Staff Accountant - Bookkeeper

American Accounting Association; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant / Bookkeeper to manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of independent financial advisors and wealth management clients in Saint Paul, MN. You will leverage QuickBooks Online, produce monthly financial reports, and support month-end close while delivering top-tier client service.

The ideal candidate holds QBO Certification with 1–3 years of QBO experience, strong reconciliations, and solid Excel skills.

Qualifications

• QuickBooks Online 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 Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and client deadlines.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist with the Controller with 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.
• 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.

Job description

Staff Accountant / Bookkeeper

Staff Accountant - Bookkeeper

Employer Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities Location Saint Paul, Minnesota Salary Competitive Closing date Sep 23, 2026

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.