Accounting & Financial Outsourcing Associate

About Dean Dorton

Dean Dorton’s team makes up one of the largest advisory firms in the United States. We thrive when you thrive! We are here to help you succeed in every step of your development and career as you work with nationally recognized experts in a recognized best place to work.

About Accounting and Financial Outsourcing (AFO)

Dean Dorton's outsourced accounting team serves as a critical component to the financial success of our clients. Our team partners with organizations to serve as their CFO, controller, and/or accounting team – allowing clients to focus on other key business processes integral to their success. By offering cloud-based and real-time financial data to our clients, we translate complex financial information into meaningful advice including visualizations of the precise metrics that matter to investors, lenders, executives, and department leaders. This provides our clients with the data they need to make quicker strategic business decisions with greater control over their cash flow.

About the Role

The role of an AFO Associate involves gaining familiarity with accounting principles and software, processing general ledger activities, maintaining vendor relationships, and actively participating in firm events and programs to enhance technical and professional skills, while building relationships within the firm.

This role may not be for you:

• if you are not comfortable working independently, as this role requires self-motivation and the ability to manage tasks efficiently.
• Additionally, if you do not have a strong interest in accounting principles, financial systems, or learning new software, you may find the role challenging.
• Finally, the position involves handling multiple tasks, adhering to deadlines, and being open to feedback, so it may not suit you if you prefer highly structured environments or have difficulty managing change.

This role may be for you:

• if you are detail oriented, adaptable, and passionate about accounting and finance.
• It offers opportunities to grow professionally through diverse tasks, exposure to various industries, and certifications in accounting software.
• Additionally, if you thrive in a team-driven environment, this role may be a good fit for you.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The essential duties & responsibilities of the AFO Associate role are outlined below in correlation with Dean Dorton’s performance management impact areas.

Technical Definition:

your specialized knowledge & expertise associated with the work you perform for/with clients (note: clients may be internal to Dean Dorton).

• Entry level understanding of accounting principles and concepts, including an understanding of the month-end close process.
• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing accounting software to accomplish client tasks.
• Complete accounting functions for general ledger management tasks, including:
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Journal entries
  • Transaction recording
• Perform reconciliation tasks for clients, including:
  • Bank transactions
  • Credit card transactions
  • General ledger
• Gain an understanding of the accounting cycle.
• Plan for and prepare 1099s.
• Complete tasks related to client payroll processing.
• Begin working on advanced Associate functions, including:
  • Preparing sales and tax returns
  • Preparing and posting journal entries
  • Preparing month-end accruals
  • Supporting month-end close processes
• Grow technical skills through exposure in a variety of clients, industries, and engagements/projects.
• Begin to explore the “why” behind assigned work.
• Assist AFO team members with special outsourced accounting projects, as needed.

Behavioral Definition:

the behaviors associated with performing your job (interpersonal skills).

• Communicate updates to engagement/vertical managers with relevant information regarding project status.
• Acclimate to the firm by establishing relationships with team members.
• Demonstrate coachability by receiving feedback and changing behavior/performance to align with feedback.
• Begin to build professional brand/reputation.
• Display understanding and ownership of mistakes.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward new opportunities and firm assignments (charge and non-charge).
• Work efficiently and adhere to assigned budgets and deadlines.
• Work independently, under general supervision, to complete assigned work.
• Meet productivity goals and expectations.
• Meet internal and client deadlines.
• Demonstrate flexibility and accountability by managing your responsibilities effectively, adapting to changing needs, and contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

Non-Charge Definition:

the contribution you make to Dean Dorton outside of client work.

• Work towards completing accounting software certifications, including:
  • Bill.com
  • Sage Intacct
  • QuickBooks
• Participate in firm-sponsored events and activities.
• Fully participate in Associate Program, if applicable, including:
  • Attending networking activities and opportunities.
  • Actively participating in all required program training (both technical and professional development), asking questions and offering insight.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, required in accounting, finance, business, or related field.

Software & Tools

• CaseWare
• Sage Intacct
• QuickBooks
• Expensify
• Bill.com
• Yearli
• Spend and Expense Management
• Floqast
• SharePoint
• Yardi
• Adobe
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Travel

Travel, on an extremely limited basis, may be required for client or firm needs.

The Fun Stuff

Work isn’t all work! We want to make your experience at Dean Dorton a great one. From your health and happiness to your long-term satisfaction, we focus on YOU.

• Health insurance – medical, vision, and dental
• Paid family leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave programs
• Retirement benefits – 401(k) match and best-in-class automatic profit sharing
• Telemedicine, mental health resources, and wellness program reimbursement
• Life insurance and disability insurance

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additionally, responsibilities and duties may vary depending on business needs and individual circumstances. Dean Dorton is an equal opportunity employer.