Accounting Specialist

Cochran is a growing civil engineering firm with 7 Missouri offices, offering services in construction administration, materials testing, architectural and geotechnical engineering, and land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran's expertise spans municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With 120+ professionals, the firm delivers tailored solutions backed by deep expertise and is guided by core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust—ensuring principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project.Cochran's Union, Missouri location is looking for a Full or Part-time Accounting Specialist to join our team. Position SummaryWe are seeking a detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to support our accounting and financial operations. This role will assist with payroll, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and month-end closing activities while also supporting the financial oversight of outside retail store operations.The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and comfortable working across multiple accounting processes including inventory reconciliation and financial reporting.Key ResponsibilitiesGeneral AccountingAssist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings including preparation of journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entriesPost journal entries and support general accounting activitiesReconcile bank accounts and credit card statementsSupport financial reporting and maintain accurate accounting recordsPayroll & Accounts ReceivableAssist with payroll processing and related administrative tasks as neededSupport accounts receivable functions, including tracking receivables and assisting with collections when necessaryRetail Store Accounting & InventoryOversee accounting activities related to company retail store operationsManage reconciliation, reporting, and updates related to retail inventory processesInvestigate and follow up on store physical inventory discrepanciesPerform monthly reconciliation of book inventory to perpetual inventory systemsConduct monthly review of store inventory accounts to ensure accuracyProcess ImprovementIdentify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies within accounting and inventory workflowsRecommend and assist with implementing improvements to accounting procedures and reportingQualificationsAssociate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred2+ years of accounting or bookkeeping experience preferredExperience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial close processesFamiliarity with inventory accounting and retail operations is a plusExperience assisting with payroll or accounts receivable preferredStrong proficiency with Excel and accounting software systemsHigh attention to detail and strong organizational skillsSkills & CompetenciesAnalytical thinking and problem-solving abilityStrong attention to detail and accuracyAbility to manage multiple tasks and deadlinesStrong communication and collaboration skillsContinuous improvement mindsetBenefitsCompetitive salary and performance-based bonuses100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance for employees, plus company deductible assistance401(k) with 4% company matchGenerous PTO plan and 7 major holidaysContinuing education and professional development support