Senior Accounting Associate for consumer goods brand

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Accounting Associate to support and enhance our finance and operational processes. This role goes beyond routine accounting support and plays a critical part in auditing, reconciliation, and financial accuracy across multiple areas of the business, including freight, retail accounts, and internal transactions. The ideal candidate has advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel, a strong foundation in accounts payable and receivable, and hands-on experience in freight auditing, chargeback reconciliation, and financial data analysis. This individual will take ownership of identifying discrepancies, improving processes, and ensuring the integrity of financial data in a fast-paced, distribution-driven environment. Key Responsibilities -Audit & Reconciliation (Core Focus) -Lead freight and parcel carrier bill auditing, ensuring invoices align with contracted rates, shipment weights, zones, and accessorial charges. -Investigate discrepancies, initiate disputes with carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx, freight brokers and carriers), and track resolution through to credit recovery. -Perform account reconciliations across A/R, A/P, bank accounts, credit cards, and general ledger balances. -Own chargeback reconciliation processes with major retail accounts, including dispute resolution and root cause analysis. -Analyze transaction data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for cost recovery or process improvement. Accounting Operations -Manage and support full-cycle accounts receivable and accounts payable functions within QuickBooks. -Generate and audit invoices, credit memos, and financial reports for accuracy and completeness. -Reconcile high-volume transactions and ensure proper posting and classification of financial data. -Monitor and maintain weekly A/R aging reports, driving timely follow-ups and collections. -Receive, verify, and post customer payments while ensuring proper allocation across accounts. -Issue payments (checks, ACH, online portals) with a high degree of accuracy and control. Data Management & Reporting -Build, maintain, and optimize complex Excel models and large datasets for financial tracking, reconciliation, and reporting. -Utilize advanced Excel functions (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data matching, error checking) to analyze large volumes of data. -Prepare internal reports highlighting discrepancies, trends, and actionable insights. -Support month-end close processes, including reconciliations and reporting preparation. Administrative & Cross-Functional Support -Maintain highly organized digital filing systems for financial and operational records. -Coordinate incoming and outgoing financial documents, including vendor invoices, checks, and claims correspondence. -File and manage shipping carrier claims for lost or damaged shipments or discrepancies in shipping specifications (dimensions/ weights), ensuring proper follow-through. -Collaborate with operations, logistics, and customer service teams to resolve billing and shipment-related issues. -Support special projects focused on process improvement, cost control, and financial accuracy. Qualifications -3–5+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related analytical role (distribution, logistics, or wholesale environment preferred but not required) -3 years experience in Quickbooks Desktop -5 years experience in Excel - high proficiency -Strong organizational and analytical skills with high attention to detail. -Comfortable learning new software and systems quickly. -Professional, reliable, and able to handle confidential information discreetly. -Self-starter with a team-first mentality and a commitment to continuous improvement.