Senior Staff Accountant

Description

ABOUT US:

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is North America’s largest membership organization for those who work with employee benefit plans. The Foundation’s employees make a HUGE impact on the livelihoods of millions of workers across the U.S. and Canada because of the work we do in providing education and research to the benefits community. Employees enjoy an outstanding benefits package, unique employee perks, creative and caring co-workers—all within a family-friendly workplace. Speaking of workplaces, the Foundation is tucked into a 15-acre wooded slice of nature in the heart of Brookfield. We’re small enough for you to have ongoing, meaningful impact on the organization but big enough to make international news. 

Visit us at www.ifebp.org or connect with us on the socials. 

COMPENSATION & TOTAL REWARDS

The Foundation offers a generous total rewards package. Our incredible benefits package includes a comprehensive and affordable medical plan (which includes 24/7 Teledoc), vision plan, dental plan, FSA (medical and dependent care), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), long term disability, short term disability, ample PTO (vacation, sick, holidays) and more! Our retirement plan includes a defined benefit (pension) plan AND a non-elective company 401(k) contribution AND a 401(k) matching contribution. 

Unique organizational perks include free Milwaukee County Zoo passes, an on-site fitness center with yoga, stretch, and strength training classes, mindfulness sessions, a bocce league, game nights, and even a cribbage club to name a few!

The salary for this exempt-level position is $70,000-$85,000/year, based on experience. 

Summary:

The Senior Accountant is an experienced accounting professional, responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, month-end and year-end close processes. The incumbent will have ownership over specific tasks or functions. 

Assists the Director of Finance and Accounting in managing the accounting function for all affiliated organizations (three subsidiary, and separately incorporated organizations), supports other departments in accounting and budgeting, and assists in non-supervisory coaching/mentoring and training of other staff within the finance and accounting function.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

This Position Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

• Preparation and review of monthly closing journal entries, financial statements, account reconciliations and variance analysis for all companies
• Maintaining internal controls to preserve the integrity of financial assets
• Preparation of schedules and supporting information for annual audits and tax returns
• Assisting with annual budget preparation, monthly variance analysis and projections
• Compiling management financial reports for leadership and board of directors 
• Ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
• Improving operational efficiencies and making recommendations
• Researching accounting matters and making recommendations
• Providing workload/task direction and technical oversight of the work of less-experienced accountants
• Redesigning, updating and maintaining general ledger and monthly reporting schedules
• May be assigned other departmental or functional responsibilities, commensurate with a senior-level accounting professional. Additional duties may be assigned to maintain workload and continuity in the finance and accounting function and may include: assisting with processing accounts payable/payments, reviewing of credit card and expense reports, accounts receivable, software/platform updates, and automation of accounting processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

No formal supervisory responsibilities; however, incumbent may be required to train/mentor others. 

Requirements

Required Education/ Experience: 

The International Foundation will always consider candidates with an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required; in-progress or completed CPA preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated growth in responsibilities and technical expertise across core accounting functions.
• Thorough knowledge of internal controls and audit procedures. 
• Familiarity with fixed asset accounting and maintenance.
• Experience in preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Experience with intercompany accounting is preferred. 

Minimum Qualifications/Skills: 

• Demonstrated proficiency using CRM and Accounting Systems is required. Prior experience with Microsoft Dynamics and Great Plains is helpful, but not required.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. Experience with Smartsheet preferred; however, will train the right candidate. 
• Effective communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) skills. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and diverse personalities exhibiting tact, maturity, and flexibility. 
• Ability to establish professional credibility with outside departments and with the accounting staff.
• Proven ability to focus on multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment with regularly shifting deadlines. Exhibit exceptional organizational and multitasking skills with adeptness in prioritizing tasks effectively. 
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and analysis.
• Showcase excellent analytical and problem-solving skills supported by sound reasoning and judgment.
• Proven ability to apply a proactive approach to identifying process improvements and implementing solutions. 
• Capable of both independent work and collaboration within a team environment.

Travel Requirements: 

This position may intermittently require that the individual travel for work; but only up to 5% of the time.

Work Environment:
This position is expected to work from our corporate headquarters office in Brookfield, WI Monday through Friday of each week. This is an environment with typical office conditions, including lighting, noise, seating and equipment. 

Following a successful training period (and pending each individual's ability to effectively work from an appropriately-equipped home office, per the terms of the Hybrid Work Policy) incumbents may permitted to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, as business needs allow, in up-to a 60/40 (onsite/remote) hybrid schedule.

The Foundation reserves the right to modify or discontinue the current hybrid schedule at any time as business needs dictate.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds (e.g.: a case of printer paper). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.  

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENCIES

All at-will offers of employment issued by the International Foundation are contingent upon a successful completion of: background check, employment history verification, education verification (as applicable by position), credit check (as applicable by position), motor vehicle records (MVR) check (as applicable by position), 3-5 professional references, and completion of the Federal I-9 and E-Verify process to demonstrate eligibility to work for the IFEBP.