ACCOUNTANT in Calhoun, Georgia at Apache Mills

Senior Accountant -

Industry: Manufacturing
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: Controller

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing key accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and supporting timely financial reporting. This role plays a critical part in maintaining strong internal controls, managing the month-end close process, and supporting operational decision-making in a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of manufacturing accounting, inventory, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & General Accounting

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
• Analyze financial results and explain variances to management.
• Prepare supporting schedules for external audits and tax reporting.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Reconcile inventory subledgers to the general ledger.
• Partner with operations to improve inventory accuracy and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial processes and improve efficiency.
• Support annual financial statement audits and coordinate requests from external auditors.
• Assist with sales and use tax, property tax, and other regulatory reporting as needed.

Operational Support

• Collaborate with production, purchasing, billing, and customer support teams to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Support ERP system maintenance, testing, and process improvements.
• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with cost accounting and inventory accounting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred but not required.
• Experience in a manufacturing company.
• Experience supporting external audits and tax compliance.

Key Competencies

• Financial analysis
• Cost accounting
• Inventory management
• Manufacturing accounting
• General ledger management
• Month-end close
• Attention to detail
• Process improvement
• Internal controls

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based in a plant environment (hybrid).
• Occasional lifting of files or records up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to participate in inventory counts outside normal business hours when required.

Success Measures

• Complete month-end close accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain accurate inventory and cost accounting records.
• Deliver reliable financial reporting for management decision-making.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Build effective partnerships with operations, purchasing, and sales.
• Support a successful annual audit with minimal adjustments and timely completion.