Accounting + Advisory Services Senior Accountant

Smith & Howard•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Smith + Howard is a family of companies providing tax, audit, accounting and advisory, and wealth management services. The firm is headquartered in Atlanta and has offices across the Southeast. It describes its workplace as supportive of professional growth and advancement and offers competitive pay, training opportunities, and benefits. The Senior Accountant will join the Accounting + Advisory Services Controllership Team, serving a diverse portfolio of small to mid-market clients across industries and geographies. The team provides services ranging from year-end write-up work and monthly accrual conversions to outsourced controllership, accounts payable oversight, payroll compliance support, and internal or compiled financial reporting. The role involves partnering with clients to understand their operations, identify financial issues, apply practical judgment, resolve accounting issues, and produce meaningful financial reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
Two to four years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two years in public accounting or outsourced client services.
Solid understanding of full-cycle accounting and strong working knowledge of GAAP.
Good judgment and communication skills, including the ability to balance detail with the broader perspective.
Comfort working in different client environments and accounting platforms.
Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt professionally to shifting priorities.

Nice To Haves

CPA license or active pursuit of a CPA license with a defined path.

Responsibilities

Guide clients through monthly and year-end closes, complex reconciliations, accrual adjustments, and related controllership needs.
Prepare balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows.
Triage and resolve accounting errors, prioritizing materiality, impact, and client experience.
Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities to improve reporting.
Coach and support client personnel and junior team members in applying accounting principles and using accounting systems.
Work across accounting platforms, including QBO, Xero, NetSuite, Intacct, Acumatica, and AppFolio, and adapt to new tools and workflows.
Use CaseWare Working Papers to document trial balances, adjusting entries, and balance sheet support.
Contribute to process improvements internally and with clients to streamline operations and improve reporting accuracy.
Review 1099s, W-2s, 941s, 940s, and other required federal and state payroll forms.