Staff Accountant / Experienced Bookkeeper

Staff Accountant / Experienced Bookkeeper

Company: Quality Rail Service (QRS) Location: Madison, IL Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Quality Rail Service (QRS) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced Staff Accountant / Bookkeeper to join our team in Madison, Illinois.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll processing, with demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop and Microsoft Excel.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining the financial accuracy and day-to-day accounting operations of our company. We are looking for a dependable, analytical professional who can work independently, manage multiple financial responsibilities, meet deadlines, and provide accurate financial information to support management decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including income statements and balance sheets.
• Maintain, reconcile, and analyze general ledger accounts.
• Perform monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare and post journal entries, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Assist management with financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting.
• Monitor and project monthly cash flow to assist with financial planning and operational decisions.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Oversee daily accounts payable and accounts receivable operations.
• Process vendor invoices, payments, and expense transactions.
• Manage customer invoicing, payment applications, and outstanding receivables.
• Monitor aging reports and follow up on overdue customer accounts.
• Reconcile vendor and customer accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate billing records and supporting documentation.

Payroll & Employee-Related Accounting

• Prepare and process biweekly employee payroll using QuickBooks Desktop.
• Verify employee hours, payroll deductions, and payroll accuracy.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure timely processing.
• Prepare and file required monthly and quarterly payroll reports.
• Complete monthly workers' compensation reporting.
• Assist with annual employee health insurance renewals and related administrative responsibilities.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and financial information.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with month-end and year-end accounting procedures.
• Maintain organized financial records and documentation.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Support management with financial reports and special accounting projects.
• Perform additional accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of professional accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop is required.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, formulas, and financial analysis.
• Understanding of accounting principles, general ledger accounting, and GAAP fundamentals.
• Experience processing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing the full accounting cycle for a small to midsize business.
• Experience preparing cash flow forecasts and financial reports for management.
• Familiarity with payroll tax reporting, workers' compensation reporting, and employee benefit administration.
• Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, transportation, or service-based business.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improving accounting processes and financial controls.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking more than someone who can simply enter transactions. The successful candidate will take ownership of their responsibilities, recognize discrepancies before they become problems, and help ensure our financial operations remain accurate, organized, and efficient.

This individual must be comfortable handling sensitive financial information, communicating with vendors and customers, and providing management with timely and reliable financial reporting.

Why Join Quality Rail Service?

Quality Rail Service operates in the railroad maintenance and repair industry, providing essential services to customers throughout the rail industry.

This position offers the opportunity to play an important role in the financial operations of an established business, work directly with management, and contribute to the continued success of the company.

Pay: $53,500.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person