Technical Accounting Specialist - Portfolio Operations

WE'RE HIRING: TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST – PORTFOLIO OPERATIONS

Compensation: $1800/month

Schedule: Full Time (EST)

About the Company

We are a Canadian-based private equity firm with a portfolio of over 50 small to mid-sized companies across North America, Europe, and the UK. This number continues to grow as we acquire new businesses.

The technical accounting specialist will work closely with portfolio companies, finance teams and the company’s operations group to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of accounting across multiple businesses. This role requires exceptional technical accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to implement practical accounting solutions across companies in a variety of industries.

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Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

-Assist portfolio companies with monthly and year-end close processes.

-Review financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.

-Prepare and review month-end working papers and supporting schedules.

-Support external audit engagements by preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests.

-Ensure accounting records comply with ASPE/US GAAP and company policies.

Technical Accounting

-Prepare and review complex accounting schedules, including: Accruals, Prepaid expense schedules, Property, Plant & Equipment (PPE) continuity schedules, Debt continuity schedules, Inventory reconciliations, Bank reconciliations, Intercompany reconciliations, WIP/Deferred Revenue Schedules, Foreign exchange reconciliations, Other working paper files supporting month-end and year-end reporting

Work-in-Progress (WIP) Accounting

-Strong understanding of Work-in-Progress (WIP) accounting.

-Review and implement appropriate revenue recognition methodologies.

-Experience with both: Percentage-of-completion accounting, Completed contract accounting

-Assist portfolio companies in developing accurate WIP schedules and job costing procedures.

-Ensure proper recognition of revenue, costs, and profitability on long-term contracts.

Cost Accounting & Gross Margin

-Possess a strong understanding of cost accounting principles.

-Ensure costs are properly classified between direct costs and operating expenses.

-Review and improve gross margin reporting across portfolio companies.

-Understand the proper treatment of: Direct labour, Direct materials, Direct subcontractor costs, Freight-in, Commissions and royalties, Manufacturing overhead where applicable

-Assist with inventory costing methodologies and job costing.

Accounting Process Improvement

-Develop and standardize accounting procedures across portfolio companies.

-Improve month-end close processes and reporting timelines.

-Design internal controls and accounting workflows.

-Create standardized accounting policies and procedure manuals.

-Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.

Systems & Implementation

-Assist with ERP and accounting system implementations and upgrades.

-Improve chart of accounts structures.

-Develop standardized reporting packages and financial dashboards.

-Build scalable accounting systems capable of supporting future growth.

Portfolio Support

-Provide technical accounting guidance to controllers, accountants, and bookkeepers.

-Train finance staff on accounting best practices and standardized procedures.

-Assist with acquisition integrations and special projects.

-Travel occasionally to portfolio companies as required.

Qualifications

-CPA designation required.

-Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field.

-3+ years of advanced accounting experience.

-Public accounting experience is considered a strong asset.

-Advanced knowledge of ASPE/US GAAP.

-Experience supporting multiple companies or business units is preferred.

Desired Attributes

-Exceptional technical accounting knowledge.

-Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

-Ability to quickly identify accounting issues and implement practical solutions.

-Excellent organizational and time management skills.

-Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

-Proven ability to influence, coach, and gain buy-in from teams that may be

resistant to change, fostering adoption of new processes and best practices.

-Comfortable working across multiple businesses and industries simultaneously.

-Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

-Ability to influence and improve accounting functions without direct authority.