Accounting Associate

Accounting AssociateWe are looking for a detail-oriented and dependable Accounting Associate to join our Finance and Accounting team in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will play an important part in supporting the company's financial operations across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. You will work closely with the Controller and other internal teams to ensure financial transactions are accurate, timely, and properly recorded. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys variety, takes pride in accuracy, and wants to grow their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Interested? Keep reading!Your responsibilities will include supporting the day-to-day Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll functions. You will review and record bank transactions, customer payments, deposits, wire transfers, and related fees; prepare customer invoices; apply cash; support customer collections and follow up on outstanding balances; and assist with evaluating customer creditworthiness. You will prepare and enter journal entries, balance and reconcile General Ledger accounts, maintain accounting records and procedures, and assist with month-end close activities and applicable regulatory filings. In Accounts Payable, you will review and voucher invoices, match invoices to receiving documentation and open purchase orders, respond to vendor inquiries, maintain vendor files and required tax documentation, process monthly credit card activity, and maintain financial and spending analyses. You will also provide backup support across accounting functions as needed. In Payroll, you will process weekly hourly and salaried payroll, audit new-hire information, manage timesheets, process terminations and garnishments, reconcile HSA and 401(k) deposits, prepare payroll journal entries, track missed deductions and third-party sick pay, and reconcile payroll General Ledger accounts. Throughout all responsibilities, you will maintain appropriate confidentiality and ensure transactions and records are accurate and compliant with company procedures.We are looking for someone with a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of related accounting experience; an associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of financial processes and demonstrates excellent attention to detail, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills. You should be comfortable managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and working both independently and collaboratively. Experience with accounting, payroll, Accounts Payable, or Accounts Receivable systems is highly desirable, along with proficiency in spreadsheet, database, word-processing, and other standard business software. Strong written and verbal communication skills, ethical conduct, dependability, adaptability, and a commitment to confidentiality are essential. You should also be comfortable working in a professional office and, when required, a manufacturing environment while following all applicable safety requirements.We also appreciate candidates who bring an associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, as well as experience working with ERP or accounting systems, payroll platforms, reconciliations, month-end close activities, vendor management, customer collections, or financial reporting. Experience with 1099, W-9, 1042, tax-exempt documentation, credit card reconciliation, or regulatory requirements would be beneficial. We value individuals who demonstrate continuous learning, strong teamwork, corporate responsibility, and a willingness to adapt as business needs and processes change. Candidates who are proactive, customer-focused, organized, and committed to supporting an inclusive, collaborative, and safe workplace will stand out.We offer you an interesting, challenging, and responsible position as part of a highly skilled and collaborative organization. This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic, enthusiastic, and professional team where we work together and support each other. You will have the opportunity to broaden your accounting knowledge through cross-training in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll while developing your skills in a growing organization. We have a multicultural and inclusive work environment where you can use your potential, contribute to the success of the organization, and continue to develop professionally.Main responsibilities:Support daily Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll activities.Record and reconcile bank transactions, customer payments, deposits, wire transfers, and related fees.Prepare customer invoices and apply customer payments accurately.Manage customer collections, including dunning notices and follow-ups.Assist with customer credit evaluations and account inquiries.Prepare and enter journal entries.Balance and reconcile General Ledger accounts.Assist with month-end close activities and applicable regulatory filings.Process weekly hourly and salaried payroll.Audit new-hire information, manage timesheets, and process terminations and garnishments.Reconcile HSA, 401(k), payroll, and related General Ledger accounts.Prepare payroll journal entries and track missed employee deductions and third-party sick pay.Review, code, and voucher Accounts Payable invoices.Match invoices to receiving documentation and open purchase orders.Respond to vendor inquiries and maintain vendor records.Maintain W-9, 1099, 1042, and other required vendor documentation.Process and reconcile monthly corporate credit card activity.Maintain financial and spending analyses and weekly activity reports.Provide cross-functional backup support within the Accounting department.Maintain confidentiality of financial, employee, customer, and vendor information.Perform other duties as assigned.What we expect from you:High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.At least two years of related accounting experience required.Knowledge of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, payroll, reconciliations, and General Ledger processes.Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time-management skills.Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities while meeting deadlines.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills.Excellent ethical judgment and ability to maintain confidential information.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.Ability to adapt to changing priorities, procedures, and business needs.Proficiency with accounting, payroll, spreadsheet, database, word-processing, and other business software.Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, instructions, and training materials.Ability to work safely and professionally in office and manufacturing environments.Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.We also appreciate:Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.Experience with ERP, accounting, payroll, or financial management systems.Experience with month-end close, journal entries, financial analysis, or regulatory filings.Experience with vendor management, customer collections, credit evaluation, or payroll administration.Familiarity with 1099, W-9, 1042, tax-exempt, and related financial documentation.A proactive approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies and process improvements.Strong collaboration and a team-oriented mindset.Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.Demonstrated adaptability, dependability, and willingness to support other members of the Accounting team.A commitment to diversity, inclusion, corporate responsibility, and workplace safety.This position is located in Syracuse, NY. We offer a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401K, long and short-term disability, life, training, tuition reimbursement, and Paid Time Off (PTO).Pay range: $21.00 – $30.00/hr. (DOE)Note, that this role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.We will review applications on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.Physical demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and have hand and finger dexterity.The employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. In an office setting, the employee may occasionally, stoop, kneel, or crouch.The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Work environment:This job operates in and out of a professional office environment. This position will have work that may be in an office or manufacturing setting. This position interacts with both internal and