Senior Accountant

Urban Farmer LLC is hiring a Senior Accountant to ensure accurate financial reporting and support accounting operations in a food manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include month-end/year-end close, cost accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and team collaboration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, 5+ years of experience, strong knowledge of GAAP, and proficiency in Excel and ERP systems. The role is based in Manteno, IL.
Overview:

Urban Farmer is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Accountant to join our Finance team. This role plays a key part in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial reporting, supporting day-to-day accounting operations, and collaborating across departments in our fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative culture, takes initiative, and enjoys digging into the numbers to drive smarter business decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

Month-End & Year-End Close
• Lead the month-end close process, including preparation and review of journal entries for accruals, prepaids, inventory, and payroll.
• Reconcile and maintain balance sheet accounts, including bank statements, fixed assets, and intercompany transactions.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements in compliance with GAAP and internal policies.
• Support year-end close and audit preparation, including schedules, documentation, and audit inquiries.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Support
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to maintain accurate costing and inventory valuation.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide insight into material usage, production yield, and labor efficiency.
• Assist in monthly inventory reconciliations and physical inventory processes.

Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Develop and distribute recurring and ad hoc financial reports to leadership.
• Analyze P&L variances and trends to help drive performance improvements across departments.
• Support budgeting and forecasting cycles by providing accurate historical data and variance analysis.

Compliance & Internal Controls
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations, as well as internal accounting procedures.
• Review and enhance internal control processes to safeguard company assets and ensure proper financial reporting.
• Maintain documentation of policies, procedures, and accounting workflows.

Team Collaboration & Process Improvement
• Work closely with the HR, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure accurate tracking of labor, overhead, and capital expenditures.
• Mentor junior accounting staff and provide guidance on best practices and company standards.
• Lead or support initiatives to automate and streamline accounting processes using ERP tools and Excel.

Other Responsibilities
• Assist in tax reporting, including sales tax filings and property tax documentation.
• Participate in system upgrades or implementations as needed.
• Take on special projects or analysis at the request of leadership.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or progress toward CPA preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within manufacturing or CPG.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and month-end close processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, etc.) and ERP systems (experience with NetSuite, SAP, or similar preferred).
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience in food manufacturing, cost accounting, or inventory management is highly preferred.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Work Environment:

This position works in an office and a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery.

Physical Demands
• Prolonged Sitting: The Senior Accountant will spend a significant portion of the workday seated at a desk working on financial data, spreadsheets, and accounting software.
• Repetitive Motion: The role requires frequent use of hands for typing, using a computer mouse, and handling paperwork. Regular breaks for stretching or movement are encouraged.
• Visual Focus: Extended periods of visual concentration are necessary for reviewing financial reports, reconciling accounts, and ensuring data accuracy.
• Mobility: While primarily an office-based role, occasional movement throughout the facility may be required to support cross-functional collaboration or participate in physical inventory counts in the production area (PPE will be provided when entering production zones).
• Light Lifting: The role may occasionally involve lifting or carrying items such as file boxes, binders, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

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