Position Summary
The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting and financial
reporting functions of a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. This role assists with maintaining
accurate financial records, preparing regulatory and management reporting, performing
account reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with SEC, FINRA, and GAAP
requirements. The Staff Accountant works closely with operations, compliance, treasury,
and external auditors to support the firm's financial integrity and regulatory obligations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General Accounting:
- Prepare and record daily, weekly, and monthly journal entries.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy of financial records.
- Perform month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
- Reconcile bank accounts, clearing accounts, suspense accounts, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Analyze account activity and investigate variances and discrepancies.
- Assist with accounts payable, accrued expenses, fixed assets, and prepaid expenses.
Regulatory Reporting
- Support preparation of monthly and quarterly FOCUS reports and other regulatory filings.
- Assist in maintaining compliance with SEC and FINRA financial responsibility rules.
- Monitor net capital calculations and support reserve requirement computations.
- Maintain schedules and supporting documentation for regulatory examinations and audits.
- Coordinate with compliance and operations teams to ensure accurate regulatory reporting.
Financial Reporting
- Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
- Assist in the preparation of management reports and financial analyses.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes.
- Compile data for internal and external financial reporting requirements.
Audit and Compliance Support
- Assist with annual financial statement audits and regulatory examinations.
- Prepare audit workpapers and respond to auditor requests.
- Ensure adherence to internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
- Support implementation and testing of accounting and financial controls.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and reporting efficiency.
- Participate in accounting system enhancements and special projects.
- Assist with documentation and maintenance of accounting procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably within a broker-dealer, financial services, wealth management, or securities industry environment.
- Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting principles.
- Strong understanding of accounting reconciliations and month-end close processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial analysis functions.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FINRA-registered broker-dealers.
- Familiarity with SEC Rule 15c3-1 (Net Capital Rule) and Rule 15c3-3 (Customer Protection Rule).
- Experience preparing or supporting FOCUS reporting.
- Knowledge of clearing and custody relationships, securities transactions, and commission accounting.
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Regulatory awareness and compliance mindset
- Financial analysis
- Time management and organization
- Accountability and integrity
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to meet deadlines during month-end, quarter-end, year-end, audit, and regulatory reporting cycles.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The company offers a
competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off,
and professional development opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Compensation Package:
- Bonus opportunities
- Performance bonus
Work Location: In person
