Accountant I

Accountant I

Job location: NJ or Chicago - Hybrid M/F Remote - T/W/TH Onsite Contract: 9+ Months - Based on performance and business needs Working hours - 9-5 Top 3 – 5 Skills Needed for each role 1. Accounting Policies & Procedures, including GAAP 2. General Ledger, assets, and liability 3. Detail-oriented 4. Effective stakeholder communication, coordination, & engagement

Position Summary

The Accountant / Senior Accountant plays a critical role within the Financial Shared Services (FSS) organization, providing dedicated accounting support to the Commercial team. This position is responsible for executing and reviewing journal entries (JEs) during the month-end close cycle, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They will serve as a key liaison between FSS and commercial stakeholders — including Therapeutics, Aesthetics, and PCYC business units — working proactively to identify opportunities to transition and streamline accounting processes into the FSS model. This role reports directly to the FSS Accounting Manager and partners closely with cross-functional teams to drive process excellence and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Month-End Close Support: Serve as a primary accounting resource for the Commercial team during monthly close periods, ensuring all journal entries are prepared, reviewed, and posted in an accurate and timely manner.
• Collaborate with BPO on month end reconciliations.
• SOX Compliance & Internal Controls: Review journal entry support documentation to confirm adherence to established SOX controls and internal accounting policies; escalate exceptions and control gaps as appropriate.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage regularly with Commercial team members across Therapeutics, Aesthetics, and PCYC business units to understand evolving business needs and identify accounting activities that can be transitioned to FSS.
• Process Transition & Streamlining: Lead and support the identification, documentation, and execution of process transitions from the Commercial team to FSS, driving greater efficiency, standardization, and scalability across the organization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build and maintain productive working relationships with commercial finance partners, business unit controllers, and other FSS colleagues to facilitate seamless month-end close activities.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities to enhance existing accounting processes, reduce manual effort, and improve the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.

Key Tasks

• Prepare and post journal entries in support of the Commercial team's month-end close, including accruals, prepaids, reclassifications, allocations, and adjustments.
• Review and validate JE support packages to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with SOX documentation requirements prior to posting.
• Conduct regular meetings with Commercial team members across Therapeutics, Aesthetics, and PCYC to discuss upcoming close activities, outstanding items, and potential process improvements.
• Identify and document accounting processes currently performed within the Commercial business units that are candidates for transition to FSS; develop transition plans and timelines in coordination with management.
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation for all FSS-supported Commercial accounting activities.
• Assist in the preparation of account reconciliations.
• Monitor and track the status of open items and deliverables during close periods, proactively communicating any risks or delays to the FSS Accounting Manager.
• Leverage SAP and BlackLine systems to execute accounting tasks, manage workflows, and maintain a robust audit trail.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as assigned by FSS leadership.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience: 1–3 years of progressive accounting experience in a similar role.
• Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and general accounting principles. Hands-on experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, is strongly preferred. Familiarity with BlackLine or similar account reconciliation platforms is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and apply sound judgment in resolving issues in a timely manner.