ledger & Financial Close

• Manage assigned accounting responsibilities throughout monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycles.
• Prepare and evaluate journal entries, including complex and unusual transactions, ensuring appropriate supporting documentation.
• Review financial activity for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve outstanding accounting issues.
• Coordinate with internal departments to obtain required information and keep close activities on schedule.
• Maintain organized account schedules, reconciliations, and supporting records.

Account Analysis & Reconciliations

• Prepare and review detailed balance sheet and income statement reconciliations.
• Research unusual balances, investigate aged reconciling items, and ensure appropriate resolution.
• Identify recurring accounting discrepancies and recommend changes to prevent future issues.
• Evaluate transaction activity and document accounting conclusions when additional research or judgment is required.
• Ensure account support meets internal documentation and control standards.

Financial Reporting & Business Analysis

• Compile financial schedules and reporting materials for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles.
• Analyze account fluctuations and prepare explanations for significant variances.
• Work with financial and operational data to identify trends, potential risks, and areas requiring further review.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to accounting leadership and business partners.
• Complete special analyses and accounting projects as requested.

Accounting Policies, Compliance & Audit

• Research accounting guidance and determine appropriate treatment for nonroutine transactions under U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare technical accounting documentation and recommendations for management consideration.
• Assist with maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and internal control requirements.
• Perform assigned control reviews and help address weaknesses or gaps identified.
• Coordinate audit requests, provide supporting schedules, and work with auditors to resolve outstanding questions.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate existing accounting procedures and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Take the lead on defined improvement initiatives, from initial assessment through implementation.
• Document revised workflows, procedures, responsibilities, and control requirements.
• Partner with relevant departments and system users to implement process changes.
• Review new procedures after implementation to confirm they are working effectively and producing reliable results.

Technology, Automation & AI

• Identify routine accounting tasks that may benefit from automation or technology-enabled solutions.
• Evaluate potential improvements and present recommendations that consider efficiency, accuracy, security, and financial controls.
• Participate in developing and testing approved automated workflows and AI-assisted accounting applications.
• Verify system-generated results, investigate exceptions, and maintain appropriate human review and approval.
• Apply company standards for data confidentiality, access, documentation, and change management.
• Develop working knowledge of approved technology platforms, including Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, and comparable tools.

Business Partnership & Team Support

• Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, FP&A, Operations, and other departments to resolve accounting matters.
• Help business partners understand accounting requirements and the financial impact of operational transactions.
• Respond to questions with clear explanations and appropriate follow-through.
• Share technical knowledge and provide informal coaching or review assistance to junior accounting staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience , including responsibility for assigned close and reporting activities.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial statements, and internal control practices.
• Experience with journal entries, general ledger maintenance, complex reconciliations, variance analysis, and audit preparation.
• Ability to research accounting issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-accounting stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with an ERP or enterprise accounting platform.

Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable

• CPA certification or progress toward obtaining the designation.
• Background in public accounting or a complex corporate accounting environment.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion, EPM, SmartView, or comparable financial systems.
• Exposure to multi-site, retail, or other multi-entity accounting operations.
• Experience improving accounting workflows or implementing automation and AI-supported tools.
• Previous responsibility for reviewing accounting work, mentoring staff, or providing technical guidance to team members.

Key Attributes

The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable taking ownership of complex assignments. Strong professional judgment, accountability, and a continuous-improvement mindset are important. The ability to work across departments, communicate effectively, and balance technical accounting responsibilities with practical business needs will be essential to success.