Staff Accountant

Job Summary

SJR’s Staff Accountant is part of our strong Finance team that ensures SJR is seen as a leading agency in digital content solutions around the world. This role reports to the Finance Director of North America.  

  

Our Staff Accountant is responsible for all intercompany financial activity and ensuring the company is compliant with GAAP and in compliance with WPP Internal Audit’s mandates. From preparing monthly balance sheet reconciliations to leading the accounts payable and month-end close reporting processes, they are a dependable problem solver who has a strong ability to identify inefficiencies, improve processes and build solutions.  

An ethical and diligent individual who is solutions oriented; the Senior Staff Accountant excels at juggling priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. They possess strong analytical skills and are comfortable working with big data sets and complex transactions, ensuring the integrity of all our financial statements and transactions.  

As part of the driving force behind the performance, direction, and compliance of SJR, the Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for upholding the highest ethical standards, including confidentiality, discretion and exemplary judgement, while setting the tone for the overall experience with SJR.  

  

Responsibilities

Accounting + Compliance (50%)

• Manages intercompany payables and receivables as reported for North America
• Ensures all invoices are reviewed, coded and posted in a timely and accurate manner
• Prepares and maintains G/L entries with supporting documents in monthly binder
• Provides commentary on imbalances to WPP as necessary
• Provides back-up support to Accounts Payable by verifying accuracy of invoice allocation
• Reviews and shares client payments with Accounts Receivable
• Retrieves bank activities daily and reconciles with G/L
• Performs weekly, daily, and monthly WPP Sweep entries of any excess funds
• Compiles and reviews WIP, Accrued Revenue, Deferred Revenue subledger schedules
• Identifies mismatches and effectively problem solves; escalates issues to Finance Director as necessary
• Effectively uses accounting knowledge to collaborate with varying levels of staff to drive sound business decisions
• Supports Finance team with other ad hoc reporting and project needs

Monthly End Close, Reporting and Compliance Controls (50%)

• Is actively involved in monthly close process for North America entities in WPP’s BFC Cartesis
• Leads the assembly and completion of the month-end close audit (digital) binder
• Performs monthly bank and interest reconciliations of WPP Loan Group with SJR US
• Oversees and handles inquiries regarding account balances; researches any incomplete, missing, or unusual transactions to determine timely and proper treatment and processing
• Maintains monthly accruals of open POs of billable and nonbillable expenses and media spending, including prepayment allocations as detailed
• Collaborates with other members of the Finance team to support month-end close efforts in a timely and efficient manner
• Supports Finance & Operations teams with other ad hoc month-end needs

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in finance or accounting (agency setting preferred)

• Degree in accounting or finance

• Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Knowledge of various financial systems, such as Maconomy and Cartesis, a plus

• Experience with management reporting and analysis process

• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail and time management skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Independent mindset with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across the business

• Flexible, adaptable, and reliable; able to work in fast-moving environment

• Proficient Excel skills, with ability to use vlookup, xlookup, Sumif(s), and pivot tables

• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications

SJR is dedicated to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We also welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $45,000-90,000. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click here(opens in a new tab) for more details.