Staff Accountant

United Petroleum Transports

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:               Staff Accountant                                           

Department:   Accounting                                         

Location:        Corporate

Reports To:    Controller                   

FLSA:            Exempt

Job Objectives:        

Support the financial health and operational success of United Petroleum Transports by executing accurate, timely, and compliant accounting functions. The Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity across operations, with a focus on fuel and chemical transportation accounting, regulatory reporting, and internal controls. This position aligns with UPT’s Vision, Values, and Mission and upholds the standards of the Responsible Care initiative to ensure safety, sustainability, and community trust.

Essential Job Functions:

• Promote safety and regulatory compliance in all financial operations.
• Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations; ensure timely and accurate resolution of variances.
• Analyze general ledger activity, focusing on transportation-related expense categories such as fuel, maintenance, and freight taxes.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries for accruals, prepaid expenses, fuel inventory, and intercompany activity.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including preparation of internal and external financial reports.
• Manage accounting for company-owned fuel inventory, track usage, update pricing, and coordinate reconciliations with terminal operations.
• Coordinate with third-party providers to prepare and file fuel tax reports (e.g., IFTA, IRP).
• Assist with preparation of property, franchise, and other state/local tax filings (excluding 1120 corporate return).
• Maintain and oversee the company’s fuel card program; monitor transactions, reconcile accounts, and assist in identifying and investigating fraud.
• Assist with audits conducted by external auditors, government agencies, and insurance providers by preparing supporting documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Prepare and/or authorize ACH and wire payments in compliance with internal controls.
• Record cash transactions and reconcile corporate cash accounts monthly.
• Generate transporter reports and assist with financial metrics and KPI reporting relevant to the trucking industry.
• Maintain fixed asset ledger and assist with depreciation schedules as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform special projects or other duties as assigned by the Controller.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant accounting experience; transportation, logistics, or fuel industry experience preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of transportation-specific taxes and fuel tracking a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of accounting principles (GAAP), with applied knowledge in transportation or logistics industries.
• Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office tools; ability to work with large data sets and accounting software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., operations, maintenance, and safety).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.
• Dependable, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, and lifting (up to 20 lbs.).
• Manual dexterity, hearing, and visual acuity required for computer use and document review.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office environment with routine use of computers, phones, and multifunction printers.
• Occasional travel to terminals or field locations may be required.