Accounting & Financial Outsourcing Associate

Dean Dorton•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Dean Dorton’s team makes up one of the largest advisory firms in the United States, focused on employee development and career success. The Accounting and Financial Outsourcing (AFO) team serves as a critical component to clients' financial success, partnering with organizations as their CFO, controller, and/or accounting team. They provide cloud-based, real-time financial data, translating complex information into meaningful advice and visualizations for strategic business decisions and cash flow control. The AFO Associate role involves gaining familiarity with accounting principles and software, processing general ledger activities, maintaining vendor relationships, and actively participating in firm events and programs to enhance technical and professional skills and build internal relationships. This role is suited for detail-oriented, adaptable individuals passionate about accounting and finance, offering professional growth through diverse tasks, industry exposure, and software certifications, and thriving in a team-driven environment. It requires self-motivation, efficiency, a strong interest in accounting principles and financial systems, and the ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines, and be open to feedback.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, required in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
Comfortable working independently.
Self-motivation and the ability to manage tasks efficiently.
Strong interest in accounting principles, financial systems, or learning new software.
Ability to handle multiple tasks.
Adherence to deadlines.
Openness to feedback.
Detail oriented.
Adaptable.
Passionate about accounting and finance.
Thrive in a team-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Gain entry level understanding of accounting principles and concepts, including the month-end close process.
Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing accounting software to accomplish client tasks.
Complete accounting functions for general ledger management tasks, including Accounts payable, Accounts receivable, Journal entries, and Transaction recording.
Perform reconciliation tasks for clients, including Bank transactions, Credit card transactions, and General ledger.
Gain an understanding of the accounting cycle.
Plan for and prepare 1099s.
Complete tasks related to client payroll processing.
Begin working on advanced Associate functions, including preparing sales and tax returns, preparing and posting journal entries, preparing month-end accruals, and supporting month-end close processes.
Grow technical skills through exposure in a variety of clients, industries, and engagements/projects.
Begin to explore the “why” behind assigned work.
Assist AFO team members with special outsourced accounting projects, as needed.
Communicate updates to engagement/vertical managers with relevant information regarding project status.
Acclimate to the firm by establishing relationships with team members.
Demonstrate coachability by receiving feedback and changing behavior/performance to align with feedback.
Begin to build professional brand/reputation.
Display understanding and ownership of mistakes.
Demonstrate a positive attitude toward new opportunities and firm assignments (charge and non-charge).
Work efficiently and adhere to assigned budgets and deadlines.
Work independently, under general supervision, to complete assigned work.
Meet productivity goals and expectations.
Meet internal and client deadlines.
Demonstrate flexibility and accountability by managing responsibilities effectively, adapting to changing needs, and contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
Work towards completing accounting software certifications, including Bill.com, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks.
Participate in firm-sponsored events and activities.
Fully participate in Associate Program, if applicable, including attending networking activities and opportunities, and actively participating in all required program training (both technical and professional development), asking questions and offering insight.