Accounting Associate

Accounting Associate Charlotte, NC | Full-Time We are seeking a full-time Accounting Associate to support multiple Affinity Group regions. This position is based at our headquarters in Charlotte, NC, supports the AGLLC, ACE, Britz, and S&H entities, and reports to the Accounting Manager. We welcome candidates fresh out of college as well as those with a few years of experience - what matters most is your curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to grow. If you enjoy technology, can navigate multiple platforms and policies, and are both a great communicator and analyst - including a comfort partnering with AI tools to get work done faster and smarter - this is the job for you. Who We're Looking For The Accounting Associate plays a key role in our monthly financial process, primarily focusing on inputting transactions, verifying payments, and validating that all company credits are accounted for. Additional areas include Accounts Receivable reporting and third-party client interactions. This role is expected to proactively track and follow through on outstanding items - open receivables, reimbursements, and audit or compliance requests - until they're resolved, without needing reminders. The right candidate is looking for a stable, long-term role and is equally comfortable working in groups or independently - and is ready to work alongside AI tools as a natural part of their daily workflow. Who We Are Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies, with a national presence throughout North America. We represent some of the most recognizable and well-regarded food brands in the industry. Job Duties Excel (a must): Analytically inclined with strong attention to detail; quickly translates raw data into meaningful insight - including using AI-assisted formulas, Power Query, and Copilot features to accelerate analysis. AI Partnership: Actively leverage approved AI tools (Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and others) to streamline research, draft communications, summarize data, and improve workflow efficiency. Comfort learning and adopting new AI capabilities as they become available. Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable: Manage the full AR/AP cycle with accuracy and timeliness. Treasury Management: Support daily and monthly treasury functions. QuickBooks: Translate transactions and post deposits; comfort with our accounting software environment. Account Reconciliation: Research and resolve commission discrepancies with thoroughness and urgency. Quality Control: Ensure process workflows are accurate with billing accounts. Track receipts and approval backup. Data Integrity: Accurately enter numeric and alphanumeric information into our systems; validate outputs for accuracy, including using AI-assisted review where applicable. Monthly Closeout: Prepare monthly stats, metrics, and account reconciliations. Review account status monthly to ensure accurate and timely payments - leveraging reporting automation tools where available. Communicator: Triage department emails and draft communication related to month-end; AI-assisted drafting is encouraged and expected. Invoicing: Generate and submit billing invoices for reimbursable expenses to clients, determine allocations, and follow up diligently on payments. Affinity Group runs a high volume of food trade shows requiring timely client follow-up; this role engages directly with our sales teams to manage those events. Online Banking: Scan deposits using bank scanner; save document copies to SharePoint. Mail: Daily processing of checks received by mail. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree with a major in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline. Influence: Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization. Personable approach to influence internal clients and chase down RFIs on a routine basis - including using AI drafting tools to produce polished communications efficiently. Discipline: Possesses and applies fundamental accounting and finance concepts, practices, and procedures. Self-motivated, able to multi-task, meet time-sensitive deadlines, and follow through on open items until fully resolved. Teamwork: Ability to partner with diverse teams and learn from others, regardless of titles. Technology: High proficiency in Excel; working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products including Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Comfort with or willingness to actively use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude as productivity partners. Desired Qualifications Two (2) or more years of professional experience in addition to degree. Experience working with Intuit Enterprise Suite or Quickbooks Online Hands-on experience with AI tools (Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) in a professional setting. Experience with automation applications such as SAP Concur, RAMP Expense Management, or similar platforms. Exposure to Power BI and Adobe Pro a plus. Prior experience in a structured, deadline-driven close process (e.g., a public company, multi-entity organization, or agency environment) a plus. Compensation & Growth Entry-level welcome (0-2 years' experience): $55,000+ depending on experience, plus 10% bonus potential and 120 hours PTO. Defined growth path within the finance organization for a candidate who demonstrates strong ownership and follow-through. What to Expect Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Hybrid schedule once fully trained (3 days in-office and 2 days remote) Minimal travel - rare exceptions for continuing education How We Make Room for You Health & Wellness: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans Company life insurance, supplemental insurance, and short/long-term disability 401(k) Retirement plan Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Paid Time Off & Company Holidays The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr