Job brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented General Ledger Accountant to join our finance team and take ownership of our core accounting operations that support over $50M in annual revenue. In this role, you will manage the general ledger through our NetSuite ERP system, execute monthly close procedures within tight deadlines, and ensure GAAP compliance across all financial reporting. You will work directly with our Controller and external audit firms, providing critical support for financial statement preparation and regulatory filings. If you excel at problem-solving complex accounting issues and thrive in a collaborative environment that values accuracy and continuous process improvement, this role offers excellent growth opportunities.
Key highlights
- Execute monthly close procedures within 5-business-day deadlines, including trial balance preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis reporting
- Maintain chart of accounts structure and post complex journal entries including accruals, prepaid allocations, and month-end adjusting entries in NetSuite or SAP
- Prepare detailed account rollforwards and supporting documentation for external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audit fieldwork
- Analyze balance sheet accounts for unusual activity, prepare monthly flux analyses, and document significant variances for management review
What is a General Ledger Accountant?
A General Ledger Accountant is a financial professional who serves as the backbone of organizational accounting by maintaining the chart of accounts, processing complex journal entries, and ensuring accurate financial data flows through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Working with advanced accounting software such as SAP, Oracle Financials, NetSuite, or QuickBooks Enterprise, General Ledger Accountants execute monthly close procedures, prepare trial balances, and reconcile general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers. Their expertise in GAAP compliance, variance analysis, and financial controls ensures that organizations maintain accurate books of record that support executive decision-making and regulatory reporting requirements.
What does a General Ledger Accountant do?
On a daily basis, a General Ledger Accountant posts journal entries for accruals, deferrals, and reclassifications, reconciles balance sheet accounts to identify and resolve discrepancies, and prepares detailed account analyses for management review. They collaborate with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll teams to ensure accurate transaction coding, work closely with external auditors during year-end audits by providing supporting documentation and account rollforwards, and prepare monthly financial reporting packages including trial balances, variance reports, and flux analyses. During month-end close cycles, they execute closing checklists, perform intercompany eliminations, and validate financial statement accuracy before executive review.
Key responsibilities
- Maintain chart of accounts structure and post complex journal entries including accruals, prepaid allocations, and month-end adjusting entries in NetSuite or SAP
- Execute monthly close procedures within 5-business-day deadlines, including trial balance preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis reporting
- Reconcile general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers, bank statements, and supporting schedules, investigating and resolving discrepancies exceeding established thresholds
- Prepare detailed account rollforwards and supporting documentation for external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audit fieldwork
- Analyze balance sheet accounts for unusual activity, prepare monthly flux analyses, and document significant variances for management review
- Collaborate with accounts payable, payroll, and revenue teams to ensure accurate coding of transactions and proper application of GAAP standards
- Support budget and forecasting processes by providing historical financial data analysis and assisting with annual budget preparation
- Implement and maintain internal controls over financial reporting, documenting procedures and testing control effectiveness for SOX compliance
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with strong understanding of GAAP principles and financial statement preparation
- 3+ years of experience in general ledger accounting with hands-on experience in month-end close procedures and financial reporting
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics with advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions
- CPA certification preferred or progress toward CPA completion, demonstrating commitment to professional accounting standards
- Experience with external audit support, including preparation of audit schedules, account rollforwards, and documentation of internal controls
- Strong analytical skills with ability to investigate complex accounting issues and prepare detailed variance analyses for management reporting
- Knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and experience documenting and testing internal controls over financial reporting processes
- Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple deadlines during month-end close cycles while maintaining high accuracy standards
FAQs
What does a General Ledger Accountant do during month-end close?
During month-end close, a General Ledger Accountant executes critical accounting procedures including posting accrual and adjusting journal entries, reconciling all balance sheet accounts to supporting documentation, preparing trial balances, and conducting variance analyses between actual and budgeted results. They work closely with other accounting team members to ensure accurate transaction coding, resolve any account discrepancies, and prepare financial reporting packages for management review. The role requires completing these tasks within tight deadlines, typically 3-5 business days after month-end, while maintaining high accuracy standards essential for executive decision-making.
What software skills are required for General Ledger Accountant positions?
General Ledger Accountants must be proficient in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Financials, or QuickBooks Enterprise for processing transactions and generating financial reports. Advanced Excel skills are essential, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP functions, and complex formulas for account analysis and reconciliation work. Many positions also require experience with financial reporting tools like Hyperion, OneStream, or Workiva for consolidation and reporting automation. Additionally, knowledge of audit management software and document management systems is valuable for supporting external audit processes and maintaining proper documentation trails.
Who does a General Ledger Accountant work with in an organization?
A General Ledger Accountant collaborates extensively with internal teams including accounts payable for vendor payment processing, accounts receivable for customer collections, and payroll departments for employee compensation recording. They work closely with the Controller and CFO on financial reporting and analysis, coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits, and support budget analysts during forecasting cycles. The role also involves regular interaction with operational departments to understand business transactions and ensure proper accounting treatment, as well as collaboration with IT teams for system implementations and process improvements.
What career advancement opportunities exist for General Ledger Accountants?
General Ledger Accountants typically advance to Senior Accountant roles with expanded responsibilities for complex accounting areas such as revenue recognition, fixed assets, or consolidations. With additional experience and CPA certification, they can progress to Accounting Manager positions overseeing accounting teams and processes, or specialize in areas like Financial Reporting Manager or Corporate Controller roles. Many General Ledger Accountants also transition into Financial Analyst positions focusing on budgeting and forecasting, or move into audit and consulting roles with public accounting firms. The role provides excellent foundational experience for various finance and accounting career paths, with median salaries ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and location.