Accounting Specialist

Accounting SpecialistPosition Summary: The Accounting Specialist is responsible for a broad range of accounting functions, including general ledger accounting, financial statement preparation and review, month-end close, reconciliations, inventory and COGS accounting, sales and use tax, supplier payments, intercompany transactions, rebates, and ERP-related activities. The position provides cross-functional accounting coverage and backup within the Accounting department, including support and backup to the Controller. The Accounting Specialist is expected to understand transactions from source documentation through the general ledger and financial statements, independently perform assigned close activities, research and resolve discrepancies, determine appropriate accounting treatment, and escalate complex issues when necessary. The Accounting Specialist is also expected to understand, document, and improve accounting processes, identify control gaps, and support the development and improvement of internal controls and procedures.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Perform general ledger accounting and month-end close activities, including balance-sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, clearing accounts, journal entries, credits, rebills, and other assigned accounting activities.Ensure transactions are properly supported, recorded, and reflected in the financial statements.Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation.Independently research discrepancies by tracing transactions from source documentation through the general ledger and determine appropriate accounting treatment or escalate issues when necessary.Perform inventory-related accounting and reconciliations, including inventory variances, COGS, vendor credits, rebates, and related general ledger activity.Process and reconcile supplier rebates and vendor credits, maintain supporting documentation, and communicate with suppliers regarding outstanding or disputed amounts.Process and reconcile intercompany transactions and accounts, research differences, maintain supporting documentation, and communicate with other Company locations or entities to resolve outstanding items.Coordinate sales and use tax filings, including preparation and reconciliation of tax information, maintenance of exemption documentation, and coordination with the Company's tax provider.Prepare and process scheduled supplier payments, including ACH, check, and wire payments; review payment batches, monitor due dates and discounts, and reconcile payment activity in accordance with established internal controls.Manage customer account setup and maintenance within Prophet 21 and support accounts receivable activities including payment application, account research, reconciliations, credits, rebills, credit holds, and collection issues as needed.Provide accounting and ERP support, including researching posting issues, maintaining accurate accounting and customer data, assisting with reporting, and supporting system, automation, and Scribe initiatives.Maintain and document accounting procedures and work instructions.Evaluate existing processes, identify inefficiencies and control gaps, and assist in developing and implementing improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and control.Provide cross-functional accounting coverage and backup throughout the Accounting department, including designated backup and support to the Controller.Maintain confidentiality of financial, customer, supplier, and other Company information and exercise sound professional judgment.Perform other accounting-related duties and special projects as assigned.Requirements Qualifications:Education & Experience: Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required, or equivalent relevant accounting experience; Bachelor's degree preferred. 2–4 years of progressive accounting experience preferred. Experience with general ledger accounting and financial statement preparation and/or review. Experience performing month-end close activities independently. Experience with reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, clearing accounts, inventory accounting, COGS, intercompany transactions, rebates, and related accounting activities preferred. Experience with an ERP/accounting system preferred; Prophet 21 experience a plus.Skills & Abilities: Strong understanding of accounting principles and the relationship between source transactions, the general ledger, and financial statements. Strong analytical, reconciliation, research, and problem-solving skills. Ability to independently identify and resolve discrepancies and recognize when issues require escalation. Ability to understand, document, evaluate, and improve accounting processes rather than simply follow established procedures. Ability to identify control gaps and support the development and improvement of internal controls. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP systems. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.Benefits:Health, dental, and vision insurance Generous paid time off, including 10 paid holidays off per calendar year, PTO accrual, and paid leave options Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care expenses 401(k) retirement plan Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability coverage