Westphal & Company, Inc.
Senior Staff Accountant (Madison, WI)
Westphal & Company, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, us, 53774
Westphal & Company is seeking a Senior Staff Accountant to perform advanced accounting and financial functions while becoming a champion and expert user of Vista Viewpoint ERP. Key responsibilities include maintaining the general ledger, preparing financial reports and analytics, managing month-end close activities, and handling project accounting, billing, and customer collections. This position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, a solid understanding of accounting principles and the ability to leverage technology to drive continuous improvement and enhance process efficiency.
Key Job Responsibilities:
General Accounting & Financial Operations:
Prepare and post complex journal entries, accruals, and reclassifications. Maintain accurate records for billing, collections, and cash receipts. Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, credit card activity, and balance sheet accounts.
Financial Reporting & Analysis:
Assist in the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and audit schedules. Perform detailed balance sheet reconciliations and budget-to-actual analysis. Prepare supporting schedules and variance analysis for management review. Compile data for job cost and overhead variance analysis.
Sales & Use Tax:
Determine the proper taxability of projects based on scope of work and location. Ensure taxes are properly calculated based on project set ups, vendor invoice entry and customer sales invoice preparation. Accurately and timely file state sales and use tax returns.
Month-End & Year-End Close:
Assist in the monthly and annual close processes, ensuring all deadlines are met. Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Partner with the Controller to finalize financial statements and coordinate audit activities.
Project & Cost Accounting:
Provide oversight and guidance for job costing, variance analysis, and job close-out procedures. Conduct job cost accounting reviews of contract jobs and work orders. Compile and analyze data for forecasting and budgeting processes.
Accounts Receivable & Collections:
Prepare and review customer invoices ensuring compliance with contractual requirements. Guide customer communication and collection efforts. Maintain accurate aging schedules, monitor AR balances, and resolve billing discrepancies promptly.
Accounts Payable & Purchasing:
Support purchasing functions, vendor relationship management, and AP process improvements.
Fixed Assets & Equipment Accounting:
Oversee fixed asset accounting, including reconciliations, depreciation entries, equipment utilization, and cost entries. Coordinate with third-party accountants on asset management and audit activities.
Process Improvement & Systems:
Act as subject matter expert for the ERP system, leading optimization efforts and serving as primary resource for troubleshooting and system enhancements. Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities. Contribute to developing the accounting playbooks and best practice documentation to strengthen system utilization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with Project Management, Operations, and other departments to ensure proper divisional, tax, and department coding. Support internal controls, participate in process improvement initiatives, and demonstrate company core values through collaborative engagement.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA or CMA designation preferred
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience
Construction industry accounting experience with knowledge of percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, and WIP schedules
Experience with electrical contracting or union construction environment preferred
Experience with financial statement preparation and external audit processes
Technical accounting knowledge with ability to research and apply complex accounting standards and GAAP, including construction industry revenue recognition
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with commitment to maintaining high-quality financial records
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify trends, variances, and issues in financial data
Ability to mentor and guide accounting staff with patience and effective teaching skills
Understanding of construction operations, project delivery, and profitability drivers
Proficiency with construction accounting software and ERP systems
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, LOOKUPS, and complex financial modeling
Excellent communication skills with ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences
Ability to provide financial insights and analysis that support business decisions
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
High degree of integrity and ethics with commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive financial information
Proactive approach to identifying process improvements and recommending best practices
Collaborative approach with ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external partners
Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain composure during demanding periods such as audits and closings
Understanding of construction bonding and surety requirements
Knowledge of internal controls and compliance principles
Westphal & Co., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, and or any other basis protected by law or company policy.
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Key Job Responsibilities:
General Accounting & Financial Operations:
Prepare and post complex journal entries, accruals, and reclassifications. Maintain accurate records for billing, collections, and cash receipts. Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, credit card activity, and balance sheet accounts.
Financial Reporting & Analysis:
Assist in the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and audit schedules. Perform detailed balance sheet reconciliations and budget-to-actual analysis. Prepare supporting schedules and variance analysis for management review. Compile data for job cost and overhead variance analysis.
Sales & Use Tax:
Determine the proper taxability of projects based on scope of work and location. Ensure taxes are properly calculated based on project set ups, vendor invoice entry and customer sales invoice preparation. Accurately and timely file state sales and use tax returns.
Month-End & Year-End Close:
Assist in the monthly and annual close processes, ensuring all deadlines are met. Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Partner with the Controller to finalize financial statements and coordinate audit activities.
Project & Cost Accounting:
Provide oversight and guidance for job costing, variance analysis, and job close-out procedures. Conduct job cost accounting reviews of contract jobs and work orders. Compile and analyze data for forecasting and budgeting processes.
Accounts Receivable & Collections:
Prepare and review customer invoices ensuring compliance with contractual requirements. Guide customer communication and collection efforts. Maintain accurate aging schedules, monitor AR balances, and resolve billing discrepancies promptly.
Accounts Payable & Purchasing:
Support purchasing functions, vendor relationship management, and AP process improvements.
Fixed Assets & Equipment Accounting:
Oversee fixed asset accounting, including reconciliations, depreciation entries, equipment utilization, and cost entries. Coordinate with third-party accountants on asset management and audit activities.
Process Improvement & Systems:
Act as subject matter expert for the ERP system, leading optimization efforts and serving as primary resource for troubleshooting and system enhancements. Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities. Contribute to developing the accounting playbooks and best practice documentation to strengthen system utilization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with Project Management, Operations, and other departments to ensure proper divisional, tax, and department coding. Support internal controls, participate in process improvement initiatives, and demonstrate company core values through collaborative engagement.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA or CMA designation preferred
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience
Construction industry accounting experience with knowledge of percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, and WIP schedules
Experience with electrical contracting or union construction environment preferred
Experience with financial statement preparation and external audit processes
Technical accounting knowledge with ability to research and apply complex accounting standards and GAAP, including construction industry revenue recognition
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with commitment to maintaining high-quality financial records
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify trends, variances, and issues in financial data
Ability to mentor and guide accounting staff with patience and effective teaching skills
Understanding of construction operations, project delivery, and profitability drivers
Proficiency with construction accounting software and ERP systems
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, LOOKUPS, and complex financial modeling
Excellent communication skills with ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences
Ability to provide financial insights and analysis that support business decisions
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
High degree of integrity and ethics with commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive financial information
Proactive approach to identifying process improvements and recommending best practices
Collaborative approach with ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external partners
Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain composure during demanding periods such as audits and closings
Understanding of construction bonding and surety requirements
Knowledge of internal controls and compliance principles
Westphal & Co., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, and or any other basis protected by law or company policy.
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