Accounting

Senior Accountant job description

A Senior Accountant manages month-end closing processes, prepares GAAP-compliant financial statements, and oversees general ledger reconciliations.

Published April 7, 2024Updated May 9, 20261331 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join our finance team and take ownership of our month-end closing process and financial reporting accuracy. In this role, you will manage complex reconciliations, prepare management reports that drive business decisions, and ensure our accounting practices meet all regulatory requirements including SOX compliance. You will work closely with our Controller, external auditors, and cross-functional teams to maintain the financial controls that support our growing business. If you excel at detailed analysis, thrive in deadline-driven environments, and want to make a direct impact on financial operations, this role offers excellent growth opportunities.

Key highlights

Execute monthly and quarterly closing procedures including journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations within established deadlines
Prepare comprehensive financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses comparing actual results to budget and prior periods
Coordinate audit activities by preparing supporting schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and documenting internal controls for SOX compliance
Analyze revenue recognition under ASC 606 standards, ensuring proper timing and classification of complex transactions across multiple revenue streams

What is a Senior Accountant?

A Senior Accountant is a financial professional who leads complex accounting operations including month-end and year-end closing procedures, financial statement preparation under GAAP or IFRS standards, and comprehensive general ledger management. Working with advanced ERP systems like NetSuite, SAP, or QuickBooks Enterprise, Senior Accountants ensure accurate financial reporting, maintain internal controls, and support audit processes for regulatory compliance. Their expertise in revenue recognition, expense accruals, and variance analysis is critical to maintaining financial integrity and supporting strategic business decisions across the organization.

What does a Senior Accountant do?

A Senior Accountant performs monthly journal entries, reconciles complex balance sheet accounts, and prepares detailed financial reports for management review. They analyze budget-to-actual variances, investigate discrepancies in accounts payable and receivable aging, and coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits. Daily tasks include processing expense accruals, reviewing depreciation schedules, maintaining fixed asset registers, and ensuring SOX compliance through documentation of accounting processes. They also mentor junior accounting staff, review their work for accuracy, and collaborate with tax professionals on corporate tax filings and transfer pricing documentation.

Key responsibilities

Execute monthly and quarterly closing procedures including journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations within established deadlines
Prepare comprehensive financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses comparing actual results to budget and prior periods
Maintain general ledger accuracy through detailed account reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies exceeding materiality thresholds
Coordinate audit activities by preparing supporting schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and documenting internal controls for SOX compliance
Analyze revenue recognition under ASC 606 standards, ensuring proper timing and classification of complex transactions across multiple revenue streams
Manage accounts payable processes including three-way matching, vendor reconciliations, and month-end accruals for unbilled expenses
Oversee fixed asset accounting including depreciation calculations, asset additions and disposals, and annual impairment testing procedures
Support tax compliance by preparing supporting documentation for corporate income tax returns, sales tax filings, and transfer pricing studies

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with CPA certification preferred or CPA candidacy in progress
4+ years of progressive accounting experience including hands-on general ledger management and financial statement preparation
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms with strong Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions
Thorough understanding of GAAP accounting principles, revenue recognition standards (ASC 606), and lease accounting (ASC 842)
Experience with SOX compliance requirements including internal controls documentation and testing procedures
Proven ability to manage multiple month-end deadlines while maintaining accuracy in high-volume transaction environments
Strong analytical skills to investigate complex reconciling items and present findings clearly to management and auditors
Experience with audit coordination and working paper preparation for Big 4 or regional accounting firms

FAQs

What does a Senior Accountant do during month-end closing?

A Senior Accountant leads the month-end closing process by preparing journal entries, posting accruals for expenses and revenue, and reconciling all balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy. They analyze account activity, investigate unusual variances, and coordinate with department managers to obtain supporting documentation for accruals. Senior Accountants also prepare monthly financial statements, calculate key metrics and ratios, and present variance analysis to management explaining differences from budget and prior periods. The entire closing process typically takes 5-7 business days and requires strong attention to detail and deadline management skills.

What qualifications are needed to become a Senior Accountant?

Most Senior Accountant positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance plus 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience, with CPA certification strongly preferred. Candidates should have hands-on experience with ERP systems like NetSuite or SAP, advanced Excel skills, and thorough knowledge of GAAP accounting principles. Many employers also prefer experience with SOX compliance, audit coordination, and specific industry knowledge such as revenue recognition standards or complex lease accounting. Strong analytical abilities and the capacity to work under tight deadlines during month-end closing periods are essential qualifications for success in this role.

Who does a Senior Accountant typically work with?

Senior Accountants collaborate extensively with Controllers and Finance Directors on financial reporting and analysis, while also working closely with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits. They coordinate with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate aging reports. Senior Accountants also interact with department managers across the organization to obtain expense accrual information and explain budget variances. Additionally, they work with tax professionals on compliance matters, IT teams for system implementations, and often mentor junior accounting staff through training and work review processes.

What is the typical salary range for a Senior Accountant?

Senior Accountant salaries typically range from $65,000 to $90,000 annually, with variations based on location, industry, company size, and experience level. In major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, salaries often exceed $80,000-$100,000 for experienced candidates with CPA certification. Public accounting experience, specialized industry knowledge, and technical skills in advanced ERP systems can command premium compensation. Many positions also include performance bonuses, comprehensive benefits packages, and professional development opportunities that add significant value beyond base salary. Career advancement to Accounting Manager or Controller roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance.