Staff Accountant

SHM Architects•Dallas, TX

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The primary role of the Staff Accountant is to own and be accountable for client billing, payment processing, and collections across all studios. This role is designed as a succession path to the Accounting Manager position, and therefore, offers hands-on exposure to all areas of the accounting function, including general ledger oversight, credit card and bank reconciliations, vendor management, procurement processes, and interior design studio accounting for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and proactive. The incumbent thrives in a high-volume professional services environment, communicates clearly with internal teams and clients, and has the aptitude and motivation to grow into a leadership role. A desire to learn and grow in the role as the firm continues to grow is essential.

Requirements

Proficient software skills in Microsoft Office 365 suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) with intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and SUMIF
Process-minded with a strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks
Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and follow through
Ability to manage deadlines across multiple departments
Proactive problem solver who can independently drive tasks to completion
Comfortable learning and mastering new systems
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate in an articulate, courteous, respectful, and professional manner with design staff, administrative staff, and leadership internally and vendors and service providers externally
Ability to work collaboratively with others and prioritize workload including being flexible to pivot priorities as needed
Possess a high level of professional integrity by taking pride, ownership, responsibility, and accountability for self and outcomes while also demonstrating humility
An interest in professional growth and long-term advancement with SHM Architects
Bachelor’s degree, ideally in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field
3 – 5 years of accounts receivable, billing, or similar accounting experience in a professional services environment, preferably in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry
Strong competence in invoicing, collections, cash application, and client communication
Understanding of basic GAAP, general ledger structure, and accounting workflows
Can demonstrate Excel competency through testing
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with Deltek Ajera, Studio Designer, or other similar systems highly preferred
Any experience in the following areas is a plus: financial reporting, sales tax, vendor management, and interior design FF&E accounting

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly billing
Maintain ongoing billing notes and ensure project records are current
Monitor accounting email inbox for client questions about invoices and respond promptly
Post client payments in a timely manner
Send 30-, 60-, and 90-day collection reminders to clients
Make proactive collection phone calls for accounts >120 days
Collaborate closely with Project Managers and studio leadership to resolve collection issues and move accounts forward
Monitor new project activations
Send client welcome emails and retainer invoices
Record retainer receipts as well as track and audit retainers
Assist Accounting Manager with assigning proper general ledger (GL) accounts to vendors
Support monthly close processes with journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals
Assist in reviewing and reconciling revenue, work in progress (WIP), and retainer balances
Assist Accounts Payable Clerk in reviewing and processing monthly expense reports
Support the biweekly A/P payment cycle, including invoice review and approvals
Assist with procurement accounting in Studio Designer software for the Interiors FF&E Department
Support monthly and annual sales tax reporting and payments
Assist with Studio Designer training and year-end closeout
Pay FF&E vendor invoices and maintain accurate project accounting for Interior Design Studio projects
Learn processes to support the Accounting Manager’s role as internal liaison with IT consultant
Assist with ordering computer equipment and maintaining software licensing records
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Competitive salary with additional bonus opportunities
Medical insurance 100% paid for employee only, based on coverage selected
100% paid short- and long-term disability and group life & AD&D insurance for employees
Other voluntary benefits like dental, vision, additional life insurance, Legal Shield/ID Shield, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, and pet insurance
Annual healthy living benefit
Free use of Energy Square Fitness Center for employees
HSA quarterly employer contributions
Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions whether you contribute or not
Personalized PTO
Five (5) paid holidays plus a winter break typically 12/24 through 1/1
Paid leave for new parents (birth, adoption, placement / maternal and paternal) to support work/life balance and family bonding
Professional development opportunities
Paid covered parking for all employees
Other perks like weekly breakfasts, monthly happy hours, office lunches, our Spring/Summer event, Texas State Fair Day and team building event, Halloween contests, Thanksgiving Family Luncheon, Winter Holiday Party, and the list goes on!