Accounting Specialist / Senior Accounting Specialist
Purdy Powers & Company – Portland, Maine
Purdy Powers & Company is a premier accounting, tax, and business advisory firm serving mid-size companies, as well as individuals with sophisticated tax lives throughout Maine and beyond. Our mission is to help clients reach their full potential by delivering services that drive meaningful results.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Accounting Specialist or Senior Accounting Specialist to join our Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) team. This full-time role provides outsourced accounting and bookkeeping support to business clients, including day-to-day accounting functions, reconciliations, client communication, and accounting system support.
This position may be filled at either the Accounting Specialist or Senior Accounting Specialist level depending on the selected candidate’s experience, technical skills, independence, client service capabilities, and ability to support more complex client assignments. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and committed to delivering accurate, timely, and professional client service.
Position Level
We are open to hiring at either the Accounting Specialist or Senior Accounting Specialist level and will tailor the final title and scope to the selected candidate’s experience, strengths, and ability to work independently.
At the Accounting Specialist level, this is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on accounting work, client service, and building experience across a variety of outsourced accounting and bookkeeping functions. This level is well-suited for candidates who are detail-oriented, organized, comfortable managing recurring accounting tasks, and eager to continue developing their technical and client-service skills.
At the Senior Accounting Specialist level, this role offers the opportunity to take on more complex client work, serve as a resource to other team members, and play a larger role in improving processes and supporting client relationships. Senior-level candidates should bring prior experience in a similar role, strong independent problem-solving skills, and the ability to train, coach, or supervise others, including both internal team members and clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide outsourced accounting and bookkeeping support to business clients in a timely, accurate, and professional manner
- Assist with or lead monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting tasks for assigned clients, depending on experience level
- Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, bill payments, invoicing, cash receipts, payroll, and sales tax functions, as assigned
- Prepare and maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation
- Perform bank account and general ledger reconciliations and identify discrepancies for follow-up
- Support client onboarding activities, including assistance with accounting system setup and process implementation
- Communicate effectively with clients and coworkers regarding questions, deadlines, assigned work, and accounting processes
- Assist clients with accounting-related requests and provide support on processes and systems, as needed
- Support or lead more complex client assignments, depending on experience level
- Train and coach clients on accounting processes, systems, and best practices, as appropriate
- Train, coach, or supervise other team members, as appropriate for the Senior Accounting Specialist level
- Use accounting software and related technology tools to complete work efficiently and accurately
- Maintain confidentiality of client and Firm information
- Organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting established deadlines
- Contribute to a team-oriented environment and provide support on additional projects or duties, as assigned
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field required; an Accounting Certificate combined with a bachelor’s degree in another field will also be considered
- Prior bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting, or client accounting support experience
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Outlook
- Familiarity with QuickBooks or similar accounting software preferred
- Demonstrated ability to perform work accurately, maintain organized records, and manage multiple assignments within established deadlines
- Ability to learn new systems, processes, and technology in a fast-paced environment
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients and coworkers
- Ability to work independently while recognizing when to seek guidance
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and customer service orientation
- QuickBooks certification or other relevant accounting software training is a plus
Senior-level candidates should also bring:
- Experience in a similar client accounting, bookkeeping, or outsourced accounting role
- Ability to work on and lead more challenging or complex assignments
- Strong independent problem-solving skills and sound judgment
- Experience training, coaching, or supervising other employees
- Ability to train and coach clients on accounting processes, systems, and best practices
Compensation & Benefits
Purdy Powers & Company offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Summer Schedule: Enjoy Fridays off between Memorial Day and Labor Day
- Comprehensive Benefits: 401(k) with Profit Sharing, Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Section 125 Plan, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Paid Holidays, and generous PTO
- Financial Flexibility: FSA and HSA options available
- Professional Growth: Educational reimbursement and ongoing learning opportunities
- Work Flexibility: Hybrid and remote work options by mutual agreement
- Added Perks: Free onsite parking in Portland, plus team lunches and social events
Final title and compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, technical skills, independence, client service capabilities, and ability to perform the responsibilities required at the applicable level.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Purdy Powers & Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Did you graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher?
Education:
Experience:
- Accounting: 1 year (Preferred)
- QuickBooks: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Portland, ME 04101 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, ME 04101
