Staff Accountant

Capstone; Mankato (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Capstone is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our Finance team in Minnesota. This role performs professional-level accounting work to support financial operations, maintain accurate records, assist with month-end close, and ensure GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and analytical, with 1–3 years of accounting experience, a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, and proficiency in Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 1–3 years of relevant accounting experience required; CPA preferred.
• Working knowledge of GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and record journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, and other adjustments.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts for accuracy.
• Support month-end close processes and prepare financial statements.
• Prepare audit schedules and support internal/external audits.
• Assist in accounts payable/receivable processes and collections.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Multitasking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Capstone is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our Finance team. This role performs professional-level accounting work to support the organization's financial operations, maintain accurate financial records, support the month-end close process, and ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal controls.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, organized, and collaborative, with a strong understanding of accounting principles and a commitment to accuracy.

This hybrid position is based out of either our Mankato or Eden Prairie, MN office. Employees are expected to work from their designated office a minimum of two (2) days per week.

Why You'll Want to Join Capstone

We support teaching and learning with amazing content that engages students, inspires teachers, and connects families and communities to move literacy forward. Capstone is a fast-paced growth company committed to cultivating a love of reading and learning. We know that Learning is for Everyone.

For over 30 years, Capstone has been a national leader in K-5 educational content including digital products (PebbleGo, PebbleGo Next, PebbleGo Create, Capstone Interactive, Capstone Connect) and award-winning books. We combine a passion for helping foster a powerful love of reading and learning with the talent to create amazing content.

We are a mission-driven company that provides opportunities for professional learning and development and a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities

General Ledger Management

• Prepare and record journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, and other adjustments.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure financial transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP and organizational policies.
• Review financial data for accuracy and proper account coding.

Month-End and Year-End Close

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Compile supporting schedules and documentation required for close.
• Assist in preparation of financial statements and related reports.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Assist in preparing internal financial reports for management review.
• Analyze account activity and identify discrepancies or unusual trends.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes through financial data preparation and analysis.

Audit and Compliance

• Prepare audit schedules and provide documentation for internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain financial records in accordance with record retention policies.

Operational Accounting Support

• Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes as needed.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and identify past-due accounts.
• Initiate and manage collections efforts in a professional and timely manner, including customer outreach and follow-up communications.
• Reconcile customer accounts and resolve billing discrepancies in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate documentation of collection activities and payment arrangements.
• Escalate delinquent accounts in accordance with established policies.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the accounting function.

Education, Experience, and Skills desired:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• One to three (1-3) years of relevant accounting experience required. Public accounting experience preferred.
• CPA certification or active pursuit of CPA designation preferred.
• Working knowledge of GAAP.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills specifically professional communication skills, including the ability to manage collections conversations effectively.

Travel Requirements

Approximately 5-10% travel may be required in the future.

Inclusion & Belonging

Capstone embraces equal opportunity and a culture of belonging for all employees and applicants. We are an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidate information will be kept private according to EEO guidelines. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail].

The pay range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered surrounding compensation including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, work location, and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $55,000-$65,000.

Capstone strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

Employment Authorization:

At this time Capstone unfortunately cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. To be considered for one of our roles, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States