Sr Accounting Analyst

Flexibility Option: Hybrid option available Job Req Id: 31372 Description: Be part of a growing, successful company in an exciting and challenging field. Border States is 100% employee-owned, which means you’re empowered to make decisions, find solutions and receive rewards for your hard work. This position will be located in: Fargo, ND Application Deadline: Posted Until Filled Please note that the position may be filled before or after the listed application deadline. Applications will only be accepted while the posting remains active. Job Summary Job Summary The Senior Accounting Analyst leads complex accounting processes, applying advanced GAAP standards to high-risk and complex areas. Responsible for preparing and reviewing journal entries, reconciliations, variance analyses, and financial reports, while providing oversight and guidance to junior team members. Plays a key role in audits, policy development, process improvements, and special projects, ensuring compliance with internal controls and risk management standards. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of critical financial reporting activities, contribute to strategic initiatives, and mentor developing accounting professionals. Responsibilities Essential Functions Demonstrates advanced accounting and financial acumen and knowledge through leading accounting processes, applying complex GAAP standards, and providing oversight, analysis, and guidance on financial reporting. Owns the preparation of assigned value stream tasks for areas of high risk and complexity (i.e., areas requiring significant judgement and estimation, the application of complex accounting standards for non-routine transactions, result in material financial impacts, and more susceptible to misstatement, such as lease accounting, impairment testing, financial instruments, business combinations and consolidation, share -based compensation, etc.) including the following duties: Performs data entry and transaction processing. Prepares routine journal entries along with reclassification/adjustment journal entries requested through the Financial Accounting department’s service-ticketing system (JIRA). Prepares account reconciliations and general ledger maintenance. Completes assigned month-end and daily operational tasks. Investigates and documents variance analysis findings in assigned reporting areas. Prepares assigned and requested reporting deliverables. Owns the review of assigned value stream risk areas for areas of low to moderate risk and complexity (i.e., areas requiring a deeper understanding of timing differences, deferrals, revenue recognition and expense matching along with adjusting journal entries, such as fixed assets, payroll and benefits, intercompany, allowance for doubtful accounts, etc.) including the following duties: Reviews data entry, processed transactions, prepared journal entries, assigned account reconciliations, general ledger maintenance requests, assigned month-end and daily operational tasks, prepared documented variance analysis findings, and reporting deliverables. Contributes to the team's development by coaching and mentoring junior roles. Routinely researches, interprets, and applies applicable accounting guidance as needed. Leads and coordinates process improvement and optimization discussions and efforts, facilitating implementation and change management efforts. Prepares and reviews ad-hoc requests and analyses for assigned low to high-risk value stream areas. Coordinates the administration of the department's audits and other engagements through the documentation and support compilation processes. Leads in the execution of special projects and initiatives through the preparation, analysis, compilation, review, and presentation of assigned special projects. Non-essential Functions Contributes to the development of policies, preparing and reviewing assigned policy drafts where applicable. Routinely reviews and updates process documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for current processes. Leads and coordinates the consolidation process, along consolidation accounting and value stream integration processes. Assists in the department's task management and prioritization efforts. Administers the department's maintenance of information systems. Provides oversight of the training and onboarding of team members. Coordinates and implements the department's established goals and KPIs. Enforces and contributes to the development of the company's internal controls and compliance. Ensures compliance with the company's and department's risk management. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or other designate. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related business administrative field required. 4 years of prior relevant finance and accounting experience preferred. 6+ years of experience preferred. Professional licensure such as a CPA or CMA preferred. Prior project management experience preferred. Prior people management experience preferred. Advanced Excel knowledge is required including complex nested formulas (multi-criteria lookups, combined logic), workbook auditing and troubleshooting (trace precedents/dependents, evaluate formulas), large dataset management and optimization, and building audit-proof, scalable, and dynamic workbooks for enterprise use. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint etc.) required. Prior experience in SAP or similar accounting systems required. Skills and Abilities Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Interpersonal skills with emotional intelligence, capable of building collaborative relationships across teams and stakeholders. Advanced analytical skills and the ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve non-routine issues while providing actionable insights. Proven ability to manage assignments autonomously, balancing independent initiative with appropriate collaboration and guidance. Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines while ensuring accuracy and completeness. Excellent workload management, demonstrating sound judgment in prioritization and resource allocation. Actively participates in planning initiatives, applying critical thinking and business awareness to support process improvements and strategic objectives. Exemplary customer service and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating responsiveness, accuracy, and professionalism in all interactions. Physical Requirements Frequency at which you would carry/lift in a typical day: Occasionally 0 – 33% Frequently 34 – 66% Continuously: 67 – 100% Lift from Waist: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all 10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all 26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Lift from Floor: < than 10 lbs. - Frequently 10 to 25 lbs. - Frequently 26 to 50 lbs. - Occasionally 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Carried for Distance: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all 10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all 26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Physical Activity Frequency at which you would do the following in a typical day: Sitting (a continuous period of being seated) - Continuously Standing (for sustained periods of time) - Frequently Walking (moving about on foot to accomplish tasks) - Frequently Bending/stooping (downward and forward) - Occasionally Crawling (moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet) - Not at all Climbing/Walking Stairs (ascending or descending) - Frequently Reaching (extending arms in any direction) - Frequently Crouching/squatting (bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine) - Occasionally Kneeling (bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee(s)) - Occasionally Balancing (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling) - Occasionally Repetitive motion (substantial movement (motions) or the wrists, hands, and/or fingers) - Continuously Pivoting (movement in any direction with one foot, keeping the other in contact with the floor) - Occasionally Pushing/Pulling (using upper extremities to press against or draw or tug) - Occasionally Grasping (Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm) - Continuously Fingering (picking, pinching, typing; working with primarily fingers and not whole hand) - Continuously Talking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word) - Frequently Driving (the control and operation of a motor vehicle) - Occasionally Desk work (work usually performed at a desk) - Continuously Use of a computer - Continuously Use of a telephone - Frequently Hearing (Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels) - Continuously Exposure (to adverse weather & temperature conditions) - Not at all Travel (travel needed to perform job duties) - Occasional Additional Information This job description is a summary of the job duties and responsibilities and is not intended to cover all possible job duties and is subject to change at the employer’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties and satisfy job requirements either with or without a reasonable accommodation.