Accounting Associate

About MISUMI Americas MISUMI Americas, a division of MISUMI Group, is a leading provider of standard, configurable, and custom manufacturing solutions. By integrating a vast catalog of components with a world-class digital manufacturing platform, MISUMI Americas empowers engineers and procurement teams to accelerate innovation across the entire product lifecycle. With operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, the company serves as a vital partner for the most innovative companies in the Americas. Impact of the role The Accounting Associate is responsible for day-to-day general accounting and payables functions, supporting and coordinating the work of the finance department, including AP, travel and expense administration, month-end and year-end closing, financial audit support, and tax/J-Sox compliance. Areas of Responsibility • Process vendor invoices and employee expense reports through the AP workflow, including GL coding, approval routing, and payment preparation • Administer the travel and expense program, including corporate card reconciliation and posting • Prepare recurring journal entries, including accruals and prepaid expense schedules, with complete supporting documentation • Perform bank reconciliations and assist with daily cash activity • Partner with departments across the organization each month to ensure accurate posting of inventory and receivables • Support supervisors and senior leadership with expense inquiries, account research, ad hoc reporting, and other duties and projects as assigned • Support monthly and year-end close activities according to the close calendar • Assist with intercompany billing and reconciliation • Reconcile and analyze general ledger balances monthly, including cash and accounts payable accounts • Support financial audits and J-Sox compliance, including maintaining process documentation for assigned tasks • Support the tax team with ongoing tax compliance activities and related data requests • Identify and recommend process improvements within the AP and close functions • Maintain and contribute to the QMS Desired Traits, Qualifications, Education & Experience Equivalency Required Qualifications • Minimum of 1–2 years of accounting experience handling payables and monthly/year-end closings • Proficient in MS Excel, including pivot tables and lookup functions (XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP), MS Word, and automated accounting systems • Exceptional analytical, computer, and organizational skills • Excellent attention to detail, with a habit of documenting procedures and maintaining clean supporting workpapers • Works well in a team environment and is able to cross-train as backup on team functions • Able to work with a diverse group of departments and stakeholders • Excellent communication skills Preferred Qualifications • ERP accounting module experience a plus (SAP ideal) • Experience with T&E and AP automation platforms (Concur or similar) • Corporate card program administration experience (Amex or similar) • Intercompany accounting exposure • Familiarity with multi-currency transactions and foreign parent reporting; awareness of IFRS vs. US GAAP a plus • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance Physical Demands ( Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.) • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 8 hours per day) • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating standard office equipment (computer, 10-key, phone, copier/scanner) • Visual acuity sufficient for extended screen time and reviewing detailed financial documents, spreadsheets, and reports • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in person and