ACCOUNTING MANAGER I

Pilgrim; LaFayette (GA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision coverage

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

401(k) match

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

Pilgrim’s startup in LaFayette, GA seeks a finance lead to drive operational accounting, budgeting and reporting. You will collaborate with operations and management to reduce costs, implement internal controls, and ensure GAAP compliance in a growing facility.

The role covers payroll, audits, inventory controls, and cross-training staff. Travel up to 10% annually; schedule may include some weekends to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Education: 4-year degree in Accounting or Finance (18 credit hours in accounting preferred).
• Experience: 5-7 years’ experience combined operational accounting.
• Skills: SAP or comparable ERP, Excel; GAAP understanding and financial reporting.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or direct preparation of reports summarizing activity, expenses and variances.
• Develop internal control procedures and ensure compliance with standards.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and safeguard company assets.
• Manage accounting function on site with cross-training and staff development.
• Coordinate preparation of yearly budgets.
• Prepare weekly and monthly financials and variance reporting.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts; manage payroll functions.
• Coordinate internal and external audits; maintain inventory controls.

Skills

SAP

Excel

Financial reporting

Payroll

Cost accounting

Leadership

Bilingual EN/SP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition , which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

Pilgrim’s is seeking a talented and driven professional to join our new LaFayette, Georgia, startup facility. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the launch of a state-of-the-art operation, helping to establish processes, build strong teams, and create a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence. We are looking for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, embrace challenges, and are energized by the opportunity to build something new. If you are passionate about driving results and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to be part of this exciting growth initiative.

This position is responsible for all financial aspects of operations accounting as a key member of the facility management team. K ey responsibilities are to work closely with operations and accounting management to reduce costs through reporting and analysis, weekly & monthly financial preparation and reporting including budgeting, to assist and direct the development of internal control procedures, standards, and compliance as it pertains to the Sarbanes Oxley Act and to insure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles.

Responsibilities:

• Preparing or directing preparation of reports summarizing business activity operational expenses and variances.
• Assisting with the development of internal control procedures, standards and compliance.
• Ensuring proper segregation of duties exists and company assets are safeguarded.
• Managing Accounting function at thelocation to ensure cross-training and adequate coverage across all functions and appropriate staff development.
• Coordinating preparation of yearly budgets.
• Responsible for the preparation of weekly, monthly financials and variance reporting.
• Reconciling appropriate balance sheet accounts as assigned.
• Managing and controlling payroll functions.
• Working with internal and external audit agencies on quarterly and annual income statements.
• Responsible for inventory controls and accuracy.

What You’ll Need:

• Education: 4-year degree in Accounting or Finance with 18 credit hours in accounting preferred.
• Experience: 5-7 years’ experience combined operational accounting
• Skills: Knowledge of SAP or comparable ERP system, Excel and Microsoft. Must be able to examine and verify financial documents and reports. Must be able to prepare a variety of financial statements, reports and analyses . Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing fiscal recordkeeping. Understanding of payroll, general ledger, accounts payable, and cost accounting. Knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices. Must be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Strong leadership and team skills. Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs. or more

Candidate Expectations:

• Travel up to 10% annually, with occasional overnight stays (1–4 days per trip).
• Flexible schedule required, including some weekends and varying shifts to meet deadlines.
• Maintains a positive, collaborative work environment through effective communication and teamwork.
• Comfortable navigating production areas and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Proactively identifies and addresses safety and food safety risks, promoting safe practices throughout the facility.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Monday – Friday with occasional weekends.
• Benefits : Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base salary range of $92,917.00 - $108,181.78
• Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; and
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs;

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About Us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our Vision: To become the best and most respected company in our industry creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members.

Our Core Values Are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

Unsolicited Assistance: Pilgrim's does not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at Pilgrim's or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by Pilgrim's. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by Pilgrim's because of an unsolicited referral.