Accounting Specialist

Cogent Analytics; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative environment

Own accounting function

Job summary

Cogent Analytics in Florida is seeking an Accounting Specialist to manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a small business. You will maintain financial records, process AP/AR, and assist with month-end close using QuickBooks.

The ideal candidate has hands-on QuickBooks experience, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a small-team environment. This role offers growth and direct impact on financial reporting and tax support.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks (Online and/or Desktop).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial analysis.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a small business environment.
• Must clear a background check.

Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date financial records in QuickBooks, including journal entries and general ledger activity.
• Process accounts payable, including vendor bill coding and timely payments.
• Process accounts receivable, generate invoices and deposit requests; track outstanding payments.
• Create orders in QuickBooks after client approval.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements monthly.
• Track and categorize business expenses accurately.
• Assist with payroll processing and ensure related entries are recorded correctly.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including schedules for the CPA.
• Prepare routine financial reports (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for ownership review.
• Monitor cash flow and flag discrepancies or unusual transactions.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready financial documentation and filing systems.
• Communicate professionally with vendors, clients, and banks regarding billing and payments.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Support information needed for tax filings with outside preparers.

Skills

Bookkeeping

QuickBooks

Excel

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication

Independence

Background check

Education

B.S. in Accounting

Assoc degree

Tools

QuickBooks (Online/Desktop)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

A detail‑oriented and reliable Accounting Specialist is needed to manage day‑to‑day bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping for a small business. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate financial records, processing accounts payable and receivable, preparing invoices, reconciling accounts, and supporting the month‑end close process, including generating monthly financial statements in QuickBooks. The ideal candidate has hands‑on QuickBooks experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a small‑business environment.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, small-business work environment.
• Opportunity to take ownership of the accounting function and work directly with leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records in QuickBooks, including all journal entries and general ledger activity.
• Process accounts payable, including entering and coding vendor bills and issuing timely payments.
• Process accounts receivable, including generating customer invoices and requests for deposits. Tracking, following up, and documenting activities as they relate to outstanding payments.
• Creating orders in QuickBooks after order is approved by client.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements, and other accounts on a monthly basis.
• Track and categorize business expenses accurately and consistently.
• Assist with payroll processing and ensure related entries are recorded correctly.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including preparing supporting schedules for the CPA.
• Prepare routine financial reports and summaries (e.g., P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for ownership/management review.
• Monitor cash flow and flag discrepancies, unusual transactions, or issues needing attention.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready financial documentation and filing systems, both digital and physical.
• Communicate professionally with vendors, clients, and financial institutions regarding billing and payment matters.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, procedures, and applicable accounting standards.
• Support the preparation of information needed for tax filings, working alongside outside tax preparers as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional bookkeeping or accounting experience, required.
• Hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks (Online and/or Desktop), required.
• Solid working knowledge of core bookkeeping principles: accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Trustworthy and discreet in handling confidential financial information.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must clear a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• QuickBooks certification.
• Prior bookkeeping experience in a small business, creative services, or design/production environment.