Senior Staff Accounting Clerk

About the position

This position provides general and technical accounting support under the direction of the Senior Accounting Manager, with a primary focus on multi-employer weekly payroll processing and funding, accounts payable, billing and collections, tax compliance, general ledger accounting, financial system processes, and special projects. The role supports senior accountants with various tasks, provides backup coverage for other accounting team members, and contributes to improving the organization's controls, procedures, and accounting systems in alignment with best practices. This is a support-focused accounting role, consisting of approximately 80% transactional work and 20% higher-level accounting tasks such as journal entries, managing debits and credits, and performing intermediate-level Excel analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accounting and cash flow for multi-employer weekly payroll, ensuring accurate and complete recording and timely funding.
• Process accounts payable invoices, ensuring they are accurately entered into the accounting system, properly supported, approved, and paid on time.
• Record receipts with accuracy and proper documentation. Follow up on past-due balances promptly, prepare billing packages as needed, and maintain an up-to-date list of customers and their contact information.
• Perform monthly close cycle duties for coastwide benefit plans, longshore payroll, custodial fund accounts, and PMA entity-level accounts in accordance with GAAP and PMA standards.
• Maintain current schedules for various bank account balances, record banking transactions, and monitor transactions on banking platforms for accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure the accurate and timely filing of monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc federal, state, and local taxes and regulatory filings for multiple entities.
• Work directly with longshore local representatives, contract benefits personnel, maritime company personnel, external auditors, and internal staff to deliver schedules, documentation, analyses, and resolve questions as needed.
• Address worker, maritime company, and local inquiries professionally, respectfully, and promptly.
• Assist the Senior Accounting Manager in developing and testing process improvements, system enhancements, and procedures to increase work efficiency.
• Prepare and assist with various audit requests.
• Support management with other accounting tasks and projects as assigned.
• Review the work of others and provide backup support during absences or high-need periods.
• Perform filing and general office administrative tasks.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proficient in basic accounting principles, including accrual and cash basis accounting.
• Experienced in using complex accounting systems such as Oracle or SAP, particularly in general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable modules.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver results consistently.
• Skilled in analysis and problem-solving, with a strong track record of creativity and effective solutions.
• Committed to maintaining a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
• Self-motivated with a history of taking initiative, asking thoughtful questions, contributing ideas, and working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative, and productive working relationships.
• Highly organized, with a proven ability to manage plans, track assignments, and follow through reliably on tasks and commitments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ensuring clarity and professionalism in all interactions.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's degree in accounting preferred, or equivalent experience, with focus in Accounting or Finance.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in AP and AR.
• Entering and processing accounts payable and receivable transactions in an ERP system.
• Ability to work with a complex set chart of accounts.
• Preparing various deliverables in support of audit and ad-hoc requests.
• Maintaining and improving quality of accounting information.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage through the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan with no employee premiums and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
• A 401(k)-retirement plan with employer matching.
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development opportunities.