Accounting Specialist

Job Summary

Jacobsen & Company, LLP is a local CPA firm that has been in business for more than 20 years. We specialize in helping businesses, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals navigate the complex world of accounting and tax. We enjoy helping our clients understand their financial information and use it to make better decisions.

We are looking for an Accounting Specialist to join our team in Des Moines. In this role, you will work alongside CPAs and other accounting professionals to provide accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and tax compliance services to a variety of clients.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong accounting foundation who wants to develop a professional career in public accounting. The position provides broad exposure to client accounting, financial statements, compilations, payroll, and tax-related work, with opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as you develop.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare accounting workpapers and supporting schedules for client engagements
• Analyze general ledger accounts and financial information for accuracy and completeness
• Reconcile bank, credit card, payroll, and other balance sheet accounts
• Identify accounting discrepancies, research differences, and determine appropriate corrections
• Prepare and post adjusting journal entries
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and compilation engagements under the supervision of CPAs
• Perform month-end and year-end accounting procedures for business and nonprofit clients
• Process payroll and perform related quarterly and annual payroll tax compliance
• Assist with sales tax, information reporting, and other recurring tax compliance requirements
• Prepare accounting schedules and workpapers used in the preparation of business and individual income tax returns
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions for accounting-services clients
• Communicate directly with clients to obtain information, answer routine questions, and resolve accounting and payroll matters
• Review financial documents and accounting records for accuracy
• Learn and apply accounting principles, tax requirements, professional standards, and firm procedures
• Work with CPAs, managers, and other professionals on increasingly complex accounting and client-service matters

Requirements and Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or a related field or equivalent accounting education and professional experience
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, including debits and credits, general ledger accounting, financial statements, and account reconciliation
• Ability to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies, and exercise professional judgment in resolving accounting issues
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work
• Ability and willingness to learn and apply accounting, tax, and financial reporting requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients and coworkers
• Ability to handle confidential financial and client information with discretion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn accounting and tax software
• Ability to work on-site at our Des Moines office

Recent graduates of two-year accounting programs and candidates with prior professional accounting experience are encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $45,000–$55,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Compensation time: For every hour worked over 40 each week, additional time is added to your PTO
• Comp time may be taken as PTO or additional pay
• 20% commission on collections from clients you bring into the firm
• 401(k) with 5% employer matching contribution
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 3 weeks of PTO plus standard paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional development, increased client responsibility, and career advancement