Staff Accountant

Job Title:

Staff Accountant Location:

Office (Knoxville, TN)

Department:

Accounting Reports To:

Accounting Manager FLSA Status:

Exempt We understand what we do is not defined by the buildings we build. At Summit, we strive to be the trusted provider of construction services by developing a team of empowered professionals that share a vision of building excellence now and in the future. We embrace innovation in our pursuit of continuous improvement, both for our finished product and for the success of our team. Summit builds long lasting relationships, community and careers. Summit builds together. Job Summary The Staff Accountant will support the Accounting and Finance team by maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reconciliations, supporting month-end close activities, and ensuring the integrity of financial data across company systems. This role plays a critical part in managing general ledger activity, monitoring job cost transactions, supporting accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, and ensuring compliance with company financial policies and procedures. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This individual will work collaboratively across departments to support accurate financial reporting and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities General Ledger & Month-End Close:

• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain supporting schedules for assigned balance sheet accounts.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations and investigate variances, discrepancies, and outstanding items.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Assist with financial reporting, audit requests, and maintenance of accounting records.

Accounts Receivable:

• Apply customer payments and receipts within Premier Construction Software.
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies, unapplied cash, and account variances.
• Maintain accurate documentation supporting cash receipts and customer balances.
• Support collections activities and respond to customer account inquiries.

Accounts Payable:

• Manage invoice approval workflows and process overhead vendor invoices for proper coding and posting.
• Administer recurring payment activities, including credit cards, utilities, rentals, and other operational expenses.
• Ensure all accounts payable transactions are accurately recorded within company systems.
• Research and resolve vendor payment discrepancies and related issues.
• Utilize SmartUI and other accounting technologies to streamline invoice processing, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance accuracy through automation and digital document management.

Job Cost Accounting:

• Review and validate job cost transactions for proper coding, documentation, and project allocation.
• Monitor suspense accounts and ensure timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Support monthly reviews of billable permits, utilities, and other project-related expenses.
• Maintain accurate project cost records and assist with job cost reporting.

Credit Card & Expense Administration:

• Review employee credit card transactions and expense activity for policy compliance and proper coding.
• Ensure required supporting documentation is submitted, maintained, and retained.
• Assist employees with expense reporting, reimbursement questions, and policy guidance.
• Monitor compliance trends and communicate deficiencies requiring corrective action.

Operational Innovation & Business Systems:

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, and operational efficiency through automation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), business intelligence tools, and emerging technologies to enhance reporting capabilities, streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and reduce manual effort.
• Evaluate and recommend new systems, software, and digital solutions that improve accounting operations, scalability, and overall organizational effectiveness.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by continuously exploring opportunities to apply AI and technology to solve business challenges and advance operational objectives. Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of accounting or finance experience preferred.
• Construction accounting experience preferred.
• Understanding of general ledger accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience with account reconciliations and month-end close processes.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with accounting and ERP software preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Physical Requirements
• Ability to perform work in a standard office environment, including prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via email. Working Conditions
• Primarily office-based.
• Occasional interaction with project teams, vendors, auditors, and business partners.
• Additional hours may occasionally be required during month-end close or audit periods. Salary and Benefits
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Competitive annual bonus structure directly tied to company, team, and individual performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Pay:

From $55,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person