Staff Accountant

Position Summary:

This position is a full-time, hourly accounting role focused on managing and executing key general ledger and financial compliance functions. The incumbent will be responsible for recording financial transactions, preparing journal entries and reconciliations, and managing percentage of completion (POC) calculations. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding job costing and its impact on financial reporting, including over/under absorption. The role also supports the monthly close process, audits, budgeting, and financial performance projections. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, have at least five years of progressive accounting experience—preferably in the manufacturing industry, and demonstrate proficiency in US GAAP, Excel, and independent workflow management. Strong organizational, communication, and professional representation skills are essential.

Employment Type: Full Time – Salary

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and Record Financial Transactions: Accurately record all financial transactions in the general ledger, ensuring timely and precise data entry in alignment with company policy and US GAAP standards.
• Prepare and Post Journal Entries: Compile and post monthly journal entries for recurring and non-recurring financial activities, including accruals, amortizations, and adjustments.
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Conduct detailed monthly reconciliations of all balance sheet accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain financial integrity and audit readiness.
• Percentage of Completion (POC) Accounting: Calculate and analyze project revenue recognition under POC accounting, ensuring proper alignment with job progress and contractual terms.
• Job Costing Analysis: Review job costing reports to assess over/under absorption, monitor cost variances, and provide insights that support project profitability and margin analysis.
• Month-End Close: Support the monthly close process by adhering to closing schedules, validating financial data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure completeness and accuracy of reporting.
• Financial Reporting: Assist in the preparation of internal financial statements and management reports, ensuring key performance indicators and variance analyses are clear and actionable.
• Audit and Compliance Support: Provide documentation and analytical support for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Participate in the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts, including gathering data, modeling performance projections, and identifying risks and opportunities.
• Operational Budget Review: Evaluate departmental budget performance, providing variance analysis and strategic input to aid leadership in operational decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive accounting experience, demonstrating increasing responsibility in financial reporting, general ledger management, and compliance functions.
• Accounting Standards Expertise: Strong working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), with the ability to interpret and apply standards in a practical business context.
• Industry Background: Proven experience in the manufacturing sector, with a solid understanding of job costing, inventory accounting, and project-based financial practices.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools, with the ability to build models and automate financial tasks.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, capable of clearly presenting financial information and collaborating across departments.
• Organizational Skills & Initiative: Highly organized self-starter with strong time management and prioritization skills; able to take initiative and drive tasks to completion independently.
• Autonomous Work Style: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in deliverables.
• Professional Representation: Ability to represent the company professionally when interacting with customers, vendors, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution; CPA or progress toward certification is a plus (if applicable). Great experience can relieve some of this requirement.

  Preferred Skills:

• CPA or progress toward certification is a plus
• Exposure to IFRS standards a plus

Location & Compensation:

• Rockford, IL
• Pay: $55-85K
• Benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) match.
• Minimal travel requirements (5% or less).
• Join the team to work on groundbreaking projects known for its innovation.

  About Lean Synergy: Lean Synergy Staffing is a Veteran-owned & operated recruiting firm dedicated to aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across diverse industries. Our team, comprised of experienced military professionals and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. With a specialized focus on placing skilled change management professionals, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities that drive success for government, public and private sector clients.