Senior Accountant I Madison, WI

Be More Than an Accountant—Become a Trusted Business Advisor!

Do you enjoy building relationships with clients just as much as you enjoy accounting? Are you looking for an opportunity where your expertise goes beyond preparing financial statements and tax returns?

At Certco, Inc., we're looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our team! In this role, you'll partner with a portfolio of independent retail clients, helping them navigate everything from monthly financial reporting and payroll to tax preparation and business guidance. If you have public accounting experience and enjoy working with a variety of clients, this is an opportunity to make a real impact while advancing your career.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Accountant, you'll become a trusted resource for your clients by:

• Preparing monthly financial statements, journal entries, and bank reconciliations.
• Managing payroll, sales and use tax filings, payroll tax filings, and year-end 1099 reporting.
• Preparing and assisting with business and individual income tax returns.
• Building lasting relationships by providing exceptional client service and financial guidance.
• Assisting clients with QuickBooks Online setup, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Researching accounting and tax questions while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Mentoring junior accounting staff and sharing your expertise.
• Identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiencies.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is passionate about accounting and enjoys helping businesses succeed.

Qualifications include:

• Associate degree in Accounting (Bachelor's degree preferred).
• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in public accounting.
• Experience preparing business and individual tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of financial statement preparation and month-end accounting.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and client service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client relationships and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Why Join Certco?

At Certco, you're more than just an employee—you become part of a team committed to supporting independent retailers throughout the Midwest.

We offer an outstanding benefits package, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness program including gym reimbursement, on-site fitness center, weekly chiropractic care, chair massages, flu shots, and smoking cessation support
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• A collaborative, family-oriented culture recognized as a Wisconsin Top Workplace three years in a row!

Why This Role Stands Out

This position is perfect for someone who enjoys the variety and client interaction of public accounting but wants the opportunity to build long-term relationships and make a meaningful impact without the demands of a traditional public accounting environment.

If you're looking for a rewarding accounting career where your expertise helps businesses grow and succeed, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today and help shape the financial success of independent retailers across the Midwest!

Position Summary

The Accounting Senior is responsible for providing comprehensive accounting and tax services to a portfolio group of retail clients. This role is ideal for an accounting professional with public accounting experience who enjoys working with multiple clients, preparing monthly compiled financial statements, with some experience with tax returns, and serving as a trusted advisor. Responsibilities include monthly accounting, payroll, sales and use tax, and business and individual tax preparation while ensuring exceptional client service and compliance with applicable regulations.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the accounting and tax needs for a group of retail clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by delivering timely, accurate financial information and responsive service.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, journal entries, and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare and file sales and use tax returns, payroll tax filings, and year-end 1099 reporting.
• Prepare or assist with Corporation, S-Corporation, Partnership, and Individual income tax returns.
• Maintain fixed asset and depreciation schedules.
• Review accounting records for accuracy and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Assist clients with QuickBooks Online setup, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Research and respond to client accounting and tax questions.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior accounting staff on accounting, payroll, and sales tax.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular attendance and comply with the company attendance policy

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a public accounting firm serving multiple clients.
• Experience preparing business and individual tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of financial statement preparation and month-end journal entries.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online and tax preparation software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client deadlines.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Education

• Associate degree in accounting required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred.

Ideal Background

This is an excellent opportunity for a public accounting professional who enjoys working with clients and wants to leverage their experience preparing financial statements, tax returns, and providing accounting and tax guidance in a client-focused role.

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.