Operations Accountant

OPERATIONS ACCOUNTANT

Location: Marion, Iowa

Reports to: Controller

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt

Status: Full-Time

Typical Working Hours: 7:30am to 4:30pm

May require extended hours including holidays and weekends due to the nature of ESCO’s client support model. Occasional travel to other ESCO offices or client sites may be required but generally does not exceed 10%.

ESCO Group’s vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as valued by our key stakeholders: our clients, employees, suppliers, community, and shareholders.

The operations Accountant is a key contributor within Shared Services Finance, supporting Scintilla’s mission to increase enterprise value through efficient, consistent, and disciplined financial operations.

This role partners with the Controller, HR/Benefits, and the accounting team to ensure payroll, accounts payable, benefits accounting, reconciliations, and general ledger activities are executed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with internal controls.

Aligned with ESCO’s EOS operating model, the Operations Accountant helps reduce financial risk, improve accounting efficiency, and support Business Units through reliable financial operations and timely financial information.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Accountant supports the Shared Services Finance & Accounting mission through ownership of the following accounting service areas:

Payroll & Benefits Accounting

• Support payroll accounting in partnership with HR and the payroll provider.


• Review payroll registers, validate GL coding, and reconcile payroll taxes and payroll-related liabilities.


• Support benefits billing and reconciliation by reconciling carrier invoices to payroll deductions and employer contributions.


• Resolve payroll and benefits accounting discrepancies with HR, vendors, and carriers.

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee the accounts payable process end-to-end, including vendor setup and maintenance, invoice processing and approvals, payment runs, vendor communication, and 1099 reporting support.


• Ensure AP processes operate efficiently and in compliance with internal controls.

General Ledger & Reconciliations

• Lead recurring reconciliations including:
  
  
  
  • Balance sheet accounts
  
  
  • AP subledger to GL
  
  
  • Payroll and benefits liability accounts
  
  
  
  


• Investigate and resolve variances in a timely manner.


• Maintain accurate financial records supporting month-end and year-end close.

Financial Close, Audit & Reporting Support

• Participate in month-end and year-end closing activities.


• Support budgeting and forecasting activities by preparing reports and organizing financial data.


• Participate in annual financial and ERISA audits, including preparation of payroll- and benefits-related schedules and reconciliations.

Shared Services Process Improvement

• Help identify and implement improvements to accounting processes, systems, and workflows that improve efficiency, consistency, and risk control.


• Build strong working relationships across Shared Services and Business Units while supporting day-to-day accounting needs.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Accounting experience supporting payroll, accounts payable, reconciliations, and general ledger activity


• Experience supporting benefits accounting and invoice reconciliation


• Strong reconciliation skills across payroll, benefits, AP, and balance sheet accounts


• ERP experience (Acumatica or similar preferred)


• Strong Excel skills


• Solid understanding of accounting principles and internal controls


• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail


• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines


• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset


• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification


• Experience in a multi-entity or project-based organization

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Your Health: We offer a comprehensive health insurance package, annual biometric screenings, employee assistance program (EAP), and company-paid disability insurance for eligible employees.


• Your Financial Goals: Beyond our 401k offering, you may be eligible to join our ESOP with its tax-deferred retirement benefits.


• Your Ownership: You don’t just work FOR the company; you OWN the company. You’ll join other employee-owners along our ESOP journey and receive the intangible and tangible benefits that ownership provides.


• Your Work-Life Balance: We offer paid time off, flexible scheduling, parental leave, hybrid work (depending on position), and encourage our Employee Owners to give back to their communities.


• Your Career Development: We offer tuition assistance and have a dedicated Learning and Development program to grow and develop you in your career.


• We Live our Core Values: We believe strongly in our five core values at ESCO Group. They are Respect, Mutual Commitment, Safe & Healthy Workplace, Integrity, and Get Better to Be Better.