Senior Accountant

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:  Under the direction of the Controller, the Senior Accountant provides the highest level of support towards efficient and accurate month and year-end close processes, while also maintaining the integrity of financial reports.  A successful Senior Accountant combines excellent analytical skills with a thorough knowledge of accounting principles to analyze financial reports and forecasts. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Accounting & Finance

• Record cash transactions and reconcile the bank accounts within Sage on a daily basis.
• Reconcile & record bi-weekly payroll within Sage by the Friday following each pay period.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes through the timely entering of month-end journal entries and completion of account reconciliations, as assigned.
• Support Controller with preparing variance analysis of actuals to budget for each department as part of month-end close processes.
• Prepare financial statements for each department of the MSO by the 10th business day of each month.
• Prepare financial statements for the MSO Endowment and Milwaukee Arts Partners monthly.
• Prepare annual tax statements (1099, 1042, W2, etc.)

A/P

• Process weekly accounts payable payments, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and proper documentation of all invoices and reimbursements.

• Partner with the Artistic Department to process payments & taxes for weekly guest artists & conductors.
• Enter accounts payable (A/P) invoices and cash disbursements into the accounting system accurately within 5 business days of receipt.
• Code and submit payroll/benefit invoices to Accounts Payable by the Friday following each pay period.

A/R

• Record and assist with the billing and processing of Accounts Receivable on a timely basis.

Payroll

• Process payroll twice a quarter and assist the HR Department in the processing of other payrolls as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Support the Controller with preparing the Annual Budget
• Ensure compliance with GAAP principles.
• Support interim and year-end audit activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS:  This position is integral in communicating with employees across all functions with budgetary and financial responsibilities. In addition, the position includes regular communication and direct contact with independent auditors and government agencies.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or business, and 5+ years of finance and accounting experience.  Other key attributes include strong interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of accounting and reporting software, experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.  Knowledge of Sage, Paycom, and Tessitura a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  This position requires advanced math skills.

REASONING ABILITY: Able to collect data and information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: This position requires experience with computerized accounting systems, demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and maintain highest level of confidentiality regarding business and staff information, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Job-related stress may be encountered during high-peak times.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to employ the most qualified person available for a job. This policy recognizes individual differences and the specific demands of each position. The MSO has a firm commitment to extend equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all people without regard to age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest or conviction record, military service or any other characteristic prohibited by law except where a bona fide occupational qualification precludes employment.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: The MSO complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Accommodation of Disabilities. This means that we do not discriminate against any qualified individual with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship to include: application for employment, recruitment, hiring, promotion, and/or advancement in employment, compensation, training opportunities or other terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

COMPENSATION: Salary will be commensurate with experience as appropriate.  The Senior Accountant is entitled to all benefits available to full-time employees including health, dental, life and long-term disability insurances and eligibility to participate in vision insurance, flexible spending account plans, and staff retirement savings plans.