Accounting Specialist

The Darling Effect; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A fresh lifestyle products company in Grand Rapids is seeking an entry-level Accounting Specialist to support financial operations including accounts payable and receivable. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This role offers an opportunity to grow within a small, dynamic team committed to excellence.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of accounting experience (internships or entry-level work acceptable)
• Solid understanding of GAAP.
• Experience with accounting software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Issue invoices and track payments.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Sage

QuickBooks

Job description

Overview

Accounting Specialist

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Compensation: Aligned to Company and Applicant Expectations

Reports to: Sr. Controller

About Us

The Darling Effect is a young, energetic company offering a fresh perspective on the products we use and wear daily. Through The Darling Effect, we bring the season’s trendiest gift and lifestyle products to life with enhanced design, creating items that inspire and delight.

Who We’re Looking For

The Darling Effect is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Accounting Specialist to join our growing team. This entry-level role is designed for someone with a solid foundation in accounting principles, problem-solving skills, and a desire to learn and grow within a dynamic business environment. While much of the role focuses on accounts receivable and accounts payable, you’ll also support reconciliations and other general accounting tasks to contribute to the accuracy and integrity of financial records. We’re a small, collaborative team that thrives on adaptability, initiative, and excellence. If you’re eager to start your career in accounting and want to be part of an innovative and energetic company, we’d love to meet you.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day accounts payable and receivable functions, reconciliations, and general accounting tasks to ensure accurate and reliable financial records.
• Run credit cards for prepaid customers, issue invoices, track payments, and follow up on overdue accounts in a professional manner.
• Process and record accounts payable transactions, including verifying invoices and coding expenses.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries and accruals as directed by the Sr. Controller.
• Prepare and run commission and royalty reports to ensure accurate and timely payments to partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for internal reporting and external audits.
• Maintain organized and accurate files for all invoices, receipts, payments, and related documents; request supporting documentation from stakeholders.
• Support the Sr. Controller in identifying and implementing process improvements for efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners (vendors, customers, auditors) to resolve discrepancies or provide requested information.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures as well as basic accounting standards.
• Assist with ad hoc projects, analyses, and other finance-related initiatives.
• Contribute to collective team efforts by accomplishing any other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Required); 0–2 years of accounting experience (internships or entry-level work acceptable)
• Skills & Abilities: Solid understanding of GAAP; strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business software
• Experience with accounting software (Sage, QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar) (Preferred)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new systems and processes
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and dependable with a willingness to grow within a team

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment over a full shift.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email Steve Vos at [e-mail] with a copy of their resume, cover letter or summary of interest, and work samples (digital portfolio or attachments) for review and consideration.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
• Industries: Retail