Senior Accountant

UES, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking an Accountant III to manage high‑complexity accounts, lead financial reporting, and support audits within a large engineering and environmental services firm.

The role requires deep U.S. GAAP knowledge, ownership of month‑end/quarterly closes, and coordination with external auditors, with mentoring of junior accountants.

You will drive process improvements, automate routine tasks, and collaborate with FP&A and leadership on strategic reporting in a dynamic office environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience and ownership of complex accounts.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP with experience in consolidated financial statements and audits.
• Advanced ERP and Microsoft Office proficiency; experience with system implementations a plus.
• Experience leading month-end and year-end close, acquisition integration, and audit coordination.
• Proven ability to identify process improvements, implement controls, and standardize processes.
• Strong analytical and project management skills with ability to influence policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills; experience guiding junior staff.
• Ability to manage complex deliverables independently while contributing to cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complex journal entries and reconciliations including goodwill, equity, debt, and acquisition accounting.
• Manage full-cycle monthly and quarterly close for multiple entities, ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy.
• Oversee preparation and analysis of consolidated financial statements with leadership commentary.
• Serve as liaison for external auditors, coordinating audits and delivering timely deliverables.
• Drive integration and alignment of accounting systems for acquisitions or upgrades.
• Research accounting guidance to assess implications of new transactions or standards.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, automation, and internal controls in accounting processes.
• Train, mentor, and review work of junior and mid-level accountants.
• Collaborate with FP&A and finance leadership on reporting enhancements and cross-functional projects.
• Provide technical accounting expertise and influence policy updates and risk mitigation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Audit coordination

Analytical skills

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Accountant III is responsible for managing high-complexity account areas, leading key components of financial reporting and audits, and driving process improvements. This individual serves as a technical expert, supports strategic finance initiatives, and mentors junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complex journal entries and account reconciliations, including areas such as goodwill, equity, debt, and acquisition accounting.
• Manage full-cycle monthly and quarterly close activities for multiple entities or business units, ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy.
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of consolidated financial statements, providing commentary and recommendations to leadership.
• Serve as a key liaison for external auditors, coordinating audit efforts, resolving technical issues, and ensuring timely submission of audit deliverables.
• Drive integration and alignment of accounting systems and processes for acquired companies or system upgrades
• Research and interpret accounting guidance to assess implications of new transactions or accounting standards.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, automation, and internal controls within accounting processes.
• Train, mentor, and review the work of junior and mid-level accountants, promoting technical development and consistency.
• Collaborate with FP&A and finance leadership on reporting enhancements and cross-functional strategic projects.
• Provide technical accounting expertise and influence policy updates, documentation, and risk mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including ownership of complex accounts and exposure to technical accounting matters.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, with experience preparing or reviewing consolidated financial statements and supporting audits.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office; experience with system implementations or integrations is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead aspects of month-end and year-end close, acquisition integration, and audit coordination.
• Demonstrated success identifying process improvements, implementing controls, and driving standardization.
• Strong analytical and project management skills; capable of interpreting financial guidance and influencing accounting policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills; experience training, guiding, or reviewing work for junior team members.
• Ability to manage complex deliverables independently while contributing to cross-functional initiatives.

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off‑site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in‑person interactions.
• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page.