Corporate Staff Accountant

ESS Companies, Inc.; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Medical/dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

ESS Companies, Inc. in Columbia, Missouri is seeking a Corporate Staff Accountant to support accounts payable, payroll, and corporate close processes.

This in-office role collaborates with the Accounting Manager and operates in an ESOP-owned environment emphasizing discretion and integrity. The position covers vendor management, payroll administration, fixed assets, and supporting audits, with a focus on accurate scheduling, confidential handling of sensitive information, and timely financial

Qualifications

• Two years of accounting or payroll experience.
• Experience with general ledger, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting/payroll systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience supporting audits or compliance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable: vendor setup, invoice posting, vendor statement reconciliation, and weekly payments.
• Payroll Administration: process payroll, reconcile, and respond to employee inquiries.
• Corporate Accounting: bank reconciliations, journal entries, month/quarter/year-end close support.
• Fixed Assets & Depreciation: asset records, additions/disposals, depreciation, schedules.
• Audit & Financial Reporting: prepare schedules for external auditors and assist with requests.
• Insurance Administration: track self-insured plans and renewals.
• Special Projects & Operational Support: system improvements and internal control enhancements.

Skills

General ledger

Journal entries

Account reconciliations

Excel

Discretion & integrity

Payroll processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Job description

Corporate Staff AccountantLocation: Columbia, Missouri (In-Office)Reports To: Accounting ManagerEmployment Type: Full-TimeTravel: Minimal to no travel expectedPosition SummaryThis position is a critical role within the corporate accounting function of a growing, employee-owned (ESOP) construction company. The Corporate Staff Accountant will work closely with the Accounting Manager. They will have responsibilities including accounts payable and payroll administration and other billing, payment and reconciliation processes across multiple entities.Because this position regularly handles employee compensation, benefits, banking, and personnel information, exceptional discretion and confidentiality are essential. The successful candidate must demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to safeguard sensitive information in every setting and interaction.As a member of a 100% employee-owned company, this person should embrace an ownership mindset, take pride in dependable execution, support fellow employee-owners, and contribute positively to a collaborative, high-trust culture.Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts PayableSet up any new vendors and get proper documentation (W9, ACH info, etc.)Enter, Route, and post invoices through accounts payable module.Reconcile Vendor Statements Manage and pay vendors weeklyPrepare all 1099s at year endPayroll AdministrationProcess payroll accurately and on time for employee groups.Protect confidential payroll, compensation, benefits, and personnel information through sound judgment, discretion, and strict adherence to established controls.Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiriesPrepare payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules.Coordinate with Human Resources, Benefits, and third-party providers regarding employee changes, benefit changes, taxes, and other payroll-related matters.Assist with quarter-end and year-end payroll activities.Corporate AccountingPrepare bank reconciliations for multiple accounts and entities.Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations.Research and resolve accounting variances and discrepancies.Fixed Assets & DepreciationMaintain detailed fixed asset records and supporting schedules.Record asset additions, disposals, transfers, and depreciation activity.Support tax and financial reporting related to fixed assets.Audit & Financial Reporting SupportPrepare schedules and supporting documentation for external auditors.Assist in responding to audit requests and information inquiries.Help keep financial records accurate, organized, and audit-ready throughout the year.Insurance AdministrationTrack and reconcile self-insured medical and dental plan activity.Support insurance renewals, policy administration, and insurance audits.Special Projects & Operational SupportIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, documentation, and internal controls.Participate in system improvements, acquisitions, integrations, and special projects.Support additional corporate accounting, treasury, and finance initiatives as assigned.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.At least two years of accounting, payroll, or related financial experience preferred.Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, journal entries, and account reconciliations.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using accounting or payroll systems.Experience supporting audits, compliance activities, insurance administration, or benefit plan accounting is a plus.Construction industry, corporate accounting, or ESOP experience is beneficial but not required.Skills & AttributesExceptional discretion and integrity when handling confidential payroll, compensation, benefit, ownership, banking, and personnel information.Ability to meet recurring payroll schedules and other tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.Ability to work independently, research issues, exercise sound judgment, and follow problems through resolution.Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, management, auditors, vendors, benefit providers, and other external partners.Willingness to learn, adapt, improve processes, and support shared team priorities.Compensation & BenefitsCompensation will be market-based and commensurate with qualifications and experience.Benefits include Employee Stock Ownership Plan, medical and dental insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, wealth advisor services, life and disability insurance and access to Employee Assistance Program.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)