Senior Staff Accountant

Baird & Associates•Madison, WI

81d•Hybrid

About The Position

Senior Staff Accountant with a Leadership Trajectory. We’re excited to offer you a unique opportunity to join W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) as a Senior Staff Accountant on our Madison, Wisconsin–based finance team. Openings like this are rare and play an important part in our long-term succession planning. If you’re an experienced accounting professional who’s eager to dive into the details of how a business operates, this could be an ideal fit. You will build a well-rounded foundation in our operations with the intention of stepping into a more advanced leadership role within the next 5 to 7 years. This is a chance to create a clear, stable career trajectory within a supportive and growing organization. To be successful, you’ll need to be based in the Madison, WI area and be comfortable with a hybrid schedule (three days in the office and two days working remotely).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related program
10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including multi-entity and international operations
Hands-on with a 'no task too small' mentality
Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP & HRM systems for accounting and payroll
Ability to synthesize and communicate complex financial data
Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, both now and in the future, without requiring employer sponsorship

Nice To Haves

CPA designation (or equivalent); CMA, CGA, or CA is preferred
Understanding of international financial reporting and payroll compliance
Involvement in improving or deploying financial systems and tools
Knowledge of relevant tax requirements, including HST requirements, laws, regulations, and guidelines
Familiarity with project-based financial environments, including billing and job costing
Preferred systems include: Deltek Vision/VantagePoint and Rippling

Responsibilities

Perform daily accounting operations
Drive process improvements
Work closely with senior leadership to gain expertise in our financial systems
Manage payroll operations, ensure system accuracy, and coordinate with external providers
Develop and review journal entries, assist with revenue recognition, and provide financial insights
Handle accounts payable and expense reimbursements, maintain invoices and collections, and collaborate with teams
Lead general ledger reconciliations, produce financial reports, and prepare audit-ready documentation
Enhance accounting procedures, contribute to financial system implementations, and develop reporting standards
Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS, tax requirements, and internal financial policies
Lead cross-functional initiatives, provide accounting policy guidance, and offer training and technical support
Take over high-level responsibilities such as budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
Take ownership of ERP systems, which may involve system implementation or upgrades
Gradually assume supervisory roles, manage junior staff and oversee transactional accounting functions