Accounting Specialist

Dean Dorton; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid family leave, medical leave

Retirement benefits with employer 4% +

Telemedicine and wellness program

Job summary

Dean Dorton is seeking an Accounting Specialist to support core internal accounting operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, payroll, and expense processing. The role emphasizes accuracy, controls, and timely financial reporting within a professional services environment.

You will collaborate with payroll, finance, and accounting teams, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and firm policies while contributing to process improvements and efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.
• 3 years minimum experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related role.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine accounting activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and transaction processing.
• Complete month-end balance sheet reconciliations and research discrepancies.
• Process and review employee expense reports for accuracy, policy compliance, and timely reimbursement.
• Reconcile corporate credit card transactions and resolve discrepancies with appropriate documentation.
• Calculate and process commission payments in accordance with firm policies.
• Maintain fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, and depreciation tracking.
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, including invoice review and posting.
• Support payroll-related activities, including new hire setup, benefits and tax calculations, state notices, and quarterly reconciliations.
• Prepare internal financial reports, schedules, and documentation to support accounting close and audits.
• Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with accounting standards and firm policies.
• Support special projects, process improvements, and ad hoc financial analysis as assigned.
• Manage firm compliance with state accounting boards and state & local tax registrations.
• Review and maintain the firm's registrations with state accountancy boards
• Review and processing of firm direct bills for AICPA and state CPA societies (KY, OH, IN, NC)
• Maintain and renew filings with various Secretary of State offices
• Manage the complete registration process when the firm begins business in a new state or locality

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

QuickBooks

Sage Intacct

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

About Dean Dorton

Dean Dorton is a leading professional services firm spanning certified public accounting, business advisory, and technology solutions. We are your partners in redefining success through innovation and data-driven strategies. Our experts provide an integrated suite of audit, tax, business management, consulting and technology solutions to companies both domestic and international. We help our clients strategize, adapt, and change in every stage of business, from startup and growth to succession planning and everything in between.

Our core values guide how we work, lead, and support one another every day. They are:

• Integrity - We do the right thing, integrity guides our decisions.

• Relationships - We value people, relationships drive our impact.

• Collaboration - We win as one team, collaboration fuels our success.

• Growth - We stay curious, growth is our mindset.

About Internal Accounting

Dean Dorton’s Internal Accounting team is responsible for the firm’s financial integrity, operational accuracy, and compliance across all internal financial processes. The team supports core functions including general ledger accounting, payroll, billing, accounts receivable, expense management, and financial reporting. By ensuring accurate data, strong controls, and timely execution, Internal Accounting enables firm leadership to make informed decisions and supports the overall success of the organization.

About the Role

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting core internal accounting operations through accurate transaction processing, reconciliations, and financial record maintenance. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the integrity of the firm’s financial data by executing routine accounting tasks, assisting with payroll and expense processes, and supporting month-end close activities.

This position is well suited for an early-career accounting professional who is detail-oriented, organized, and interested in developing a strong foundation in internal accounting within a professional services environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The essential duties & responsibilities of the Accounting Specialist role are outlined below in correlation with Dean Dorton’s performance management impact areas.

Technical

Definition: your specialized knowledge & expertise associated with the work you perform for/with clients (note: clients may be internal to Dean Dorton).

• Perform routine accounting activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and transaction processing.
• Complete month-end balance sheet reconciliations and research discrepancies.
• Process and review employee expense reports for accuracy, policy compliance, and timely reimbursement.
• Reconcile corporate credit card transactions and resolve discrepancies with appropriate documentation.
• Calculate and process commission payments in accordance with firm policies.
• Maintain fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, and depreciation tracking.
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, including invoice review and posting.
• Support payroll-related activities, including new hire setup, benefits and tax calculations, state notices, and quarterly reconciliations.
• Prepare internal financial reports, schedules, and documentation to support accounting close and audits.
• Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with accounting standards and firm policies.
• Support special projects, process improvements, and ad hoc financial analysis as assigned.
• Manage firm compliance with state accounting boards and state & local tax registrations.
• Review and maintain the firm's registrations with state accountancy boards
• Review and processing of firm direct bills for AICPA and state CPA societies (KY, OH, IN, NC)
• Maintain and renew filings with various Secretary of State offices
• Manage the complete registration process when the firm begins business in a new state or locality

Behavioral

Definition: the behaviors associated with performing your job (interpersonal skills).

• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy in all accounting tasks.
• Manage recurring deadlines and multiple priorities effectively.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and follow through on commitments.
• Collaborate effectively with accounting, payroll, and finance team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.
• Show initiative and willingness to learn new processes and systems.

Non-Charge

Definition: the contribution you make to Dean Dorton outside of client work.

• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to documentation of accounting procedures and process improvements.
• Support internal initiatives related to efficiency, controls, and data accuracy.
• Assist with team projects and cross-functional support as needed.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.
• 3 years minimum experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related role.
• Foundational understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Interest in professional growth within accounting or finance.

Software & Tools

• Accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar.
• Microsoft Office Suite, with strong proficiency in Excel.
• Expense management and payroll systems as applicable.

The Fun Stuff

Work isn’t all work! We want to make your experience at Dean Dorton a great one. From your health and happiness to your long-term satisfaction, we focus on YOU! A few highlights are listed below:

• Flexible work schedules and environment

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid family leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave programs

• Retirement benefits, including a best-in-class employer match and automatic profit sharing.

• Telemedicine, mental health resources and wellness program reimbursement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additionally, responsibilities and duties may vary depending on business needs and individual circumstances. Dean Dorton is an equal opportunity employer.