Staff Accountant

Watkins Associated Industries; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Watkins Associated Industries (WAI) is seeking a Staff Accountant to maintain accurate financial records and support month-end and year-end close processes in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The role collaborates with accounting, treasury, tax, operating companies, and corporate departments to ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting.

The position is full-time and on-site, with five days in the office. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, CPA progress, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
• CPA certification or progress toward CPA certification preferred.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end close activities.
• Experience in a multi-company environment is preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite/Adaptive Planning/OfficeConnect or similar ERP systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to monthly, quarterly, and annual closings in accordance with GAAP.
• Reconciles general ledger accounts and researches variances.
• Prepares audit schedules and reports for year-end audits.
• Reviews intercompany transactions and forces accurate month-end balances.
• Partners with Tax, Treasury, and other departments for accurate financial reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA candidate / CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Adaptive Planning

OfficeConnect

Job description

Watkins Associated Industries (WAI), established in 1961 with roots dating back to the Watkins Produce Company in 1932, is a diversified holding company. WAI operates across various industries, including trucking, seafood processing, door and window manufacturing, insurance, and real estate. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has a legacy of excellence spanning multiple decades. WAI is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in its market sectors through innovation, operational excellence, and dedication to its customers and employees.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Staff Accountant position located in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting month-end and year-end close processes. This role partners with accounting, treasury, tax, operating companies, and corporate departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards. The position also supports financial analysis, system enhancements, process improvements, and other initiatives that support business operations.

Salary Range: $75,000 $95,000

This is an in-office position. Five days onsite are required.

Summary of Job Duties

• Contributes to the preparation of internal financial statements for monthly, quarterly, and annual closings in accordance with GAAP, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Monthly Results
  • Prepares and uploads monthly net activity for assigned operating companies.
  • Reviews financial information for accuracy and completeness.
  • Ensures data within Adaptive Planning agrees to the accounting system.
• Reconciles general ledger accounts monthly, researches and resolves variances, and reviews peer reconciliations for accuracy and completeness.
• Reviews intercompany billing for accuracy, monitors open A/R and A/P balances with operating companies, and communicates outstanding month-end balances.
• Partners with Tax, Treasury, and other departments to obtain information required for accurate financial reporting and recording of general ledger transactions.
• Reviews daily A/P transactions and peer-reviewed reconciliations. Reviews and approves new vendor setups and vendor banking information for ACH payments.
• Prepares, reviews, and reports on capital expenditure forecasts. Reviews and reports on additions, retirements, and transfers of fixed assets.
• Reviews monthly expenditures by department to ensure completeness and appropriate general ledger coding.
• Ensures Concur expenses are properly recorded, reconciles Concur to NetSuite, ensures appropriate accounting cut-off, supports internal users, serves as backup administrator for Concur, and reconciles transactions to supporting statements.
• Responds to accounting-related inquiries and supports corporate departments with financial information, analysis, and issue resolution.
• Prepares audit schedules and consolidated year-end support schedules. Researches and resolves questions or issues identified during audit processes.
• Participates in special projects including software implementations, process improvements, acquisitions, divestitures, accounting initiatives, and other business projects.
• Assists with report validation, testing, system enhancements, workflow improvements, and other initiatives requested by management.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes, controls, workflows, and reporting accuracy; recommends and implements approved improvements.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of auditing practices and accounting procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze financial information.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and related accounting software.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals across multiple departments and operating companies.
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated initiative in identifying and resolving issues.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA certification or progress toward CPA certification preferred.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end close activities.
• Experience in a multi-company or multi-entity environment preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite, Adaptive Planning, OfficeConnect, or similar ERP and reporting systems preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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