Accounting Associate in Burlington, Vermont at ONION RIVER COOPERATIVE

Department: Finance

Reports To: Accounting/Payroll Supervisor

Location: All City Market Locations

Division/Status: Exempt, Management/All Leadership Team

Summary

Reporting to the Accounting/Payroll Supervisor, the Accounting Associate supports the daily operations of the Finance Department while ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices, vendor payments, account reconciliations, and related accounting functions. This position serves as a key resource for accounts payable administration, accounting support, financial recordkeeping, and departmental process improvement.

This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting payroll and audit activities, and developing procedures that promote efficiency, compliance, and continued business growth.

The Accounting Associate combines strong accounting knowledge with excellent organizational and customer service skills to support vendors, managers, buyers, and internal departments.

This position is regularly exposed to organization-wide confidential information including but not limited to: financial, personnel, customer and vendor. A high degree of confidentiality and discretion is required.

Day to Day Duties

• Manage accounts payable workflow to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, vendor payments, EFT/ACH remittances, and vendor account maintenance.
• Review invoices for proper documentation, approvals, coding, and compliance with established procedures.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts, bank statements, credit cards, and cash transactions; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Create and post accounting entries related to accounts payable, cash management, accounts receivable, and other finance functions as assigned.
• Maintain organized financial records, including invoice filing, data archival, and documentation retention.
• Prepare reports, reconciliations, and ad hoc financial information for managers, buyers, and Finance leadership.
• Support annual audit activities and vendor 1099 reporting requirements.
• Provide training and guidance to managers and buyers on invoice processing and accounting procedures.
• Create, maintain, and improve departmental procedures, workflows, and process documentation.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external customers, providing professional and timely customer service.
• Support payroll-related activities, including employee charge account processing and serving as a backup for payroll functions.
• Complete general administrative duties such as answering phones, managing mail, and maintaining departmental records.
• Cross-train and provide support across accounting functions to ensure continuity of operations.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Follow all departmental policies and regulatory requirements and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred..
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3–4 years of accounting, accounts payable, payroll, administrative accounting, or related experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and accounts payable processes.
• Proficiency in Office 365, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with accounting and payroll software systems.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Accurate keyboarding and ten-key calculator proficiency.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, including financial and operational documentation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Benefits:

Store discounts; free fitness classes, award-winning Wellness Program; Employee Assistance Plan; paid volunteer time; affordable & comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurances; paid time off; 401k with 6% match; spending accounts & more!