Senior Accountant

Job Overview

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing complex accounting functions to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), state and federal regulations, and company policies. This role supports the month-end close process, prepares reconciliations, assists with audits, and contributes to process improvements within the accounting department.

Principal Accountabilities

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing key accounting functions that support accurate financial reporting for a public company. This role focuses on executing the period-end close process, preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and assisting with tax-related activities. The Senior Accountant ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and internal controls and contributes to the implementation of new accounting standards as directed. The position works closely with the VP, Sr. Accounting Manager, as well as external auditors and other stakeholders, and requires strong attention to detail and the ability to meet critical deadlines.

Represent the Bank to both internal and external customers in a courteous, professional manner in face-to-face, written and telephone communications. Accountable for adherence to compliance standards including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), quality of documentation, timeliness and the ability to exercise prudent judgment for solutions from unexpected situations that arise. Actively protect confidentiality of customer and account information. Demonstrate Horizon Bank's commitment to the communities we serve through involvement in local organizations and events.

Duties

• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes.
• Analyze financial data to identify variances and trends.
• Support internal and external audits, legal advisors, financial reporting, and other third-party public service providers by providing documentation, analysis, and addressing inquiries.
• Ensuring compliance with all internal controls and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Maintain customer confidence and protect bank operations by keeping information private and confidential.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on accounting-related matters.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives with a focus on leveraging technology tools to increase efficiency.
• Perform all work in compliance with established regulations, policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and instructions.
• Participate in ongoing skill, compliance, risk management and security training as required for the position and apply knowledge in daily tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Personnel Management

• Provide guidance to junior accountants on reconciliations or technical accounting issues.
• Aid in training new team members on processes, systems, and internal controls.
• Serve as a resource for technical accounting questions within the team.
• Collaborate with the VP, Sr. Accounting Manager to identify skill gaps and recommend training opportunities.
• Help coordinate workflow among team members during peak periods (e.g., month-end close).
• Provide informal feedback to peers and junior staff to promote accuracy and efficiency.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives to ensure team flexibility and coverage.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Responsible for encouraging continuous enhancement of junior team members knowledge and competencies to foster their successful career advancement.

Qualifications & Skills

• College degree in accounting, finance, or related field of study. CPA license preferred.
• Minimum of 4-6 years' experience in banking, public accounting or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft software applications. Experience with the FISERV core system is preferred.
• Experience with performing general ledger reconciliations.
• Knowledge of industry standards as they relate to GAAP Accounting and general departmental functions.
• Exceptional organization, time management and follow-up skills. Excellent people skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, bank employees and outside service providers.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and a wide range of procedures requiring sound judgement.
• Must have proficient typing and computer skills, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.

Core Competencies

• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Problem Solving
• Creative & Innovative Thinking
• Results Focus
• Educating Others
• Written Communication