Senior Accountant

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for a range of accounting duties, including general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, and cost accounting for two of our distribution facilities (Queen Foods in KS and Pritzlaff Wholesales Meats in WI). This role is ideal for someone who has recently transitioned out of public accounting or has 3-4 years of relevant experience. Experience in the food manufacturing, distribution, or hard goods industry is highly preferred. The Senior Accountant may work 1-2 days remote most weeks. The balance of time will be spent onsite in one of our Chicago facilities and will be expected to travel to Kansas City and Milwaukee for a couple days on a bimonthly basis. This role will report to our Plant Controller and will receive additional assignments, oversight and guidance from the Whetstone Director of Accounting.

Both Queen Foods and Pritzlaff Wholesale Meats are part of the Whetstone Distribution family of companies. Whetstone Distribution and its family of companies have a vision to become the provider of choice for grocers and food service customers. Whetstone Distribution has plans to acquire more food distribution companies in the next couple of years to expand its reach in the Midwest.

Responsibilities

• General Ledger: Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Cost Accounting: Participate in cost accounting activities, including variance analysis, inventory management, and cost allocation.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the budgeting and forecasting processes by providing accurate financial data and analysis.
• Audit Support: Assist in the preparation of audit schedules and liaise with external auditors during audits.
• Compliance: Ensure all financial activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Systems & controls: Utilize accounting software to optimize controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting.
• Experience in food manufacturing, distribution or hard goods industry is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, and capable of meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to Kansas City and Milwaukee for a couple days on a bimonthly.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires traveling to Kansas City or Milwaukee on a bimonthly basis (e.g. spend a day in Milwaukee one month and two days in Kansas City on alternating months). Are you able to do this?

Experience:

• Accounting: 5 years (Required)
• Cost Accounting Standards: 2 years (Required)
• Distribution, Hard Goods or Food Inventory: 2 years (Required)
• Food Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60632