Staff Accountant

Job Description

Staff Accountant | Harness IP

The Tone:
This Staff Accountant role at Harness IP is vital for maintaining robust financial operations. The position plays a direct part in upholding the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting, assisting the accounting team with critical record maintenance and analysis. This role is key to supporting internal controls and ensuring reliable financial statements for the firm.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Location: In-person Bloomfield Hills, MI
• Team: Reports to the Controller or Director of Financial Operations, working within the accounting team.
• Mission: To support accurate and timely financial reporting by assisting with the maintenance of accounting records and financial analysis.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Excel (formulas, lookups, pivot tables), Microsoft Access, accounting software, financial reporting systems, ERP system.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Journal Entries: Prepare and record journal entries, including accruals, adjustments, and reclassifications, ensuring appropriate supporting documentation.
• Account Reconciliation: Reconcile general ledger accounts, investigate any discrepancies, and coordinate timely resolution.
• Close Activities: Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, meeting established deadlines.
• Financial Analysis: Prepare account analyses, financial schedules, and reports to support the accuracy of financial statements, including footnotes for firm and office-level statements.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Coordinate with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll departments to verify proper transaction coding and resolve accounting questions.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, with a working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), general ledger accounting, and account reconciliation.
• Experience: Two to four years of relevant accounting experience, which may include applicable internships, with a focus on supporting month-end close, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookups, and pivot tables; strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to accuracy and detail; ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and meet reporting deadlines; clear written and verbal communication skills for collaborative work across departments.
• Bonus: Experience with Microsoft Access or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system; knowledge of partnership accounting and tax reporting; self-motivated, analytical, and team-oriented approach.