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. Essential Functions of This Role: 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. Required Skills: 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 QuickBooks 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. Physical Requirements: 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. What We Are Looking For: 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 and professional manner. Why Join Us? Mentorship & Development: Learn directly from experienced accounting and business leaders with deep expertise in the accounting, finance, and marketing research industries. Established Yet Growing: Join a well‑established company that continues to evolve and expand, creating exciting opportunities for both the business and our employees. Career Growth Opportunities: This role is designed with long‑term development in mind, offering the opportunity to grow your skills, expand your responsibilities, and evolve within our accounting team over time. Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee‑owned company, every employee has a meaningful stake in our success and shares in the impact of the firm’s growth and performance. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance (employee coverage at 100%), 401(k) (with employer fail‑safe contribution), paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Equal Opportunity Policy (EEO) The Link Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/express, sexual orientation, marital status, age, social class, physical ability, religion, national origin, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, political beliefs, and other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Link Group