Junior Accountant

Ascential Medical & Life Sciences; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascential Technologies in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Junior Accountant to join its corporate accounting team. This role provides broad exposure to monthly close, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance within a multi-site industrial organization.

The Junior Accountant will support the monthly close process, prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, maintain financial records and supporting documentation, assist with internal controls and audit activities, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• 0-2 years of accounting experience, internships welcome.
• Solid understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Support the monthly close processes and prepare journal entries.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with intercompany reconciliations and settlements.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation calculations.
• Support ASC 842 lease accounting and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes.
• Assist with audit schedules and tax compliance information.

Skills

US GAAP

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Ascential Technologies is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Accountant to join its growing corporate accounting team. This role provides an excellent opportunity for an early-career accounting professional to gain broad exposure to corporate accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance within a dynamic, multi-site industrial organization. The Junior Accountant will support the monthly close process, prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, maintain financial records and supporting documentation, assist with internal controls and audit activities, and contribute to the overall accuracy and integrity of the company’s financial reporting. Working closely with the Corporate Controller, this position offers significant opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Responsibilities

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes by preparing journal entries, maintaining supporting schedules, and ensuring timely completion of assigned close activities.
• Prepare and maintain balance sheet account reconciliations, investigate reconciling items, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Assist with intercompany account reconciliations, identify mismatches, coordinate resolution efforts, and track outstanding items to ensure timely settlement.
• Maintain fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, transfers, depreciation calculations, and monthly reconciliations between the fixed asset subledger and general ledger.
• Support lease accounting processes by maintaining lease data, tracking schedules, and assisting with compliance related to ASC 842 requirements.
• Execute assigned internal controls and maintain audit-ready documentation supporting the company’s internal control framework and financial reporting processes.
• Gather, organize, and retain supporting documentation and control evidence to meet internal and external audit requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of audit schedules, Prepared by Client (PBC) requests, and responses to internal and external auditors.
• Support corporate tax compliance activities by gathering and organizing information requested by external tax advisors and preparing supporting schedules as needed.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation in accordance with corporate policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with finance and operational teams across the organization to obtain information, resolve issues, and improve accounting processes.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and communicate potential risks, discrepancies, or control concerns to the Corporate Controller.
• Perform additional accounting, reporting, and analysis duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• 0-2 years of accounting experience, including internships, co-op programs, or entry-level accounting positions.
• Basic understanding of U.S. GAAP and fundamental accounting principles.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong desire to learn and develop within a corporate accounting environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA candidate or active pursuit of CPA licensure.
• Public accounting internship or prior accounting experience.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle.
• Exposure to account reconciliations, financial reporting, internal controls, or audit support activities.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, or multi-site business environment.

Ascential Technologies is a global industrial technology company with operations spanning automotive testing and validation, medical and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Our Grand Rapids, MI site is part of the Burke Porter Group — a recognized leader in vehicle testing, automation, and end-of-line measurement systems. We build with precision. We operate with purpose. And we’re looking for people who bring that same standard to every part of the business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.