Client Accounting Associate II
Reports To: Senior Client Accountant / Payroll Manager / Controller
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pay Type: Hourly
Range: $30–$36/hour (depending on experience)
Role Summary
The Hybrid Payroll & Client Accounting Associate II is responsible for managing both recurring payroll and client accounting processes across a portfolio of clients. This role requires strong attention to detail, ownership, and the ability to work independently within established systems.
This position blends payroll execution and compliance with core client accounting responsibilities such as bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, and month-end support. Success in this role comes from accuracy, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple client deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Compliance
- Independently process recurring payrolls in Gusto, QuickBooks Online Payroll, or clients software
- Independently prepare and file quarterly payroll reports either through client software or tax 1099
- Maintain employee records, deductions, and job classifications
- Assist with year-end W-2 processing and filings
- Prepare benefit remittance reports
- Draft responses to routine IRS and state agency notices (under review)
- Support payroll needs across multiple industries (e.g., construction, restaurant, nonprofit, agriculture)
Client Accounting Operations
- Manage recurring bookkeeping tasks for assigned clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Perform transaction coding and classification (prepaids, accruals, deposits, payroll allocations)
- Process A/P payment batches and ensure proper documentation and approvals
- Record A/R activity, apply payments, and monitor outstanding balances
- Maintain vendor and customer records and ensure data integrity
- Organize supporting documentation and maintain audit-ready records
Reconciliations & Month-End Close Support
- Perform bank and credit card reconciliations and troubleshoot discrepancies
- Prepare recurring and adjusting journal entries with supporting documentation
- Review general ledger activity and flag anomalies for senior review
- Draft and assemble month-end close workpapers and schedules for review
- Track deadlines and proactively communicate status updates
Process, Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Accurately maintain Canopy project management
- Follow firm SOPs, checklists, and workflows to ensure consistency and quality
- Identify and suggest process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Utilize accounting and payroll systems effectively while maintaining organized documentation
- Contribute to development of templates, SOPs, and internal documentation
Client Communication & Team Collaboration
- Handle day-to-day client communications related to payroll, A/R, A/P, and administrative requests
- Draft technical client responses and communications for review by senior staff
- Collaborate with internal team members to meet client and firm deadlines
- Communicate progress proactively and participate in team meetings and initiatives
Team & Firm Contribution
- Demonstrate ownership and accountability in completing recurring client work
- Support and mentor Associate I team members
- Adapt to evolving systems and workflows in a growing firm environment
- Maintain a professional, solutions-oriented mindset
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 1–3 years of payroll, accounting, or bookkeeping experience
- Experience with payroll processing, filings, and reconciliations
- Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, payroll platforms (e.g., Gusto), and Microsoft Excel
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple client deadlines independently
- Strong problem-solving mindset and eagerness to learn
Performance Metrics
- Payroll Accuracy: ≥ 99%
- On-Time Payroll Completion: ≥ 98%
- Reduction in payroll corrections over time
- Billable Time Ratio: ≥ 85%
- Realization Target: ≥ 2.0x compensation
- Consistent adherence to firm SOPs and quality standards
Growth Path
- Manage full client accounting and payroll cycles independently
- Own month-end close end-to-end and begin leading processes
- Own payroll client processes end-to-end and begin leading
- Identify issues, recommend solutions, and communicate clearly with clients
- Begin drafting financial statements and insights
- Develop and refine internal SOPs and processes
Summary
This hybrid role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys both payroll and client accounting work. The position offers an opportunity to deepen technical skills across both disciplines while playing a key role in delivering accurate financials and compliant payroll for clients.
Benefits
The following benefits are offered under the current structure and are subject to change in accordance with the Employment Manual.
- Health Insurance – FNCH contributes $450 per month toward a health insurance plan of the employee’s choice. Employees must be full-time to qualify.
- Retirement Plan (401k) – Employees may enroll in the firm’s 401(k) plan. Employer matching contributions and profit sharing are discretionary and based on the firm’s annual profitability. Both part-time and full-time employees are eligible to participate.
- Wellness Benefit – Full-time employees may request reimbursement of up to $1,200 annually for eligible wellness expenses.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax earnings to an HSA. There is currently no employer contribution. Both part-time and full-time employees are eligible.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – All non-seasonal employees are eligible for PTO in accordance with the Employment Manual.
- Flexible Work Schedule – FNCH offers a hybrid work schedule tailored to each employee’s individual needs.
FNCH Financial + Consulting, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bozeman, MT 59715
