Staff Accountant

This position will be based full-time in-office in Stamford, CT. 

We are seeking a highly organized and meticulous individual to join our accounting team as a Staff Accountant. This pivotal role will primarily support our Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, contributing directly to the financial health and operational efficiency of our organization. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to develop their career within a structured and supportive financial environment.

 

About Lockwood: Lockwood collaborates with clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries to identify effective, holistic, science-based strategies to address their objectives through medical communications. Our clients count on us to challenge their assumptions and help them creatively navigate around obstacles. From strategy through execution, we focus on accuracy, transparency, and scientific value to create programs that are evidence-based, clinically relevant, and contribute to the development of our clients’ brands. Over a third of our staff hold advanced scientific or medical degrees, and most work from where they live. Because our flexible structure provides better work-life balance, we attract the best talent, facilitate their best work, and as a result, are more responsive to our clients, wherever and whenever they do business. 

 

Summary: As a Staff Accountant, you will assume a critical role in upholding the seamless financial operations of our company. Your primary responsibilities will encompass comprehensive support for our Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) functions, directly impacting cash flow management and the integrity of financial reporting. This is a hands-on position designed to provide extensive practical experience across a spectrum of essential accounting processes.

 

Responsibilities: 

• Accounts Receivable (AR):
  • Generate, issue, and distribute client invoices with meticulous accuracy and adherence to predefined timelines for assigned client accounts.
  • Proactively collaborate with operational teams on billing deadlines
  • Execute thorough reconciliation of customer accounts and individual client jobs (i.e. projects), identify and resolve discrepancies, and investigate unapplied payments.
  • Open and close client accounts/jobs and prepare estimates of time and cost.
  • Demonstrate flexibility for the needs and trends of the business (i.e., the timing of a large conference or other live event may impact billing submissions)
  • Provide support for month-end and year-end closing procedures pertinent to accounts receivable.
  • Assist with internal and external inquiries as needed.
  • Provide ad hoc financial analysis and reporting as requested.
• Accounts Payable (AP):
  
  • Process and meticulously verify vendor invoices, ensuring accurate general ledger coding and adherence to internal approval processes
  • Prepare and execute vendor payments (e.g., electronic funds transfers, cheque disbursements) in a timely and precise manner.
  • Review of W9 forms as required.
  • Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any identified variances or discrepancies (including 3^rd party reconciliation files – e.g. FOX and Uber)
  • Manage vendor inquiries and meticulously maintain accurate and current vendor records.
  • Assist with the processing and reimbursement of employee expense reports, ensuring compliance with company policy.
  • Assist with internal and external inquiries as needed.
  • Provide ad hoc financial analysis and reporting as requested.
• Internal Client Relations: 
  • Proactively manages relationship with internal team members and builds rapport.
  • Ensures internal client expectations are met by maintaining ongoing communication (written and verbal) with account team members and meetings team and troubleshooting problems/issues, as necessary.

 

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or a closely related discipline is preferred but not required.
• Skills & Experience:
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Strong organizational and time management capabilities, with the demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
  • A proactive, results-oriented approach with an aptitude to continuous learning and adaptation to new challenges.
  • Ability to perform effectively both autonomously and as an integral member of a collaborative team environment.
  • Strong integrity and a high degree of discretion in handing sensitive and confidential financial information. 
  • A foundational understanding of fundamental accounting principles (e.g., double-entry bookkeeping, accrual basis, cash basis).
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the effective utilization of functions such as VLOOKUPs, pivot tables and advanced formulas. 
  • Prior exposure to reputable accounting software platforms (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, SAP, Sage, Advantage).