Senior Accountant I

Elinor Coatings, LLC; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

PTO: 16 days + 14 holidays + 12 sick

Voluntary HSA / Flex / EAP

Job summary

Elinor Coatings, LLC is seeking a Senior Accountant I to manage end-to-end financial operations in a federal contracting environment. The role covers payroll, billing, tax filings, accounts payable, audits and internal controls to support scalable growth.

You will collaborate with researchers, project sponsors, leadership, and operations to ensure accurate project reporting, procurement alignment, and compliant financial practices across diverse programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of 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 competing priorities in a dynamic R&D‑focused environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration with scientists, chemists, and leadership.
• Independent work and leadership capability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll, billing, tax filings, accounts payable and audits.
• Maintain internal controls and standard procedures.
• Prepare project cost tracking and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with procurement and inventory for materials.
• Support regulatory compliance in federal contracting environment.
• Develop SOPs for accounting policies and reconciliations.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Project accounting

Stakeholder management

Multitasking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

5+ years accounting experience

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Sage

Excel

Job description

Elinor Coatings creates solutions for corrosion, degradation, and fouling through research in surface protection. We value environmental sustainability and conservation and diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. This role will join a team of researchers in developing new formulations of protective and anti-corrosion coatings for metals. Support long-term federal research contracts in aerospace and ground vehicle support.

About the Role

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.

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.

Requirements

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.

Benefits & Compensation

• $80,000+ DOE
• 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
• Voluntary HSA, Flex, Employee Assistance Program, and more