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Job description
Senior Accountant
ARA's Corporate Accounting Department seeks a passionate and experienced Senior Accountant with strong technical skills, prior audit experience, and a continuous improvement mindset. Our team supports the dedicated employee owners who make Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) the success it is today. We are hiring a Senior Accountant to act as our revenue recognition subject matter expert (ASC 606), ensure quality and streamlined general ledger processes, and support the migration of our financial statement and management reporting from excel, such that it is produced directly from our ERP Systems (Costpoint & Adaptive Planning). We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and delivering timely and accurate financial and management reporting, and audit support to a growing company. We value teamwork, individual and group accountability, and strive for a balanced, enjoyable work environment.
What you'll do as ARA's Senior Accountant
Oversee revenue recognition for the company, providing high level review, revenue and revenue variance reporting and contract closeout revenue true-up
Review complex multi-element customer contracts, document revenue recognition for these contracts, and ensure proper accounting
Evaluate current revenue recognition practices for large, fixed price contracts and develop and document new procedures for on-line products, software, and commercial sales
Provide clear, documented accounting support for both internal and external (audits) inquiries
Support transitioning our financial statement and management reporting out of multi-tab Excel workbooks so it can be generated directly from our ERP systems
Help develop and validate dashboard reports
Support the deployment of financial statement projections using ARA's enterprise tools
Support month-end close and year end close processes
Prepare balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and financial disclosures with accuracy and attention to detail
Evaluate the impact of new accounting standards to ensure successful transition and proper reporting
Identify process bottlenecks, build standardized processes to ensure timely and accurate data, help identify and evaluate AI tools to automate manual accounting workflows
Partner directly with leadership to support daily operational accounting
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adequate process documentation
Provide comprehensive support for external financial audits, internal audits, and government/customer audits
Collaborate with auditors to provide required data, resolve inquiries, and strengthen audit readiness
Support system upgrade testing, enhancements, and business system evaluation or migration activities
Partner with IT and functional SMEs to improve workflows, resolve system issues, and drive process automation
Senior Accountant Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field plus 5 – 7 years of experience in accounting or auditing
Previous experience preparing financial statements utilizing ERP data and reports
Exceptional customer service and communication abilities across all organizational levels
Ability to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and maintain compliance with internal and external requirements
Experience conducting or supporting auditors and preparing audit-ready documentation
Professional, reliable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvement
Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under strict deadlines
Senior Accountant Requirements Preferences:
Active CPA or CMA license or passed exam sections
Experience in manufacturing, product sales, or inventory cost accounting
Experience utilizing large ERP systems for data reporting (Costpoint, Workday, Oracle, etc.)
System implementation migration experience
Familiarity with AI tools and automation in financial workflows
Prior exposure to government contracting (FAR/CAS/DCAA)
Working knowledge of corporate financial planning, reporting & analysis, and costing/profitability methodologies and processes
Company & Division Information
The ARA Corporate office prides itself on providing excellent customer service and accounting services to a growing and ever-changing organization. We strive to be flexible while ensuring that we comply with government, state, and contract regulations and requirements. We partner with our employees to help them in turn provide exceptional customer service for our customers.
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and Canada. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges – creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future.
Hybrid Work Notice: This position is open to candidates seeking either hybrid or remote work. While remote work will be considered, preference will be given to candidates who are available to work in a hybrid capacity in either Albuquerque, NM or Raleigh, NC.
Travel Required: Yes. Some travel may be required (Qualifications
Behaviors
Required
Detail Oriented:
Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Preferred
Thought Provoking:
Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
Team Player:
Works well as a member of a group
Loyal:
Shows firm and constant support to a cause
Functional Expert:
Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic:
Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Dedicated:
Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Required
Financial:
Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursement
Preferred
Self-Starter:
Inspired to perform without outside help
Goal Completion:
Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Flexibility:
Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
Ability to Make an Impact:
Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Education
Required
Bachelor of Arts or better in Accounting.
Experience
Required
3-5 years:
Related experience with a master's degree
5-7 years:
Related experience with a bachelor's degree
Licenses & Certifications
Preferred
CPA
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Worksite address
raleigh, NC, 27601, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.