Staff Accountant / Senior Accountant

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Staff Accountant / Senior Accountant to independently manage the operational accounting and finance activities of a small industrial subsidiary operating within an international corporate group environment.

This position is a key local finance role with broad operational responsibility in a manufacturing and distribution business focused on industrial drive technology products. The company operates in an international environment with significant intercompany purchasing activities and close interaction between the local management team and the global finance organization.

The role works closely with the local President and management team on day-to-day financial and administrative matters while coordinating with Group Finance and Controlling regarding reporting standards, compliance requirements, and corporate reporting activities.

While support and collaboration are available within the international finance organization, this role maintains primary responsibility for the operational accounting and financial administration activities of the US entity.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated accounting professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, and take ownership of daily accounting operations with a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Daily / Weekly Accounting Operations

• Process and maintain Accounts Payable transactions, including vendor invoice entry, payment processing, and reconciliations.
• Process Accounts Receivable transactions, including customer invoicing, cash applications, and collections activities.
• Prepare and post General Ledger journal entries.
• Record and reconcile bank transactions and cash activities.
• Manage customer invoicing portals and electronic billing requirements.
• Assist with customer credit reviews and monitor customer payment activity.
• Coordinate payroll processing activities in collaboration with external payroll providers.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation in compliance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Support finance operations related to inventory management, material planning, and intercompany purchasing transactions.

Monthly Close & Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly account reconciliations and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare and post accruals, prepaid expenses, depreciation, and amortization entries.
• Support monthly and year-end financial close activities in accordance with US GAAP; IFRS exposure is a plus.
• Assist with monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, and KPI reporting for management.
• Support inventory accounting and reconciliation activities within a manufacturing/distribution environment.
• Collaborate with Group Finance and Controlling teams regarding monthly reporting requirements and reporting consistency.
• Support group reporting and financial consolidation activities.

Compliance, Tax & Audit Support

• Support compliance activities related to sales tax, corporate income tax, and personal property tax matters.
• Coordinate with external auditors, CPA firms, banks, and tax advisors.
• Participate in annual financial audits and internal control reviews.
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Administrative & HR Support

• Support onboarding and offboarding administrative activities.
• Maintain employee-related administrative records in coordination with HR.
• Support accounting-related employee administration activities.
• Assist management with financial presentations, operational reporting, and business analysis.
• Process employee expense reports and review company-issued credit card statements.
• Assist with renewals of insurance policies, employee benefits, and vendor/service contracts.

Business & Industry Environment

The company operates in an industrial manufacturing and distribution environment with a strong focus on inventory management, material processes, and international intercompany business transactions supporting the US market.

A significant portion of purchased materials and semi-finished goods is sourced from affiliated international group companies, requiring structured coordination of intercompany purchasing and inventory-related accounting activities.

Systems & Tools

This role requires daily use of:

• SAP ECC R/3 (SAP S/4HANA migration currently in progress)
• Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• IBM Cognos and related reporting tools
• Banking portal software
• Customer invoicing portals
• ADP payroll systems

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant accounting experience will also be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience in a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and general accounting principles.
• Experience independently managing operational accounting activities.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or distribution environment preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.
• Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis, including training in Germany if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA environments highly desirable.
• Familiarity with IFRS reporting concepts and lease accounting principles preferred.
• Experience with inventory accounting, material management processes, and intercompany transactions.
• Working knowledge of US tax compliance topics including Sales Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Personal Property Tax.
• Experience working within an international or multinational company environment preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Professional, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, external business partners, and international finance teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment is at-will.