Senior Staff Accountant in Madison, Wisconsin at Baird

Baird is a leading organization with over 130 employees worldwide, dedicated to enhancing coastal resources and communities through exceptional coastal and marine engineering. Our projects address shoreline stabilization, port development, and environmental conservation. We promote a dynamic work environment for professional growth and success. As part of our finance team, you will contribute to our financial success and long-term vision.

We’re excited to offer you a unique opportunity to join W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) as a Senior Staff Accountant on our Madison, Wisconsin–based finance team. Openings like this are rare and play an important part in our long-term succession planning.

If you’re an experienced accounting professional who’s eager to dive into the details of how a business operates, this could be an ideal fit. You will build a well-rounded foundation in our operations with the intention of stepping into a more advanced leadership role within the next 5 to 7 years.

This is a chance to create a clear, stable career trajectory within a supportive and growing organization. To be successful, you’ll need to be based in the Madison, WI area and be comfortable with a hybrid schedule (three days in the office and two days working remotely).

As the ideal candidate, you will perform daily accounting operations, drive process improvements, and work closely with senior leadership to gain expertise in our financial systems. This role offers a unique opportunity for career advancement, preparing you to assume key responsibilities in Baird’s future.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration & Processing: Manage payroll operations, ensure system accuracy, and coordinate with external providers.
• General Accounting & Close: Develop and review journal entries, assist with revenue recognition, and provide financial insights.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Handle accounts payable and expense reimbursements, maintain invoices and collections, and collaborate with teams.
• Reconciliations & Financial Reporting: Lead general ledger reconciliations, produce financial reports, and prepare audit-ready documentation.
• Process Improvement & Strategic Projects: Enhance accounting procedures, contribute to financial system implementations, and develop reporting standards.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS, tax requirements, and internal financial policies.
• Additional Duties: Lead cross-functional initiatives, provide accounting policy guidance, and offer training and technical support.

Succession Path & Development (Future Roles):

In this role you will have direct mentorship under the current Controller/CFO, where you will take over high-level responsibilities such as budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Additionally, you will take ownership of ERP systems, which may involve system implementation or upgrades. As part of your professional development, you will gradually assume supervisory roles, manage junior staff and oversee transactional accounting functions

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related program
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including multi-entity and international operations.
• Hands-on with a 'no task too small' mentality
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP & HRM systems for accounting and payroll. Preferred systems include: Deltek Vision/VantagePoint and Rippling
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex financial data.
• Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities

Additional Preferred Qualifications That Make You Stand Out

• CPA designation (or equivalent); CMA, CGA, or CA is preferred
• Understanding of international financial reporting and payroll compliance.
• Involvement in improving or deploying financial systems and tools
• Knowledge of relevant tax requirements, including HST requirements, laws, regulations, and guidelines
• Familiarity with project-based financial environments, including billing and job costing.

W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against based on such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where Baird operates.

Please note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, both now and in the future, without requiring employer sponsorship. Due to the nature of this opportunity, finalists will be required to complete a financial and background check.

Note to staffing agencies: We are not partnering with staffing firms or recruiters. Please do not contact us regarding this position.