Staff Accountant - Bookkeeper

American Accounting Association; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities in Saint Paul, Minnesota seeks a Staff Accountant/Bookkeeping Specialist. The role focuses on managing day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting for independent financial advisors using QuickBooks Online.

The ideal candidate is QBO certified with 1–3 years of experience, skilled in monthly reports, reconciliations, and supporting month-end close while building trusted client relationships. Hybrid work arrangement and full-time employment are offered.

Qualifications

• QBO Certification required.
• 1–3 years QuickBooks Online experience.
• Experience preparing monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Strong knowledge of bank reconciliations and month-end close.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage bookkeeping and accounting functions for a portfolio of independent financial advisor clients.
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for assigned clients.
• Onboard new clients and establish best practices in QuickBooks Online.
• Maintain general ledger and perform monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports and schedules.
• Support internal accounting operations and month-end close.

Skills

QBO Certification

QBO Experience

Bank Reconciliations

Month-end Close

Excel

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Gusto Payroll

Job description

Employer

Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Salary: Competitive

Closing date: Sep 26, 2026

Focus Area: Accounts, Payable / Receivable, Compensation / Payroll, Credit Control Role Type: Accountant Role Level: Staff Education Level: Bachelor's Degree Work Mode: Hybrid Employment Type: Full Time Organization Type: Other

Job Title

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 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.