Senior Accountant I

Elinor Coatings; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Match

Employee Assistance Program

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Elinor Coatings in Fargo, ND seeks a Senior Accountant I to manage end-to-end financial operations within a federal contracting framework. You will oversee payroll, AP, billing, tax filings, audits, and internal controls while supporting project accounting and procurement with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 5+ years of accounting experience, GAAP expertise, and proficiency with QuickBooks, NetSuite or Sage. Collaboration with scientists and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and project accounting.
• Proficiency with accounting systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage) and Excel analysis.
• Experience with government contracting and audits.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with scientists, researchers, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Ensure GAAP compliance and federal standards (FAR, DCAA, DCMA, IRS).
• Maintain QVL per AS9100; conduct vendor evaluations for audit readiness.
• Develop and enforce internal controls; create accounting SOPs.
• Manage project reporting, costs, and budgets for federal projects.
• Support procurement and inventory processes for lab materials and equipment.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Project accounting

Excel analysis

Multiple projects coordination

Government contracting & audits

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Sage

Job description

Overview

The Senior Accountant I manages end-to-end financial operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all accounting activities within a federal contracting environment. This role oversees core financial duties including payroll, general accounting, billing, tax filings, accounts payable, audits, and regulatory compliance, while developing strong internal controls, standardized procedures, and reliable reporting practices. The position collaborates closely with researchers, project sponsors, executive leadership, R&D, and operations to support project accounting, procurement, inventory management, and organizational growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Regulatory & Standards Compliance

• Ensure adherence to GAAP and federal accounting standards, including FAR, DCAA, DCMA, and IRS requirements.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local protocols, including interpretation of new and existing legislation.

Financial Operations

• Maintain and update the company’s Qualified Vendor List (QVL) in accordance with AS9100 requirements.
• Conduct periodic vendor evaluations to verify ongoing compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all supplier documentation is accurate, complete, and current for audit readiness.
• Collaborate with procurement and quality teams to review vendor performance and address any nonconformities.

Internal Controls & Policy Development

• Create, implement, and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial and accounting policies and procedures.
• Create and maintain an SOP manual for accounting policies, regulations, and reconciliation procedures.
• Streamline accounting workflows and recommend process or system improvements to support organizational scaling.
• Collaborate with accounting advisors and consultants as needed.

Project & Contract Accounting

• Ensure project reporting accuracy and maintain timely communication between researchers and project sponsors.
• Track project costs and budgets, including labor, materials, equipment, and external testing for federal research initiatives.
• Support forecasting, capital planning, and financial evaluation of new initiatives in collaboration with R&D and operations teams.

Procurement & Inventory Support

• Support procurement and inventory processes for chemicals, substrates, lab supplies, and specialized equipment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and experience with project accounting.
• Proficiency with accounting systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, or similar) and Excel analysis tools.
• Ability to work with multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Experience with government contracting and audits.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic R&D focused environment.
• Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating with scientists, chemists, and leadership.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, and proactive problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a managerial or leadership capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Additional experience with federal research contract accounting (FAR, DCAA, DCMA).
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks, Excel, and broader accounting system implementation.
• Prior experience as a financial controller, accounting supervisor, or senior accountant.

Classification and Compensation

Full Time/Benefited

• 401K Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• 100% paid employee healthcare, vision, dental, disability and life insurance
• Starting PTO is 16 days annually with 14 paid holidays and 12 paid sick days