Staff Accountant - Bookkeeper

Northwestern Mutual; Mendota Heights (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant/Bookkeeping Specialist to manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of independent financial advisory clients using QuickBooks Online. This role supports month-end close, reconciliations, and the preparation of monthly financial reports while delivering high-quality service.

The ideal candidate will hold a QBO Certification with 1–3 years of relevant experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to manage multiple client

Qualifications

• QBO Certification required.
• 1–3 years of experience using QuickBooks Online in bookkeeping or accounting.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial statement preparation.
• Strong communication and ability to manage multiple client deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage bookkeeping and accounting for a portfolio of independent financial advisor and wealth management clients.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports and schedules; reconcile bank and credit card activity.
• Support month-end close and internal accounting processes; assist Controller as needed.
• Onboard new clients, establish best practices within QuickBooks Online, and maintain accurate ledgers.

Skills

QBO Certification

Excel

Client communication

multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Gusto

Job description

Staff Accountant-Bookkeeping Specialist

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and client-focused Staff Accountant / Bookkeeping Specialist to join our growing team. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting needs of independent financial advisory and wealth management firms through QuickBooks Online (QBO).

The ideal candidate is a QuickBooks Online Certified professional with experience managing multiple clients, producing accurate monthly financial reports, performing reconciliations, and supporting month-end close activities. This individual will serve as a trusted resource for advisor clients while also assisting the Controller with internal accounting and administrative functions.

As our bookkeeping services continue to expand, this position will play a key role in onboarding new clients, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality accounting services.

Key Responsibilities

Client Bookkeeping & Accounting Services

• Manage bookkeeping and accounting functions for a portfolio of independent financial advisors and wealth management firm clients.
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for assigned clients.
• Conduct client onboarding, including reviewing accounting processes, organizing financial data, and establishing best practices within QuickBooks Online.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and ensure proper transaction categorization.
• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Assist clients with budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Reconcile payroll activity and ensure proper financial statement reporting.
• Complete month-end close activities on a timely basis.
• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Identify accounting discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding financial results, bookkeeping questions, and accounting needs.
• Participate in client meetings as needed to discuss financial performance and operational improvements.
• Manage multiple client relationships while maintaining exceptional service levels.

Internal Accounting Support

• Assist the Controller with the company's day-to-day accounting operations.
• Support internal reconciliations, reporting, and month-end processes.
• Assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and administrative accounting tasks.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
• Support process improvement initiatives and accounting workflow enhancements.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Practice Growth & Development

• Support the continued growth of the firm's outsourced bookkeeping service offering.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of client service processes.
• Help improve efficiencies through technology and process enhancements.
• Manage a growing client base, with the opportunity to oversee approximately 30 client relationships.

Required Qualifications

• QuickBooks Online (QBO) Certification required.
• 1-3 years of experience using QuickBooks Online in a bookkeeping or accounting role.
• Experience preparing monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Strong knowledge of bank reconciliations, transaction categorization, and month-end close processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and client deadlines simultaneously.
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to build trusted client relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience supporting financial advisory, wealth management, or professional services firms.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience using Gusto payroll software.
• Familiarity with outsourced accounting or client accounting services (CAS) environments.

Core Competencies

• Client Relationship Management
• Financial Reporting
• Problem Solving
• Organization and Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Professional Communication
• Process Improvement
• Adaptability
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Timely completion of monthly client deliverables.
• Accuracy and quality of financial reporting.
• Successful onboarding of new bookkeeping clients.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Effective management of a growing portfolio of advisor clients.
• Contribution to process improvements and scalability of bookkeeping services.
• Consistent support of the Controller and internal accounting operations.