Regional Accounting and Operations Associate

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition, Where Tradition Meets Innovation, we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

About the role

The Regional Accounting and Operations Associate applies standard operating procedures and effective information system use to the daily accounting and human resources transactions within the region. This role works closely with regional personnel to support the sales and operations of the business in a timely, accurate, consistent, warm, and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

Accounting-Related Responsibilities (80%)

• Manages office accounting and operations reporting work for the assigned area such as cash receipt handling, accounts payable or accounts receivable functions, expense tracking, reimbursements, basic general ledger maintenance, or payroll processing.
• Receives training, guidance, and support from Accounting Process Analyst on standard operating procedures and effective use of information systems.
• Ensures transactions are accurately completed and appropriately recorded per standard operating procedures.
• Generates bills for customers and addresses related inquiries.
• Supports the generation of monthly reports along with providing variance analysis.
• Balances and reconciles ledger accounts including but not limited to inter-company, promotional, cash, petty cash, deposits, and prepaid accounts.
• Tracks and submits accruals for rebates and journal entries monthly.
• Accurately submits paperwork and expenses to accounts payable coding to appropriate G/L.
• Monitors and coordinates collection on employee purchase accounts and overdue cash accounts in conjunction with Corporate Credit.
• Monitors and actions direct inventory account exceptions.
• Tracks all outbound freight for billing purposes.
• Reviews COGS for errors, commission adjustments, and freight.
• Oversees unavailable inventory and follows proper protocol to minimize unavailable inventory.
• Assists in the coordination and preparation of the annual budget process.
• Reviews and performs basic analysis on monthly financial results in conjunction with region leadership.
• Collaborates with Accounts payable, credit, operations, and accounting on exceptions, tracking, and process improvements.
• Ensures day-to-day proper cash handling procedure and documentation is properly completed.
• Collects, counts, reconciles, and submits cash/checks for deposit.
• Reviews, reconciles, and submits credit card transaction detail.
• Coordinates asset approval, acquisition, and disposal process.
• Coordinates the annual asset review process.
• Provides regular updates to Accounting Process Analyst on progress and the effective use of standard operating procedures and systems.
• All other duties as assigned.

Human Capital Development-Related Responsibilities (20%)

• Warmly onboards new hires by answering questions and providing support designed to ensure a successful experience.
• Coordinates new hire setups with hiring managers.
• Provides first-day orientation (benefits, computer system, and employee policies).
• Assists managers as needed with timely completion of New Hire, Data Change, and Termination paperwork to the Human Resources department.
• Ensures accuracy of bi-weekly payroll information.
• Reviews and approves timesheets each pay period for locations in the region.
• Prepares and coordinates any adjustments for PTO with Human Resources.

Safety Committee Administration

• Serves as scribe for committee meetings.
• Conducts quarterly inspections of the facility for safety issues.
• Coordinates quarterly checks of the sprinkler system and fire extinguishers.
• Assists managers as needed with filing all accident/incident reports.

DOT Driver File Setup and Maintenance

• Sets up driver files for each driver of commercial motor vehicles at the time of hire.
• Completes annual driver file updates.
• Maintains a checklist of all drivers in your respective office/region tracking expiration dates of medical cards and driver’s licenses.
• Ensures that medical cards and driver’s licenses remain current and valid.
• Reports any employees who hold a second job to the Branch Manager.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent work experience in the field.
• Knowledge of Accounting and Human Resources policies, procedures, and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage others locally and remotely.
• Demonstrated accounting knowledge and skills.
• Computer knowledge and skills with the ability to learn First Supply LLC’s business system.
• Ability to work efficiently without direct supervision.
• Ability to effectively run a business office setting.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in written format.
• Ability to perform effectively in matters that require attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively negotiate and respond with appropriate social skills.

About First Supply

First Supply® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER® Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles—from contemporary to traditional—along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today’s 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.