Accountant II at Talnt in State College, Pennsylvania, United States

Job description

• The Accountant II is a mid-level accounting professional responsible for supporting cost accounting, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities. This Cost Accountant and Staff Accountant role works with financial and operational data to maintain accurate accounting records, analyze costs and variances, strengthen financial controls, and provide reliable information that supports business objectives and informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting and cost accounting activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and general ledger maintenance.
• Analyze product, material, labor, overhead, and manufacturing costs to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improved cost control.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes by preparing schedules, reconciliations, adjustments, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports, cost reports, balance sheet accounts, income statement activity, and variance analyses to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain cost accounting records, standard costs, inventory valuations, and related financial data in accordance with established accounting policies and procedures.
• Investigate accounting discrepancies and cost variances, identify root causes, and collaborate with internal teams to resolve issues.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and management reporting to support operational and strategic business decisions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and internal controls while supporting audit requests, compliance activities, and continuous improvement of accounting processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Professional accounting experience involving general ledger accounting, cost accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliation, or similar responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, GAAP, and fundamental accounting and financial reporting practices.
• Experience preparing journal entries, performing balance sheet reconciliations, analyzing financial data, and supporting month-end close.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate variances, identify discrepancies, and maintain a high level of financial accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis, spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple accounting deadlines and priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with accounting, finance, operations, and other cross-functional teams.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, cost-of-goods-sold analysis, or production cost analysis.
• Experience using ERP systems, accounting software, financial reporting platforms, or automated accounting tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Experience supporting financial audits, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, or process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Required

• Microsoft Excel
• ERP systems
• accounting software
• financial reporting platforms
• automated accounting tools