Company Description:
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**Working for a global company specializing in poultry processing solutions. Founded in 1959 and headquartered in the Netherlands, the company designs, manufactures, and services equipment and complete processing systems for poultry plants around the world.
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Position Summary
The Senior Accounting Specialist is responsible for overseeing and executing advanced accounts receivable functions, including cash receipts, customer invoicing, and collections, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and process efficiency. This role serves as the primary backup for payroll processing and acts as a subject matter expert for AR-related activities. The position requires strong technical accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while partnering closely with internal departments, customers, and management.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable & Cash Management
- Oversee and perform daily cash application activities, including checks, ACH, and wire transfers, ensuring timely and accurate posting.
- Perform complex reconciliations of cash receipts to bank activity and the general ledger; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
- Lead the resolution of unapplied cash and complex customer payment issues, exercising sound judgment and recommending corrective actions.
- Monitor AR controls and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Customer Invoicing & Billing Oversight
- Review and approve customer invoices to ensure compliance with contractual terms, billing schedules, and accounting policies.
- Resolve complex billing issues and collaborate with sales, operations, and legal teams as needed.
- Ensure billing documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
- Support internal and external audits related to revenue, billing, and receivables.
Collections & Credit Management
- Proactively manage the accounts receivable aging and lead collection efforts for high-risk or strategic accounts.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers to facilitate timely payments and dispute resolution.
- Recommend escalation strategies and participate in credit risk discussions in accordance with company policy.
Payroll Backup & Compliance
- Serve as the primary backup for payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Review payroll calculations, reconciliations, and reports; identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Act as a resource for payroll-related questions from employees and management.
General Accounting, Treasury & Financial Support
- Play a key role in month-end close activities related to accounts receivable, cash, commissions, and payroll accruals.
- Prepare and review account reconciliations, schedules, and journal entries.
- Calculate, review, and process monthly sales commissions.
- Perform treasury functions, including initiating wire transfers, ACH uploads, and supporting cash forecasting activities.
- Provide oversight and guidance for expense reimbursement processes.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX (if applicable), and accounting policies.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and system enhancements; assist with implementations and testing.
- Mentor or provide guidance to junior accounting staff as needed.
- Perform other advanced accounting or special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- Five to seven years of progressive experience in accounts receivable, billing, or general accounting.
- Demonstrated experience serving as payroll backup or supporting payroll operations.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial processes.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, lookups) and experience with large ERP systems.
- Ability to analyze complex data, identify root causes, and implement solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity when handling confidential financial and payroll information.
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based or hybrid role with routine use of computers and financial systems.
- Periodic peak workloads requiring flexibility, particularly during month-end close, audits, and payroll cycles.
You should be proficient in:
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Cost Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Accounts Payable (AP)
- Accounts Receivable (AR)
- ERP & MRP Systems
- Financial Audit Experience