Senior Staff Accountant

United Mechanical•San Jose, CA

5d•$105,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Staff Accountant maintains the accuracy and integrity of United Mechanical’s financial records, with a primary focus on payroll accounting, general ledger reconciliations, and labor cost reporting. The role independently manages complex accounting activities, investigates discrepancies, strengthens internal controls, and supports timely financial reporting. It works closely with Accounting, Payroll, Human Resources, and Operations to connect financial information across departments and improve processes that support the company’s financial performance. The position is primarily based in the San Jose office and involves regular computer-based accounting and analysis, with opportunities to alternate between sitting and standing. Occasional additional hours may be needed to support payroll deadlines, financial close, audits, and other time-sensitive activities. The position offers an annual salary of $105,000–$135,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
Experience with payroll accounting, including payroll liabilities, taxes, benefits, and related general ledger reconciliations.
Experience supporting month-end and year-end close processes.
Proficiency with accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.
Strong understanding of payroll accounting and internal controls, with the ability to independently reconcile complex accounts.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate financial data, identify inconsistencies, and recommend effective solutions.
Advanced Excel skills to analyze large datasets, develop reconciliations, and prepare accurate reports.
Strong organization and time management skills to balance competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Clear communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain financial information across departments.
Ability to improve processes, strengthen controls, and establish consistent accounting procedures.
High accuracy, attention to detail, and sound judgment when handling confidential financial and employee information.

Nice To Haves

Construction accounting experience, including labor cost accounting and job cost reconciliations.
Previous public accounting or CPA firm experience.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Experience with Sage 300 or similar construction accounting software.
Experience supporting financial audits, internal controls, and accounting process improvements.
Union payroll accounting experience, including union contributions and related liabilities.

Responsibilities

Prepare and reconcile general ledger accounts for wages, payroll taxes, benefits, deductions, union contributions, and payroll liabilities; prepare and review related journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation.
Investigate differences between payroll records, general ledger balances, financial reports, and job cost records, collaborating across departments to identify root causes and implement corrections.
Review labor cost allocations, reconcile payroll expenses to job cost records, and work with Accounting and Operations to improve labor cost reporting and analysis.
Support month-end and year-end close, prepare reconciliations and financial analysis, and assist with other accounting and reporting responsibilities.
Evaluate payroll accounting controls, identify financial risks, and support internal and external audits with accurate reconciliations and documentation.
Recommend and implement improvements to reduce manual work, streamline reconciliations, and enhance reporting; support system integrations and maintain documented accounting procedures.
Serve as an accounting liaison with Payroll, partner with Human Resources on benefit reconciliations, and support Accounting leadership with special projects.