Advisory Associate

Johnson O'Connor; Wakefield (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson O’Connor, Wakefield, MA, seeks a Financial Reporting & Advisory Associate to join our CAAS team. You will prepare monthly financial statements, analyze results, assist with closes, and develop KPI dashboards for diverse clients.

The role focuses on improving accounting processes, supporting software implementations, and delivering financial insights to owners and management. Ideal candidates have 3–7 years of accounting experience, strong Excel, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–7 years of accounting experience in public accounting, private industry, or both.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and the accounting cycle.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel.
• Experience with accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Xero, or similar systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• CPA license or active progress toward CPA certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and management reports for a diverse client base.
• Analyze financial results and investigate fluctuations, trends, and unusual balances.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, complete, and presented clearly for business owners and management.
• Develop KPI dashboards and other management reporting tools.
• Support outsourced Controller and CFO engagements across various industries.
• Prepare financial analyses, forecasts, and budgeting models.
• Assist with cash flow projections and business performance reporting.
• Participate in client meetings and communicate financial insights and recommendations.

Skills

Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

QuickBooks

Sage Intacct

Xero

Job description

Dedicated accounting professional? Intellectually curious? Ready to help businesses make smarter financial decisions?

Join Johnson O'Connor as a Financial Reporting & Advisory Associate.

Johnson O’Connor is seeking a Financial Reporting & Advisory Associate to join our growing Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) practice. This role supports our outsourced Controller and outsourced CFO professionals by helping clients improve financial reporting, strengthen accounting processes, develop meaningful management reporting, and gain better insight into their businesses. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in accounting and financial systems, enjoys solving problems, and is interested in growing into a trusted client advisor over time.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and management reports for a diverse client base.
• Analyze financial results and investigate fluctuations, trends, and unusual balances.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, complete, and presented in a meaningful manner for business owners and management teams.
• Develop KPI dashboards and other management reporting tools.

Accounting Systems & Process Improvement:

• Assist clients in evaluating and improving accounting processes and workflows.
• Support implementation and optimization of accounting software and integrated financial systems.
• Identify control weaknesses, inefficiencies, and data integrity issues.
• Help clients establish consistent procedures surrounding accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial reporting.

Advisory Support:

• Support outsourced Controller and CFO engagements across a variety of industries.
• Prepare financial analyses, forecasts, and budgeting models.
• Assist with cash flow projections and business performance reporting.
• Participate in client meetings and help communicate financial insights and recommendations.
• Research accounting and operational issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Work closely with the firm’s outsourced Controller/CFO professionals, bookkeepers, tax professionals, and assurance teams.
• Coordinate with dedicated bookkeeping staff when day-to-day transaction processing assistance is required.
• Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives for clients.
• Contribute to financial diligence support engagements.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3-7 years of accounting experience in public accounting, private industry, or a combination of both.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and the accounting cycle.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, general ledger accounting, and account reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel.
• Experience with accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Xero, or similar systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• CPA license or active progress toward CPA certification.
• Experience in Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS), outsourced accounting, controllership, or advisory environments.
• Experience preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses.
• Exposure to financial system implementations or process improvement projects.
• Someone others enjoy working with.
• Understands that good financial reporting begins with accurate underlying accounting data.
• Comfortable working with multiple clients and industries.
• Ability to move fluidly between accounting details and big-picture business discussions.
• Naturally consultative, client-focused, and intellectually curious.
• Self-starter who takes ownership and follows through.
• Desire to grow into a future Controller, CFO, or trusted business advisor.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.