Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Finance

Full-time, Exempt

Remote Optional/Preference given to local candidates

About the Company: Advantage | The Authority Company, founded in 2005 by CEO Adam Witty, is a global independent business book publisher known for its commitment to growing entrepreneurs and businesses for the benefit of mankind. It operates publishing brands including Forbes Books (publisher of Forbes Magazine), Entrepreneur Books (publisher of Entrepreneur Magazine), SXSW Books (home of the famous South by Southwest Conference in Austin, TX), and namesake Advantage Books.

The "authority on authority,” Advantage extends its services beyond publishing. Its Authority Media group offers public relations, digital media, serialized content, and podcasts to CEOs and leaders.

Advantage’s compelling vision, comprehensive strategy, and relentless focus on implementation are dedicated to serving CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders. With a strong emphasis on fostering growth and authority for its clients, the company creates an environment where innovation and impact thrive. If you’re excited to be part of a winning team, Advantage offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the success of influential leaders and businesses.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as Staff Accountant. This role involves month-end closing accounting duties, and responding to author royalty inquiries, ensuring that all communication is clear, accurate and timely. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and experience in accounting, particularly month-end procedures.

Expected Outcomes:

• Collaboration with the Accounting & Finance teams and broader organization and business partners to gather necessary information to support a timely and accurate financial reporting process.
• Coordination, preparation and calculation of accurate and timely Author Royalty statements/payments.
• Support month-end close process through preparation of monthly and daily journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations, including supporting documentation.
• Provide operational insights supporting analyses at the department, customer, product and account levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare month-end journal entries, update supporting schedules and ensure proper documentation for all transactions.
• Support the preparation of accruals, deferrals and adjustments to ensure accurate financial records. Prepare balance sheet reconciliations, as required.
• Collaborate with other departments to gather necessary information for month-end closing activities.
• Perform daily bank account reconciliations to ensure that cash balances align with the bank’s records.
• Assist in calculating royalties for authors, ensuring accuracy based on contractual agreements.
• Support the preparation and distribution of royalty statements to authors in a timely manner.
• Respond to author inquiries regarding royalties in a timely and professional manner. Address any discrepancies or concerns, as required.
• Analyze financial information at the department, customer and product-level and summarize financial status.
• Assist the Accounting Team with other ad hoc tasks and functions.

Competencies:

• Analytical Skills - Able to structure and process qualitative and quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions. 
• Attention to Detail - Does not let important details slip through the cracks or derail projects and can complete them on a timely basis. 
• Honesty/Integrity - Does not cut corners. Earns trust and maintains confidence. Does what is right, not just politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully.
• Organizing and Planning - Plans, organizes, schedules in an efficient manner. Focuses on key priorities. Has a good sense of what is immaterial to eliminate wasted time.
• Work Ethic - Possesses a strong willingness to work hard to get the job done and is able to work long hours when necessary.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• 3+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Proficiency in Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong, collaborative analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct account analysis, identify trends and discrepancies, and propose effective solutions.
• Advanced working knowledge of MS Excel and QuickBooks.
• Royalty experience highly desirable, but not required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with various departments and external contacts.

Reporting Structure:

This role reports directly to the Director of Finance and works closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve organizational success.

Work Environment: 

This is a hybrid position within a professional work environment, offering flexibility and the convenience of working from home two to three days per week. If not local, occasional travel to the headquarters in Charleston, SC, may be required, ensuring team members remain connected to the company's core team and culture.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those necessary for an employee to perform the essential functions of this role successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone.
• Near visual acuity is essential for working with computers and reviewing materials.
• May need to stoop, kneel, or crouch as part of the role.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods while performing tasks.
• Occasionally required to perform light to moderate lifting of office supplies, up to 20 pounds.

These physical demands ensure that the employee can efficiently and effectively complete the responsibilities associated with the role.

Benefits:

Advantage is an entrepreneurial, high-growth company that prioritizes career development and offers numerous opportunities for advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means we invest in comprehensive programs that support the professional growth of our team.

Employee Benefits Include:

• Generous Vacation/PTO policies.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans; team members are eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.