Accounting Associate

About the role

We are looking for a detail-oriented and dependable Accounting Associate to join our Finance and Accounting team in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will play an important part in supporting the company’s financial operations across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. You will work closely with the Controller and other internal teams to ensure financial transactions are accurate, timely, and properly recorded. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys variety, takes pride in accuracy, and wants to grow their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Support daily Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll activities.
• Record and reconcile bank transactions, customer payments, deposits, wire transfers, and related fees.
• Prepare customer invoices and apply customer payments accurately.
• Manage customer collections, including dunning notices and follow-ups.
• Assist with customer credit evaluations and account inquiries.
• Prepare and enter journal entries.
• Balance and reconcile General Ledger accounts.
• Assist with month-end close activities and applicable regulatory filings.
• Process weekly hourly and salaried payroll.
• Audit new-hire information, manage timesheets, and process terminations and garnishments.
• Reconcile HSA, 401(k), payroll, and related General Ledger accounts.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and track missed employee deductions and third-party sick pay.
• Review, code, and voucher Accounts Payable invoices.
• Match invoices to receiving documentation and open purchase orders.
• Respond to vendor inquiries and maintain vendor records.
• Maintain W-9, 1099, 1042, and other required vendor documentation.
• Process and reconcile monthly corporate credit card activity.
• Maintain financial and spending analyses and weekly activity reports.
• Provide cross-functional backup support within the Accounting department.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial, employee, customer, and vendor information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
• At least two years of related accounting experience required.
• Knowledge of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, payroll, reconciliations, and General Ledger processes.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills.
• Excellent ethical judgment and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, procedures, and business needs.
• Proficiency with accounting, payroll, spreadsheet, database, word-processing, and other business software.
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, instructions, and training materials.
• Ability to work safely and professionally in office and manufacturing environments.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience with ERP, accounting, payroll, or financial management systems.
• Experience with month-end close, journal entries, financial analysis, or regulatory filings.
• Experience with vendor management, customer collections, credit evaluation, or payroll administration.
• Familiarity with 1099, W-9, 1042, tax-exempt, and related financial documentation.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies and process improvements.
• Strong collaboration and a team-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Demonstrated adaptability, dependability, and willingness to support other members of the Accounting team.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, corporate responsibility, and workplace safety.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K retirement plan.
• Long and short-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Training and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).

Pay

$21.00 – $30.00 per hour, based on experience.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and have hand and finger dexterity.
• Regularly required to see, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch in an office setting.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Operates in and out of a professional office environment.
• Work may be performed in an office or manufacturing setting.
• Interacts with both internal and external customers in a professional, courteous manner while maintaining confidentiality.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, and copiers.
• In the manufacturing environment, frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; heat; cold; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
• Mandatory PPE must be worn as required.