Reports to:   VP of Finance

Location:   Arlington, VA (Hybrid)

Schedule: Full Time

Position Objective:

The Accountant supports accurate and timely accounting operations for  the Meat Institute and its related entities. This hands-on position manages key accounts payable, cash receipt activities prepares reconciliations, and supports monthly financial close . The Accountant helps maintain  strong internal controls, reliable financial records while providing responsive service to internal and external stakeholders. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable and Expense Management

·  Oversee the processing of vendor purchase order requests, invoices, and employee expense reports in NetSuite; verify supporting documentation, account and department coding, approvals, and compliance with established policies.

·  Process weekly payment cycles for multiple entities, including check runs, ACH and wire payments, positive pay files, payment reports, and timely disbursements.

·  Set up and maintain vendor records, obtain required documentation such as Forms W-9, and resolve vendor inquiries and payment discrepancies.

·  Review and reconcile corporate credit card transactions, including proper documentation, allocation, and approvals; maintain related  records in NetSuite and supporting schedules.

·  Investigate issues with employee expense reports and purchase order requests and help staff understand applicable accounting procedures.

Cash Receipts, Billing and Collections

·  Process and record incoming checks, ACH receipts, wire transfers, lockbox payments, and physical check deposits for multiple entities.

·  Apply receipts to the appropriate member accounts and invoices, investigate unidentified or misapplied payments, and follow up as needed to resolve discrepancies.

·  Support membership dues billing and collections, monitor accounts receivable, issue periodic past-due notices, and document collection activity and member correspondence.

·  Respond to member and other payer inquiries about receipts, account balances, and payment status.

Reconciliations and General Ledger

·  Prepare monthly bank and merchant account reconciliations, including those for Meat Institute, and Meat Foundation accounts.

·  Prepare and maintain balance sheet account reconciliations, accounting schedules, and supporting documentation; investigate and resolve discrepancies.

·  Review general ledger activity, prepare adjusting journal entries. Ensure expenses and receipts are allocated to appropriate accounts, departments, and entities.

·  Coordinate with the Senior Accountant and other finance staff to ensure reconciliations are accurate, complete, and timely.

Month-End, Year-End and Audit Support

·  Support month-end close activities, including accounts payable accruals, expense cutoffs, intercompany transactions, allocations, and account reconciliations.

·  Assist with year-end reporting and tax-related tasks, including preparation of Forms 1099 and 1096.

·  Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, transaction support, and responses to information requests for annual financial and other applicable audits.

Systems, Controls and Stakeholder Support

·  Maintain complete, organized, secure electronic and paper accounting records in accordance with organizational policies.

·  Follow established accounting policies, internal controls, approval requirements, and segregation-of-duties procedures.

·  Partner with membership, sponsors, vendors, and internal departments to resolve billing, payment, and collection questions.

·  Coordinate with internal and external systems support teams to resolve NetSuite reporting or workflow issues and support appropriate report customization.

·  Perform other related accounting duties and special projects as assigned.

·  Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

·  Approximately 5 or more years of progressive accounting experience, including hands-on general ledger and reconciliation work.

·  Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, month-end close, and multi-entity accounting.

·  Proficiency with accounting systems (NetSuite preferred), Excel, experience with AMS Re:Members is a plus.

·  Strong attention to detail, analytical judgment, organization, discretion, and professional communication skills.

·  Ability to prioritize competing deadlines and work collaboratively in a fully on-site environment.